Big streaming services face Dutch production quota

The Dutch government is to require big streaming services such as Netflix and Disney+ to invest 5% of their Dutch turnover in productions with a link to the Netherlands.

MPs have voted in favour of the plan, drawn up by culture minister Gunay Uslu, which will, she said, generate an estimated €40 million in extra investment in Dutch film and television.

Streaming services with turnover of more than €10 million in the Netherlands will be required to invest 5% in Dutch productions, either by co-producing programmes or buying recent Dutch series and films to use. Some 60% of the series and documentaries will have to be made by an independent production house.

An amendment to the legislation, backed by the coalition and right-wing parties, makes it possible for reality soaps and quiz shows to be covered by the deal and could account for as much as half of the investment.

Uslu said during last week’s debate on her plans that this addition “undermined” the original proposal.

The legislation must still be approved by the upper house of parliament.