German creators meet Commissioner Oettinger at Berlinale
“The European cultural economy can’t exist without creators” says Commissioner as he hears German creators’ views on future European authors’ rights reform.
SAA patrons, Jochen Greve and Fred Breinersdorfer, whose latest film was being premiered at the festival, were among the delegation who met Commissioner Oettinger on 9 February on the occasion of the Berlinale. The issue of fair remuneration for creators, their contracts and the digital availability of their works were all on the agenda.
Jochen Greve called creativity “the oil of the 21st century” as the group underlined the importance of creators who are at the beginning of value chains that create 7 million jobs in the EU. Any change to European and national authors’ rights must ensure good working conditions and fair and continued remuneration for authors. They also called for the strengthening of collective management organisations as part of helping Europe promote its cultural diversity in a globalised world.
Participants:
EU Commissioner Günther H. Oettinger, Commissioner for Digital Economy & Society at European Commission
Susanne Ding, Policy Officer European Commission, Government Administration / DG Connect
Anna Herold, Member of Cabinet, Günther H. Oettinger
Elisabeth Kotthaus, European Commission representation in Germany
Prof. Dr. Fred Breinersdorfer, Screenwriter, producer, lawyer
Klaus Doldinger, Composer
Jochen Greve, Screenwriter, Co-founder and board member of DAfF
Carolin Otto, Screenwriter, director, board member of FSE
Prof. Klaus Staeck, Graphic artist, President of the Academy of the Arts
Frank Michael Zeidler, Artist
Maria Köpf, Producer, board member German Film Academy
Dr. Urban Pappi, CEO of VG Bild/Kunst
Prof. Dr. Gerhard Pfennig, Spokesperson for Initiative Urheberrecht
Dr. Robert Staats, CEO of VG Wort
Katharina Uppenbrink, Gf. Initiative Urheberrecht