Something is rotten in the state ofDenmark, or so the Shakespeare line goes.
TV2 had claimed Create Denmark wanted up to 600% more rights payments on major productions than before.
Many companies were forced into staff cuts asdevelopmentpipelines went haywire.
Nordland ’99Nevis Productions
It is a crazy situation.
So there we are, completely screwed, he said.
The youth-skewing series, targeted at a young adult audience, was made for public broadcaster DRsstreamingservice.
Ultimately, fee deals were reached (though outstanding issues remain in some cases, we hear).
While terms havent been made public, its believed both sides ceded some ground.
They show that the streaming services want to produce here.
We respect that times are changing.
Netflix and TV2, which operates streamer TV2 Play, appear to be back up and running more actively.
That has since been lowered following campaigning.
However, most producers say a formal commitment is necessary.
Therefore, we need them to contribute to a future sustainable funding system.
Its fair they contribute to that as they pick the best of our system.
Whats important for me is they invest in Danish content, which is why we want an obligation.
Im surprised and a bit shocked we still dont have a solution and the streamers are waiting.
They dont want to invest somewhere with so much uncertainty.
They see the streaming levy as harmful to the production sector.
We believe that a streaming levy will harm Danish content creation, instead of strengthening the sector as intended.
She adds Dutch authorities recently ditched similar plans after a thorough analysis.
Even if the levy announcement is accepted, Denmarks problems dont end there.
Productions sources have corroborated this trend and producers are hoping it doesnt happen more regularly in the future.
The issues have compounded to leave Denmark feeling like something of a cautionary tale.
Well be looking at how we structure for upcoming years the average series will be hard to sell.
You need skills to find that stuff and develop it.
We have to use all our skills and knowledge to keep out position.
Two years ago everybody could sell a show, but today thats not the case.
Producers suspect investment in sports rights and a cost savings program has had a significant impact on commissioning.
Theyve said they need to understand how the levy will impact their model.
She notes this will make Denmark the only country in the EU with a production tax and no incentive.
Nevertheless, we hear the streamers commissioning team has been inundated with pitches.
A source close to the streamer says the production shutdown decision was made with a very heavy heart.
Netflix declined to comment for this article.
The networks slate is considered to be stocked, leaving space for new projects at a premium.
Several shows have gone into development since the deal was struck in December 2022.
Last week,we reportedaround 100 staff outside the U.S. were at risk of redundancy.
suggests one source).
However, it is expected Amazon will accept terms of the levy and order programs and films.
Last week, Nordisk Film Production announced it was reducing staff numbers and restructuring.
Everyones order books are empty, more or less, says one veteran producer.
To survive and be healthy we need to stick to where we are, adds Misos Bose.
When the market is under pressure people will work for less, but thats a zero sum game.
Quality is the key word.
Apple Trees Hermann, whose company launched TV2 seriesChorus Girlsin January, puts it another way.
