Is there a business model for independent audiovisual production?

Faced with powerful clients, suppliers have a tough time of it. This well-known rule in the food industry now seems to be taking hold in the broadcasting and film sectors, which have been transformed by the rise of companies such as Netflix and YouTube. Producers’ profit margins are under pressure, and the value of licensing catalogues is falling due to the faster obsolescence of works and the volatility of audiences. The business models that enabled companies to thrive in the past are no longer fit for purpose. For producers, consolidation is a necessity, but the path to profitability is steep. With Federation Studios, Pascal Breton sought to enable talented producers to build sustainable business models. The company, which brings together 25 firms across six countries and has enjoyed success in terms of audience reach and critical acclaim, must continue to find solutions to the consequences of the technological revolution. Can the French and European context foster the emergence of champions in the broadcasting and film sectors?