A coalition of talent agencies and indie producers is pushing for legislation to require streamers to buy at least half their original content from independent producers, aiming to revive a version of the old 'fin-syn' rules that were repealed 30 years ago.
01Summary
- 01WME, CAA, UTA, Imagine Entertainment and Legendary have formed a coalition to lobby for a law forcing streamers to source at least 50% of original content from independent producers.
- 02The proposed legislation would also limit licensing terms to revive secondary markets that have largely disappeared since fin-syn was scrapped in the mid-1990s.
- 03Streamers, backed by the Streaming Innovation Alliance, oppose the plan, calling it 'blunt government mandates' that would dampen production and discourage creative risk-taking.
- 04Supporters, including lawyer Ken Ziffren and producer Jeff Sagansky, argue that the current oligopoly of four major streamers reduces programming orders by 30-40% and stifles creativity.
- 05The coalition aims to attach the measure to a federal film tax credit bill but was rebuffed in September; they now target 2027 when Democrats may control at least one chamber of Congress.
02Why it matters
This matters because it could reshape how streaming content is produced and owned, potentially increasing opportunities for independent creators and reversing a trend toward sequels and franchise titles, but faces stiff opposition from major streamers and requires an act of Congress.
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