Advanced Television

MPAA chief lauds Euro IP advocacy

February 16, 2018

By Colin Mann

In keynote remarks before the German Producers Alliance, Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) Chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin has highlighted collaborative advocacy to defend intellectual property protections across Europe.

Speaking at the 68th Berlin International Film Festival Rivkin praised the German Producers Alliance for its leadership on important industry issues, including the Digital Single Market in Europe, and emphasised the importance of cross-border collaboration to Europe’s local film and television industry.

“The ability to work together is one of the great strengths of our sector. And it is that shared purpose that helps the MPA [the MPAA’s European arm] and the Producers Alliance collaborate on the most pressing issues facing our industry today,” said Rivkin. “As the European Commission considered the Digital Single Market, the leadership of European producers, creators, and artists is making the difference in our advocacy. Together, the sector continues to remind policymakers that weakening copyright and contractual freedom will have a devastating effect on our industry.”

Rivkin also highlighted the hundreds of successful film and television production partnerships between US and European partners and the creative industry’s significant economic impact. Across Europe, more than 11 million men and women work in jobs supported directly and indirectly by copyright-intensive industries, including film and television.

Rivkin also discussed the importance of cooperation among international content creators and owners in global content protection efforts to reduce piracy. “I am proud that in June 2017, the MPAA helped bring together 30 leading content creators, including Germany’s own Constantin Film and Studio Babelsberg, to form the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment,” he said, noting that the body had already seen important victories against illicit streaming devices, such as Tickbox in the United States, and the elimination of apps that enable access to pirated content in Europe and in other parts of the world.

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