SEVN, the association of French video publishers on DVD and online, is calling for a shortening of the theatrical window. The Chronologie des médias law currently imposes an exclusivity window of six months before films can be made available on DVD. SEVN is calling for a reduction "negotiated with rights holders."

SEVN has carried out a consultation of its members concerned to fight piracy and develop legal distribution mechanisms. All agreed that the Chronologies des médias law must be adapted to today's environment.

This change in the media law will enable the audiovisual sector to take into consideration the evolution of the modes of consumption and to fight more effectively against piracy without jeopardizing theatrical exhibition. Today, 80% of a film's box office revenue is reached after four weeks in exhibition. In other countries, the exclusivity theatrical window is three to four months before the DVD release.

"This modernisation of the Chronologie des médias is essential for the preservation of a dynamic DVD publishing sector, spearhead of the legal offer, and more generally of the health of the film industry," says SEVN.

Story filed 28.10.07