Netflix becomes largest commissioner of new scripted European content

The analyst said that its study not only indicated the global changes in production market dynamics but also represented a boon for European producers as the region becomes increasingly important for global streamers.

Specifically, the survey noted that while European public service broadcasters still remain major commissioners of new scripted content in Europe, Netflix leapt ahead during 2020, shooting past both the BBC and Germany’s ZDF in terms of number of commissions across Western and Central Europe. Ampere said its local approach to global scale means it will increasingly ascend to become the most important single commissioner at a regional level. And that as a marker of the wider changes in the entertainment industry, the ascent of Netflix to become the largest single commissioner of new European scripted content is pivotal.

“To date, Europe’s major public service broadcasters have driven the European content creation industry and local drama production. However, the ever-increasing importance of international markets to Netflix’s growth, its wide investment in locally relevant drama across the region, and the shift to pan-regional or global content as the basis for value means that today, global streamers like Netflix drive even local markets,” said Ampere Analysis executive director Guy Bisson.

“With the newer studio direct streaming platforms already beginning to emulate Netflix’s strategy of commissioning new scripted content outside the US, there could not be a better time to be a European content creator.” Rapid TV News