The pandemic, Russia’s war against Ukraine, the energy crisis, and political wins of the extreme right, are the latest big headlines of many recent reports about the world in 2022. Indeed, these disheartening developments have repercussions on the cultural and creative sectors too. At the same time, data and figures help us better understand our environment, and where we need to focus our efforts to move forward.

The Slovenian implementation of the EU Copyright Directives* places the country among the most modern legislation ensuring film directors and screenwriters are remunerated for the use of their works on the most important modes of exploitation, such as broadcasting, retransmission, public performance, online uses and video-on-demand.

It has been more than a year since the deadline for the implementation of the Copyright Directive (2019/790/EU) and only 15 of the 27 Member States have finalised the transposition. Many Member States have disregarded the reasoning behind Article 18 on appropriate and proportionate remuneration for the license or transfer of exclusive rights, but Belgium, when implementing the Directive, seized the opportunity to reflect on the real needs of authors and performers.

Today is 1-year since the deadline passed for EU countries to implement the Directives on Copyright in the Digital Single Market and on Online Transmissions and Retransmissions. On 19 May 2022, the European Commission sent reasoned opinions to 13 Member States who have not notified their transposition measures of the first directive yet and to 10 Member States for the second directive. Some have delivered but many still lag behind.

An international brochure presenting the concept of authorship, royalties, collective management and European legislation.  

“Fight for your rights, and your crazy ideas” were the words of young creators at an online event on 27 April 2022 organised by the Society of Audiovisual Authors in partnership with the European Parliament’s Cultural Creators Friendship Group, celebrating the European Year of Youth and World IP Day. Young European filmmakers and Youtubers shared their experiences of how to make a living on online media and streaming platforms, in conversation with members of the European Parliament.

Young European filmmakers and Youtubers shared their experiences of working with online media and streaming platforms, in conversation with EU policymakers and experts about authors’ rights and remuneration. 

Have you thought about all the times you watch films and TV when you are not at home nor at the cinema? Indeed, you are watching from the waiting room at the doctors, the airplane seat or in the classroom. These are all occasions when screenwriters and directors should be - but rarely are - receiving fair and proportionate remuneration for the use of their works.

During the pandemic lockdowns and quarantines, many of us expressed gratefulness for the 21st century technology that allowed us to watch films and series on our screens, escaping the worrying health crisis around us. However, few paid attention to the consequences of the domination of the streaming and on-demand services by US interests: while the audience gets more content, European authors are being stripped of their right to royalties.

MUSICAUTOR, FILMAUTOR and ARTISTAUTOR joined as 'Alliance for the Development of Creative Forces' to support the responsible institutions and contributing to Bulgaria’s economic development while also ensuring transparency, fairness and better conditions for creators.

"At a time when France has just begun its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union, we, European screenwriters and directors, wish to share with you our expectations and hopes for the advancement of authors' rights, the promotion of the right to proportional remuneration for creators and its contribution to the dynamism of creation."

Recommendations to the EU and Member States