France’s Revamped Windowing Gives Netflix Earlier Access to Fresh Movies

variety.com:

Elsa Keslassy International CorrespondentAfter months of heated debates and clashes, the French film industry has set new windowing rules for movies that are released in local theaters.The rules will apply to exhibitors, pay and free TV channels and subscription-based services.

They’re expected to be signed by France’s Culture Minister Roselyne Bachelot later on Monday (Jan. 24)Netflix is the only streamer to have signed the agreement and will therefore benefit from having access to fresh movies 15 months after their theatrical release, in comparison to the 36 months under previous windowing guidelines.

The latter rule has largely been responsible for the absence of Netflix at the Cannes Film Festival since the event requires every film in competition to have a theatrical bow in France. “This agreement is a significant first step towards the modernization of the media chronology.

It reflects both our constructive contribution to the negotiation process and our commitment to contribute to the French cinema industry,” a Netflix spokesperson told Variety.