Several movies and series are no longer available on Russian online streaming platforms despite the previous statements by foreign film studios specifying that their sanctions will only apply to new releases, the Kommersant newspaper reports.
The iconic Friends sitcom along with such movies as 1+1, Interstellar, The Lord of the Rings, The Mask and a few others disappeared from Kinopoisk, one of the largest streaming platforms in Russia. Kinopoisk clarified that the inconvenience is linked to the difficulties with renewing current contracts with film studios.
“Video services sign a contract with rightsholders for a certain period of time when purchasing a movie or a series for the catalogue. In the current conditions, it takes much more time to extend contracts. For instance, projects of such studios as Warner Bros. and Disney can indeed by unavailable for now,” the streaming platform noted. “It is a small part of the Kinopoisk library, but these are popular and adored titles of our users. We are holding talks with our partners and continue to expand our catalogue.”
Another service, Wink, assured that rightsholders had not terminated contracts with Russian platforms but for a very few exceptions. More streaming companies, Ivi and Okko, declined to provide comments to Kommersant, while Premier, Kion and Amediateka did not respond to such requests.
Kommersant spoke to an expert familiar with the market who explained that the current temporary process of paying rightsholders (came into force on May 27) can complicate the renewal of contracts. According to the instructions, Russian companies are obliged to settle accounts with rightsholders who imposed sanctions on Russia via a special type 'O' ruble account which should be opened by a debtor in an authorized bank in the copyright holder’s name.
Foreign film studios suspended licensing content to Russia in March. However, older titles were not meant to be affected by sanctions.