When Netflix bowed in France in late 2004, industry insiders predicted the U.S. streaming service would struggle to get access to local producers, talent and ultimately content, because of pre-existing relationships with French TV networks and the pay TV group Canal Plus.
Netflix’s push into original drama in France has been beneficial for the local talent pool from diverse backgrounds and independent producers because the demand for niche premium series has skyrocketed, and as Carole Scotta at Haut et Court says, it’s also transformed the way traditional TV channels commission content. They are also more willing to venture into daring shows.
Regardless of local concerns, Pascal Breton, whose Paris-based company Federation Entertainment co-produced “Marseille” and most recently “Marianne,” said the biggest benefit of streaming services, and Netflix in particular, is the way in which it has created a world audience for French shows. “Netflix amplifies the appeal of French shows abroad, and we expect that ‘Marianne’ will get a bigger audience outside of France than locally,” says Breton.
A whole new chapter is now about to start for Netflix and Amazon in France, because of the upcoming launches of Apple TV Plus, Disney Plus, HBO Max, Peacock and the local SVOD service Salto will be creating unprecedented competition in the streaming market.