The battle for improved streaming residuals in the U.S. has seen some success, but in the UK, the fight is just starting. Directors UK (DUK), the organization representing British directors, has taken a bold step by reaching out to major streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon, Disney, Paramount, Apple, and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) in an attempt to secure royalties for its members. With over 8,000 members, DUK is pushing for a fair compensation system that includes royalties for their work on UK streamer projects.
In a move that raises the stakes, DUK has indicated that it may withhold copyright from the streaming services if they fail to engage in negotiations and agree to fair royalty deals for directors. While specifics of the letter to the streaming giants have not been disclosed, industry insiders suggest that this development could be a game-changer in the ongoing discussions about improving residuals for creative professionals.
According to a spokeswoman for DUK, directors in the UK are facing increasing challenges in making a sustainable living as freelance professionals. Royalties are seen as a vital aspect of ensuring that directors are fairly compensated for their work, not just in the short term but also through long-term residuals that align with industry standards.
One of the key points of contention for DUK is the lack of a blanket deal with the streaming services, unlike the existing agreements with UK broadcasters, Sky, and trade body Pact. DUK emphasizes that directors are entitled to royalties as copyright owners, and it is essential for international streaming platforms to adhere to UK industry practices when producing content in the country.
As the deadline for negotiations looms, the streaming services have yet to comment on the specifics of the discussions. DUK remains committed to advocating for its members and ensuring that directors receive their fair share of residuals. Whether this will lead to a collaborative agreement or a confrontational standoff remains to be seen, but the outcome could have far-reaching implications for the industry as a whole.
It is not only DUK that is pushing for improved residuals in the UK entertainment industry. Equity, the actors’ union, has also been in discussions with Pact to secure better secondary payments for its members. Meanwhile, the Writers Guild of Great Britain has recently struck deals with major players like Netflix and the BBC to ensure fair compensation for writers. This collective effort among industry stakeholders highlights the growing demand for equitable treatment and compensation for all creative professionals.
In contrast to the UK, the Directors Guild of America in the U.S. recently secured a groundbreaking deal with the AMPTP without resorting to strike action. This deal included a significant increase in foreign residuals for directors, setting a precedent for fair compensation practices in the digital age. The success of the Directors Guild serves as a beacon of hope for DUK and other organizations seeking to establish fair royalty standards in the UK.
The fight for directors’ royalties in the UK is gaining momentum, with DUK leading the charge for fair compensation and recognition of directors’ rights. As negotiations continue, the outcome of these efforts could reshape the landscape of the UK entertainment industry and set a new standard for collaboration between creative professionals and streaming platforms.