10 key trends shaping the European film and TV industries

Why it is the topic trending:

• Comprehensive Industry Overview: The article summarizes key findings from a significant report by the European Audiovisual Observatory, providing a data-driven overview of the current state and future trajectory of the European film and TV industries.

• Highlighting Significant Shifts and Challenges: The trends identified point to major shifts, including the rise of streaming, changes in production volume, funding models, and persistent issues like gender inequality, making it a crucial topic for industry professionals and observers.

• Informing Strategic Decision-Making: Understanding these trends is essential for stakeholders in the European film and TV sector to make informed decisions about production, financing, distribution, and talent development.

• Discussion at a Major Industry Event: The report’s publication at Series Mania, a prominent European TV festival, further emphasizes its relevance and the importance of these trends within the industry.

The article summarizes 10 key trends shaping the European film and TV industries based on the “EAO Key Trends 2025” report released at Series Mania. These trends cover various aspects of the industry, including film and TV production volumes, financing sources, the dominance of global streaming platforms, limited market growth due to inflation, increasing content spend by streamers, the migration of talent towards TV, persistent gender inequality, the rising popularity of adaptations, and the leadership of US media conglomerates in the European market.

Detailed Findings (10 Key Trends):

1. Film production grows: European feature film production has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels and is increasing, with an estimated 2,358 films produced in 2023. Italy and Spain had the highest production volumes.

2. Film financing: Direct public funding is the primary source of financing for European theatrical fiction films (26%), followed by production incentives (21%), producer investments (18%), and broadcaster investments (17%). Pre-sales continue to decline.

3. Downturn in TV production: After a post-pandemic increase, original TV fiction production in Europe declined by 6% in 2023. Public service broadcasters commissioned the majority (55%), followed by private broadcasters (31%) and global streamers (14%).

4. SVoD concentration: Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ account for 85% of SVoD viewing time in Europe. European works make up 30% of this viewing time, with films having a slightly higher share than TV series. European films appear underconsumed relative to their catalogue size.

5. Limited growth: The EU audiovisual market grew by 4.3% in 2023, but with 6.4% inflation, it effectively shrank. Growth is primarily driven by subscription and transactional video on demand. Traditional segments like TV advertising and physical home video are stagnating or declining in real terms.

6. Content spend: Spending on European original content reached a new high of €22bn in 2023, with global streamers increasing their investment by 23% and accounting for 26% of the total. Broadcaster spending was stable, meaning it decreased in real terms. The UK and Germany accounted for nearly half of all broadcaster and streamer investments.

7. TV vs film: The growth in European fiction series production has led writers and directors to increasingly work in TV rather than film. Currently, 60% of writing and directing assignments are in television, and once professionals move to TV, they tend to stay due to more work opportunities.

8. Gender inequality: Female professionals represent only 24% of the workforce in film and 28% in television across all job categories. Cinematography and composing have the lowest female representation. Women film directors constitute 25% of directors, while female editors and producers make up 31% of their respective workforces.

9. Adaptations: Streamers show a greater inclination towards adaptations, with 19% of their film and TV fiction being adaptations, compared to 13% for private and 11% for public broadcasters. The UK has the highest share of adaptations (26%).

10. US leadership: US-based Comcast (parent of NBC Universal and Sky), Disney, and Netflix were the top three audiovisual groups in Europe by revenue in 2023. European groups, led by Germany’s ARD and RTL, also feature in the top 10.

The European film and TV industries are undergoing significant transformations, marked by the growing influence of global streamers, a shift in content production between film and TV, limited overall market growth due to economic factors, and persistent challenges like gender inequality, demanding strategic adaptations from all industry players.

The Evolving Landscape of European Audiovisual Production and Consumption

Description of the trend (please name it):

The trend can be named “Euro AV Transformation.” This trend describes the ongoing and multifaceted transformation of the European film and television industries, characterized by the increasing dominance of global streaming platforms, shifts in production focus and financing, a challenging economic environment impacting growth, and continued efforts to address issues like gender inequality within the sector.

What is consumer motivation:

• Access to Global Content: European consumers are increasingly drawn to the vast and diverse content libraries offered by global streaming platforms.

• Convenience and Flexibility: Streaming services provide on-demand access and personalized viewing experiences.

• Demand for High-Quality Series: The global success of many high-production-value TV series has attracted European viewers to streaming platforms.

• Potential Cost-Effectiveness: Subscription models can be perceived as offering good value for the amount of content available.

• Interest in Local European Content: Despite the draw of global content, there is still a significant interest in European films and TV series that resonate with local cultures and languages.

What is driving the trend:

• Global Streaming Platform Expansion: The strategic expansion and investment in local and international content by major streaming players like Netflix, Amazon, and Disney+ are reshaping the European market.

• Technological Advancements: Improved internet infrastructure and the proliferation of smart devices have made streaming more accessible.

• Shift in Production Funding Models: The increasing investment by global streamers in European content is influencing where and how content is being produced.

• Talent Migration: The growth in TV series production has attracted writers and directors, indicating a shift in creative focus and opportunities.

• Market Dynamics: Economic factors like inflation are impacting overall market growth, making subscription and transactional VOD the primary growth drivers.

What is motivation beyond the trend:

Beyond the specific shifts in the European audiovisual industries, the underlying motivation reflects a global trend towards digital media consumption, the increasing interconnectedness of international entertainment markets, and a continuous demand for diverse and high-quality content.

Description of consumers article is referring to (what is their age?, what is their gender? What is their income? What is their lifestyle):

The article refers to European audiences and industry professionals broadly. While specific demographics of SVoD viewers aren’t detailed, we can infer some characteristics based on the trends:

• Age: Likely a wide range, with younger generations being early adopters of streaming. However, the significant overall viewing time suggests adoption across various age groups.

• Gender: Not specified.

• Income: Access to streaming services requires a subscription, suggesting a segment of the population with disposable income for entertainment. However, the widespread adoption indicates accessibility across different income levels.

• Lifestyle: Individuals who consume film and television content, with a growing preference for the convenience and variety offered by streaming platforms. This likely includes individuals with busy schedules who appreciate on-demand viewing, as well as those who enjoy binge-watching series.

The European film and TV industries are at a critical juncture, characterized by the resurgence of film production alongside a decline in TV series output, the increasing dominance of global SVoD platforms, and a challenging economic climate. While spending on original content is high, growth remains limited due to inflation. The industry is also grappling with persistent issues like gender inequality. These trends necessitate a nuanced understanding of the evolving landscape for all stakeholders in the European audiovisual sector.

• Advertising Opportunities in Streaming: Brands need to explore potential advertising opportunities within or alongside streaming content to reach European audiences effectively.

• Partnerships with European Content Creators: Collaborating with European production companies or talent could offer culturally relevant marketing opportunities.

• Understanding Content Consumption Patterns: Brands must monitor the shift towards streaming to tailor their marketing strategies and media buying decisions.

• Cultural Diversity in Content: The balance between local European content and globally produced content on streaming platforms has implications for cultural representation and diversity in media consumption.

• Employment in the Audiovisual Sector: Shifts in production volumes between film and TV impact job opportunities for writers, directors, and other professionals.

• Accessibility of European Films: The underconsumption of European films on SVoD platforms raises questions about their discoverability and accessibility to wider audiences.

Implications for consumers:

• Wider Content Choice: Consumers benefit from the vast libraries of content available on global streaming platforms.

• Potential Impact on Local Content Production: The focus of streamers on certain types of content might influence the variety and availability of locally produced European films and series in the long run.

• Subscription Costs: Consumers face decisions about which streaming services to subscribe to, potentially increasing their overall entertainment expenses.

The European audiovisual industry will likely continue to be shaped by the increasing influence of global streamers. There may be a need for greater emphasis on promoting and financing local European content to ensure its visibility and competitiveness in the global market. Addressing gender inequality will also remain a critical ongoing effort.

Consumer Trend (name, detailed description):

• “Global Content Consumption with a Local Twist”: While European consumers are increasingly watching content from around the world via streaming platforms, there remains a desire for and appreciation of locally produced European films and TV series that reflect their own cultures, languages, and stories.

Consumer Sub Trend (name, detailed description):

• “Navigating the Streaming Landscape”: European consumers are learning to navigate the complex landscape of multiple streaming services, making choices based on content availability, price, and user experience, and potentially leading to subscription fatigue and churn.

Big Social Trend (name, detailed description):

• “The Digitization of Entertainment”: This overarching trend encompasses the shift from physical media and traditional broadcast to digital platforms for consuming film, television, and other forms of entertainment across Europe and globally.

Worldwide Social Trend (name, detailed description):

• “The Platformization of Media”: Globally, the media landscape is increasingly dominated by large digital platforms that control the distribution and often the production of content, impacting both creators and consumers.

Social Drive (name, detailed description):

• “Demand for Diverse and Accessible Content”: European audiences, like their global counterparts, are driven by a desire for a wide range of diverse content that is easily accessible on their preferred devices and platforms.

Learnings for brands to use in 2025 (bullets, detailed description):

• Recognize the Dominance of Streaming: Acknowledge that streaming platforms are a primary channel for reaching European audiences.

• Consider Targeted Advertising: Explore advertising opportunities on streaming services that align with your target demographics in Europe.

• Support European Content: For brands wanting to connect with local values, consider sponsoring or partnering with European film and TV productions or initiatives.

• Understand Regional Preferences: Even within Europe, content preferences can vary significantly. Tailor your messaging and media choices accordingly.

• Mobile-First Approach: Ensure your advertising and content are optimized for mobile devices, as streaming is frequently consumed on them.

Strategy Recommendations for brands to follow in 2025 (bullets, detail description):

• Allocate Advertising Spend to Digital and Streaming: Adjust media budgets to reflect the increasing viewership on streaming platforms in Europe.

• Seek Partnerships with European Streamers and Production Companies: Explore opportunities for collaborations on content or targeted advertising campaigns.

• Create Culturally Relevant Content for European Markets: Tailor your marketing and advertising messages to resonate with the specific cultural nuances and preferences of different European countries.

• Utilize Data to Inform Advertising Strategies: Leverage available data on streaming viewership to target your advertising efforts more effectively.

• Consider Content Sponsorship to Enhance Brand Image: Sponsoring high-quality European film or TV productions can enhance brand visibility and association with popular and culturally relevant content.

Final sentence (key concept) describing main trend from article:

The European film and TV industries are undergoing a significant transformation driven by the increasing influence of global streaming platforms, shifting production landscapes, and economic pressures.

What brands & companies should do in 2025 to benefit from trend and how to do it:

In 2025, brands and companies aiming to reach European audiences should acknowledge the evolving landscape of film and TV consumption by:

• Strategically investing in digital advertising: Allocate a significant portion of their advertising budget towards digital platforms, including streaming services, to align with where European consumers are increasingly spending their viewing time.

• Exploring partnerships with streaming platforms and European content creators: Collaborate with major streaming services active in Europe or with local production companies to create sponsored content, product placements, or targeted advertising campaigns that resonate with local audiences.

• Developing culturally relevant and engaging video content: Produce advertising and marketing materials that are tailored to the specific languages, cultural nuances, and preferences of different European markets, recognizing the diverse nature of the continent’s viewership.

“European Audiovisual: Navigating the Streaming Era”: This core trend emphasizes the fundamental shift in the European film and TV industries brought about by the overwhelming influence of global streaming platforms. These platforms are not just distributors of content; they are increasingly major players in production and financing, significantly altering traditional models. European broadcasters, producers, and distributors are now navigating a landscape where they compete with these global giants for audience attention and investment. This era requires adaptation, innovation, and strategic partnerships to ensure the continued growth and cultural relevance of European content in a market increasingly defined by the reach and resources of international streaming services.