Netflix boosts France TV

The arrival of Netflix in France last year helped push international sales at distributor France TV Distribution (FTD) ahead of domestic sales.

Netflix, which landed in the country in autumn as part of a wider European expansion, became FTD’s main client during the past 12 months, according to the company.

FTD enjoyed success with animated property Raving Rabbid, for which it handles international sales, home video and L&M rights, with Netflix among those picking up the property.

The French public broadcasting group’s commercial arm generated income of €43.5m (US$47m) last year, with digital sales representing nearly 25% and overall revenue up 9%. Operating profit amounted to €1.2m.

International sales oustripped domestic, representing 60% of activity last year, up from 45% previously.

Other titles FTD benefited from included primetime documentary Apocalypse WWI, and the French home video rights to the movies 12 Years A Slave and Jeune et Jolie.