Keyword: Netflix

France's state-owned public service network France Télévisions is joining forces with main private network TF1 and also M6, the country’s most profitable private channel, to launch a subscription service next year called Salto, offering a back catalogue of French TV shows and original content in response to the growing success of US video entertainment giant Netflix, which has attracted 3.5 million subscribers in France.

Film production streaming giant Netflix's chief content officer, Ted Sarandos, said his company was pulling out of next month's Cannes Film Festival, arguably the most prestigious annual filmmakers venue, because they will not be treated equally due to a French law that stipulates films cannot be released on home entertainment platforms until 36 months after their release in cinemas.

But makers of new Netflix political drama insist they will avoid stereotyping 'larger than life' Mediterranean city as crime-ridden and seamy.

The video-on-demand platform has defied sceptics and made strong start in France after major marketing campaign.

The US video streaming company says it aims to lure a third of households as subscribers within five to ten years.

American video streaming giant launches across Europe on Monday amid fears it will undermine investment in France's home-grown movies.