

Australia is excitedly calling on streaming platforms to provide more support for local content in order to bolster local screen industries, which are facing hearty competition from major streaming giants like Disney+, Amazon Prime, and Netflix.
A statement issued by the Screen Producers Australia (SPA), along with their counterparts in Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, and Spain, emphasizes the need for regulating streaming service providers. These regulatory bodies are advocating for the airing of relevant content on streaming platforms in their respective markets.
Streaming Platforms Urged to Increase Local Content
The campaign is working to find a resolution in order to enhance the viability and independence of the global screen industry. It argues that the industry is under threat and that mandatory quotas are necessary to promote local content.
Production companies are urging relevant governments to address the issues affecting the market. Digital platforms are also encouraged to make fair and promotional contributions to support local content in markets where the involved parties generate revenue.
An ongoing issue is the lack of support that streaming giants provide to the local streaming industry. During the recent Emmys awards, Netflix, Disney, and HBO took the spotlight. Shows like Beef on Netflix, The Bear on Disney, and Succession on HBO were all winners from content aired on these platforms.
Local Content Quota for Australian Streaming Platforms
The Australian government is in the process of instituting a quota system for streaming platforms by the middle of this year. The local film industry is pushing for a 20% local content quota, while the streaming platforms are requesting as low as 2%.
The Australian screen industry is expecting the quota framework to be in place starting July 1st. However, the specific details of the local content quota supported on these platforms remain unknown.
The industry is engaging in conversations about the best methods to support local content and the screen industry as a whole.
One of the proposed mechanisms involves ensuring that streamers allocate a portion of the revenue from Australian users to support content created in Australia. This would bolster the financial viability and the continued existence of the streaming industry.
The prospect of the Aussie government establishing a quota on local content produced by streaming platforms in Australia is expected to provide greater opportunities for filmmakers. Read more about its potential impact for film students here: https://t.co/RrkOFSUYIn
— Dan Sanguineti (@DanSanguineti) June 8, 2023
International streaming platforms are rapidly expanding their presence in the local industry. However, they are also impairing the competitiveness of local screen producers in the process.
Netflix has taken note of the proposed changes. In a statement, the streaming giant stated that it does not oppose this regulation, while at the same time asserting that the regulatory framework needs to be fair and sustainable and supported by evidence to develop the proper measures that will benefit all involved parties.
Disney+ has also weighed in on the matter. The streaming platform claimed that if a local quota were imposed,

