Amazon Prime Video Challenges France's 17-Month Film Windowing Regulations

Prime Video Renews Criticism of French Film Distribution Rules

Prime Video France has once again voiced strong objections to France's stringent media windowing regulations, particularly the 17-month waiting period before new films can be offered to subscribers on its platform. The criticism was reiterated by Christophe Deguine, managing director of Prime Video France, during a recent 'Prime Video Presents' press conference. The company asserts that these regulations are detrimental to both viewers and the overall visibility of cinematic works.

Further escalating its stance, Amazon Prime Video has also filed a legal challenge before the Conseil d'État (State Council) in April 2025, seeking a revision of the current interprofessional agreement. This move follows a similar legal action initiated by rival streaming service Netflix.

Understanding France's 'Chronologie des Médias'

The 'chronologie des médias' is a unique French regulatory framework that dictates the sequential release of films across various distribution channels after their initial theatrical run. Its primary objectives are to safeguard the theatrical exhibition of films, ensure the financing of French audiovisual creation, and provide exclusive windows for different distributors.

A significant overhaul of this system occurred in January 2022, aiming to modernize rules that had largely remained unchanged since 2009. Prior to this reform, subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) platforms faced a lengthy 36-month (three-year) waiting period after a film's theatrical release. The 2022 agreement introduced a more nuanced approach, with waiting periods varying based on a platform's investment in French content.

The Disputed Waiting Periods for Streaming Platforms

Under the current framework, the waiting periods for films to become available on streaming services in France are staggered:

• Canal+: Benefits from the shortest window at 6 months, a result of its substantial investment in local production.
• Disney+: Recently secured a reduced window of 9 months after signing a new agreement in January 2025, committing 25% of its annual net turnover in France to local and European productions.
• Netflix: Operates with a 15-month window, having been the sole global streamer to sign the initial 2022 accord and commit to specific investment levels.
• Amazon Prime Video (along with other platforms like Apple TV+, Max, and Paramount+): Is subject to a 17-month waiting period, as it did not sign the initial 2022 agreement or subsequent specific deals for shorter windows.
• Free-to-air television channels: Typically have a 22-month window.

Amazon's Arguments and Legal Challenge

Amazon argues that the existing media chronology is 'no longer in phase with the uses of the French' and 'deliberately penalizes the exploitation of films on the small screen,' thereby limiting their exposure and profitability. The company cited the example of the film 'The Accountant 2' starring Ben Affleck, which was reportedly not released in French cinemas due to the prohibitive 17-month delay, opting instead for a direct release on Prime Video to combat piracy and ensure visibility. Prime Video's objective with its legal challenge is to advance its streaming window to 12 months.

Despite its criticisms, Amazon remains a significant investor in French content, ranking as the second-largest foreign platform in 2024 with investments in 53 works, following Netflix (66 works) but ahead of Disney+ (36 works). The 2022 agreement, originally set for three years, was due to expire in February 2025, prompting ongoing negotiations and a broader industry debate on how to adapt these regulations to evolving viewing habits and the digital landscape.