As the IBC 2026 is approaching, one number stands out: the media industry is bigger than most people think. In 2024, Europe’s audiovisual market reached around €142 billion. This includes everything from streaming platforms and cinema to TV and online video. A big part of that amount, about €72 billion, comes directly from audiences. People are paying for streaming subscriptions, going to the cinema and consuming more content than ever. Advertising and public funding also play an important role in supporting the industry.
What does this mean if you’re a student filmmaker?
First, there is demand. A lot of it. More content is being produced every year, and in fact, Europe hit a record number of films in 2024, with over 2,500 productions.
Second, streaming platforms are becoming key players. Companies like Netflix and YouTube are not just distributing content, they are also financing and producing it. This creates new opportunities, especially for local and original stories.
Third, there is also an important shift to understand. Audiences today spend much more time watching series than films. This influences what kind of projects get funded and what stories are told.
Competition is high because big global platforms dominate the market, and Europe still represents a smaller share compared to the United States. This is why IBC 2026 matters. They don’t just show new technology. They help us understand where the industry is going. The industry is growing, but it is also changing. Learning how it works behind the scenes can give student filmmakers a real advantage as they start their careers.
Register your interest for IBC2026 to be the first to hear about major show updates, including when registration opens, and to receive the latest news on the trends, technologies and ideas shaping this year’s event. Taking place 11–14 September at the RAI, Amsterdam, you can keep up with the latest here.
