Netflix bosses eye launch in France
The firm wants to bring its internet film and television service to France
NETFLIX bosses are looking at the possibility of bringing its on-demand TV service to France as part of “a substantial European expansion”.
Over the past two months, the company and French politicians have been engaged in high-level talks, as French officials look for innovative ways to end illegal downloads of US television shows.
Netflix is a subscription-based film and television show rental service that offers content via internet streaming.
Pascal Rogard, managing director of France’s SACD (Society of Dramatic Authors and Composers) told a press conference in Paris: “There’s a specific scenario, even if they haven’t given a launch date.”
He stopped short of confirming rumours that Netflix would launch in September, saying only that is was “credible and possible”.
In December, representatives from Netflix met media adviser to the Elysée David Kessler, while last month Netflix CEO Reed Hastings was in talks with Minister for the Digital Economy Fleur Pellerin over the issue.
Netflix is the home of acclaimed series such as House of Cards, Hemlock Grove, and Orange Is the New Black.
If Netflix does debut in September, France will become the fifth European country to benefit from its services, following Scandinavia, Ireland, the UK and the Netherlands.
