Filmmakers, screenwriters, producers and exhibitors have once again criticized the role of the Ministry of Culture (MinC) in regulating streaming services. They stated in an open letter that this moment is crucial for the Brazilian audiovisual sector and that the situation “represents a clear setback” in the public policies of this sector.
Following the Council’s approval of PL 8889/17, by Doutor Luizinho (PP-RJ), the proposal will be evaluated in the coming weeks by the Senate. However, after a military maneuver, another bill already in the House of Representatives on this subject, 2331/2022, could be voted on. Or you can even create a combination of two texts.
For the group that signed the letter, the two proposals are not in favor of the part and the biggest problem will be the impossibility of making changes to the benefits of the initiatives. For filmmakers, there has also been neglect by the MinC Committee of this topic. When contacted, the department says that it does not comment on documents that have not been officially sent to the ministry, but that it remains open to dialogue.
An excerpt from the document stated: “Contributions – from now on – were limited and limited to mere formal issues, without allowing further consideration of the merits (…). The aim is to silence the sector.”
They argue, for example, that the minimum payment that platforms must pay from Condecine (contribution to the development of the national film industry) is 6%, calculated taking into account total revenues, without deductions and also including companies such as YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.
Luisinho’s project rate for Netflix, Globoplay, Prime Video and others was put at 4%, calculated on annual revenues after deducting indirect taxes. For YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, it is 2%.
In the original Senate draft, in turn, this rate is a maximum of 3%.
“Some tell us that we must accept any regulation, regardless of whether it is in Brazil’s interest or not. We do not agree with that,” the letter read.
For filmmakers, there has also been neglect by the MinC Committee of this topic. “What puzzles us is that the Lula government – through the Ministry of Culture – still has no position or desire to fight for a sovereign project that determines the future of our audiovisual industry. The Minister of Culture is still absent from coordination in Congress.”
Since the beginning of the year, filmmakers and producers have spoken out on this topic, criticizing regulatory projects.
When contacted, the Immigration Department says it does not comment “on letters or documents that have not been officially sent to the Department.” He added: “The dialogue with the authorities and representatives of the audiovisual sector is permanent and takes place through institutional channels, in meetings and direct conversations. We remain ready to deal with any request submitted officially, as we have done continuously and transparently.”
The letter was signed by five entities in the sector: Apaci (São Paulo Filmmakers Association), Abraci (Brazilian Filmmakers Association), Abranima (Brazilian Animation Producers Association), Abra (Brazilian Association of Authors and Screenwriters), Aexib (Association of Small and Medium Brazilian Exhibitors).
with Diego Alejandro, Karina Matias and Victoria Cocolo
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