Disney Secures Landmark Agreement with French Cinema, Accelerating Streaming Access

In a groundbreaking move,⁢ Disney has​ solidified its position in the ⁢French cinema ecosystem with a new financing and dissemination agreement. Announced‍ on ‌January ⁢29, 2025, ⁤this deal marks a significant shift in how ⁣Disney films will be made available to French audiences.the agreement, ⁣negotiated with key French cinema organizations—including the Liaison Office ⁢of the Cinematographic Industries, the Liaison Office of Cinema Organizations, and the Civil Society of Authors Directors​ and Producers—ensures that ‍ Disney+ subscribers will now​ be able to watch films just nine months after their theatrical release, a dramatic​ reduction⁣ from the previous 17-month wait. This change takes effect immediately, with the highly anticipated Deadpool & wolverine, released in July 2024, set to debut on the platform as early as April 25, 2025. ⁣

This‌ three-year deal also includes⁤ a substantial financial commitment from Disney+. The platform has⁣ pledged to ​invest⁤ 25% of its annual net turnover generated in France, amounting to 115 ‌million ⁣euros over three years, to acquire and produce⁤ European and French films ‌and ​audiovisual works. Disney+ has ⁣promised ⁤to finance⁤ “a ‍minimum of ​seventy films” ‍during this period, ensuring “a diversity of‌ genres and budgets.” This represents a⁤ major leap forward, as the platform previously allocated only 4% of its turnover to cinema and⁤ 16% ‌to audiovisual content.

For Hélène Etzi, president ‌of The Walt Disney Company France, this ⁤agreement is a milestone.⁢ She stated, “This agreement marks⁢ an⁢ critically important step for French spectators.”

The deal also signifies a ​shift in Disney’s approach to the chronology of media, a framework that dictates the order in ‍which films are released across platforms. In 2022, ⁣Disney had‌ refused to sign previous agreements on this issue, but the company has now embraced the latest version of the text, signaling a new era of collaboration with French cinema.

| Key Highlights of the agreement |
|————————————-|
| Streaming Access |⁢ Films available on Disney+ nine months after theatrical release (previously ⁢17 months) |
| Financial Commitment | 25%⁢ of annual net turnover in France​ (115 million euros over three ⁢years) |
| Content Production |‌ Minimum of 70 films financed, ensuring genre and budget ‌diversity |
| First Major ​Release ‍| Deadpool ⁢& Wolverine ⁢available on Disney+ from April 25, 2025 |

This agreement not only strengthens Disney’s‍ foothold in the French market but also underscores its commitment ⁢to supporting local and European ⁣content. As the first distributor of theaters in France in 2024, Disney continues to shape the future of cinema and streaming, offering audiences faster access to their‍ favorite‍ films‌ while fostering creative diversity.

For⁣ more insights into Disney’s evolving relationship with⁤ French cinema, explore how the company is making ‌ “soft eyes” ​in ⁣this dynamic industry.

Disney Secures Landmark ‍Agreement with French Cinema, Accelerating Streaming Access

In ⁣a groundbreaking move, Disney ⁤has solidified its position ​in the‍ French cinema ecosystem‌ with a new financing and ‍dissemination agreement.Announced on January 29, 2025, this deal marks a significant shift in how ⁣Disney films will be‍ made available to French audiences. We spoke with Dr.Marie-Laure Dubois,a renowned expert in European cinema and ​media distribution,to delve ⁤deeper into the implications of​ this agreement.

The Shift in Streaming Access

Editor: ‍Dr. Dubois, one of the⁢ most striking aspects of this agreement​ is the reduction in ⁢the waiting period for Disney+ subscribers to access films after their theatrical release. Can you elaborate on what this means for the French audience?

Dr. Dubois: Absolutely. The reduction from a 17-month wait to​ just nine months is a monumental shift.This means that French audiences will have much faster access to Disney’s blockbuster films on Disney+. ​Such as, the highly anticipated Deadpool & Wolverine, released in July​ 2024, will be available ⁣on ​the ⁢platform as early as april 25, 2025. This ​change not only enhances viewer satisfaction but also aligns with ⁤evolving consumer expectations for quicker access to content.

Financial Commitment and Content Production

Editor: Disney+⁢ has​ pledged a ample⁣ financial commitment ⁢as part of this agreement. Could you explain ‍the significance of the 25% annual net ‍turnover investment in the French market?

Dr. Dubois: Certainly. Disney+ ⁤has committed to investing 25% of its annual net turnover generated in France, which amounts to 115 million euros over three years. This investment​ is directed towards acquiring and producing European and french films and audiovisual works. The platform has ⁤promised to finance⁣ a minimum of seventy films during this period, ensuring a diversity of genres and budgets. This is a significant leap from their previous allocation of only⁣ 4% of turnover to ⁣cinema and 16% to audiovisual content, marking a robust ⁣commitment to fostering local ⁣creativity and diversity.

Disney’s⁤ Strategic Milestone

editor: Hélène Etzi, president of The Walt Disney Company France, described this agreement as a milestone. What are your thoughts on the strategic importance of ⁢this deal for Disney?

Dr. Dubois: This agreement is⁤ indeed ‍a strategic milestone for Disney. It not only strengthens Disney’s foothold ‌in the French market but also underscores its commitment ⁣to supporting local ⁤and European ⁣content. As the first distributor of theaters in France in 2024, Disney continues to shape the future of cinema and streaming.This deal ‍reflects a harmonious balance between ‍theatrical releases and digital dissemination,⁤ which is crucial in today’s ⁣rapidly evolving media landscape.

Chronology of Media: A ⁢New Era

Editor: The deal also signifies a shift in Disney’s approach to the chronology of media. Can you explain what this entails and its implications?

Dr.Dubois: The ‌chronology of media refers to the framework‍ that dictates ​the order in which ⁣films are released across‌ different platforms. In ‌2022, Disney had refused to sign previous agreements on this issue. However, with this deal, the company has embraced the latest version ⁢of the text, signaling a new era of collaboration with French cinema. This shift indicates Disney’s willingness to adapt and align with local regulations, ‍thereby fostering⁣ a more collaborative relationship with the French film industry.

Conclusion

Editor: Thank you,Dr. Dubois,for⁢ your insightful analysis. It’s clear that ​this agreement not ⁤only benefits‍ Disney and its subscribers but also considerably impacts the French cinema ecosystem.

Dr. Dubois: My pleasure. Indeed, this agreement marks a pivotal moment in the ‌intersection of global media giants⁣ and local⁣ cinema industries, promising a radiant future for both.