There was a story on the BBC News website recently that I feel really highlights how MPs behave. I mean, this REALLY annoyed me.
The story goes on to explain that MPs think streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon should pay a percentage of all subscription fees they receive to a UK fund, managed by the Government, which would be used to make better TV shows in the UK.
In the article they show a screenshot of Jamie, the child in the Netflix show Adolescence, with the caption
Without the right kind of investment, MPs are worried the next potential hit UK shows like Adolescence won’t get made
MPs are worried that without taking money from other companies hit UK shows like Adolescence won’t get made? I’m pretty sure the streaming companies are doing this already. I mean, Adolescence WAS made without the additional investment MPs are talking about.
It’s more like the MPs have seen the good reviews for a great TV show made by a non-UK company, realised the reviews for things like this are better than the reviews for things the Government supports, and want to get themselves included in that group with the other “popular kids”.
MPs : That Adolescence show on your Netflix looks like it’s getting good reviews. Can we be involved too?
Netflix : We don’t need your help to make great TV, thanks.
MPs : But, the TV shows we are making aren’t as good as yours, and your group of TV show makers looks more popular than the group of TV show makers we hang out with.
Netflix : Maybe get more great writers? Maybe stop giving hundreds of thousands of pounds to TV show presenters and invest more in the writing departments, or the actors, or the TV show development teams? Maybe try harder in general? If you reduced those costs you would have more money to invest in making better TV?
MPs : But… that would mean we would have to admit we were wrong about something, and have been wrong about it for decades? No no, it would make more sense if you just gave us some of YOUR money. You know, reduce how much you currently receive and just give us some, so we can keep frivolously frittering away money on TV presenters but then get MORE money from you to do some good things with.
Netflix : Really not sure I understand your logic there. Because we’re making better telly than you, you want us to pay you some of OUR money?
MPs : Yes.
Netflix : Whats in it for us?
MPs : Well, overall you would get a little less money.
Netflix : I don’t see that as a perk, and if we did that it might that affect the quality of our productions. If we make less we would have less to spend on the great shows we currently make. That might compromise our quality.
MPs : But we want some of your money.
Amazon : *walks in* Hi guys, sorry I’m late. Nightmare trying get here! The trains kept buffering. What have I missed?
Netflix : The MPs really like what we do…
Amazon : Great!
Netflix : … so they think we, as in you and me, should give them some of our money.
Amazon : ……… Sorry….. I think I missed a bit of conversation there. What was the bit before “we should give them some of our money”?
Netflix : They like what we do.
Amazon : But…. I’m not getting what the justification is?
Netflix : You’re not alone, pal!
MPs : Yes, we think you make great shows and we want some of the money that you charge for your services.
Amazon and Netflix : Haaa hahahaha haa haa haaaaaa