Soon, the Netherlands will have one more (legal) video distribution service. Video on Demand (VOD) platform Filmotech is currently busy with digitizing a wide range of Dutch films, documentaries and other materials. Not without a struggle though. Filmotechs launch has been delayed by objections from the Dutch public broadcasters. Their lawyers argue that the exploitation of Dutch TV drama series is in violation of the Dutch Media Act.

Despite the crying need for more (legal) content and distribution platforms in the Netherlands, its introduction is involved with many legal battles. Late last month the administrative judge of the Amsterdam court ruled that the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science should undertake further research into the permissibility of the development of new, innovative services by public broadcasters (ruling here). A number of commercial broadcasters and publishers had complained about recent plans from public broadcasters to expand their online digital services. That would have adverse effects on the market and market participants.

Filmotech will soon be launched, but without the public broadcasters’ TV drama series. According to initiator Petra Goedings, the emphasis of Filmotechs catalogue will initially be on the most recent Dutch feature films and documentaries, but will soon be extended to Dutch films of the past, including historical footage from before 1940, animation, experimental and genre films and TV dramas. Filmotech's entire catalogue will soon be available to be viewed at any time, for an amount between one to four euros per view and available on the device of your choice (TV, PC, iPod or mobile phone).

European VOD content services (for film or TV) that are already available in the Netherlands are Mubi and Zune.

Source: EntertainmentBusiness