New Zealand's TV and film producers are banding together in a global initiative to address concerns about the impact of streaming services, particularly those originating from the United States. The Screen Producers and Directors Association (SPADA) has joined forces with nineteen other industry groups worldwide in signing an open letter urging their respective governments to enact stricter regulations on American streaming companies. This move is prompted by the significant and detrimental influence these streamers have on local productions across the globe.
Irene Gardiner, President of SPADA, emphasized the need for a united effort to address the challenges posed by streaming services. She expressed the difficulty local productions face in competing with these platforms, highlighting their operation within the local screen ecosystem without contributing to local taxes or adhering to regulations.
"The impact of these streamers on local productions globally is so significant and so damaging," Gardiner stated. "It feels like it's time to have a concerted effort where all of us come together and lobby together."
One of the main concerns voiced by Gardiner is the unequal playing field created by streaming services, making it challenging for local broadcasters to generate comparable advertising revenue. This financial strain not only affects the economy but also has profound cultural implications, limiting the ability to tell local stories and create intellectual property.
Gardiner proposed a potential solution to address these challenges: the implementation of a small percentage levy on major international streaming companies. This levy, based on a percentage of their New Zealand revenue, could be channeled back into supporting local productions. Gardiner expressed hope that this approach could level the playing field and contribute to the local industry without seeking direct funding from the government.
"We're not asking for money [from the government]," she clarified. "We're saying this is a way to make our business playing field more level and bring some money into our industry. So I'm hopeful."
As the industry groups rally for change, they plan to engage with New Zealand's new ministers to discuss these concerns and explore potential solutions that benefit both the local economy and cultural storytelling.
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