Film Studios Said to Be Trying to Settle EU Case

Hollywood studios are seeking to settle complaints by the European Union that their contracts with pay television operators keep the price of films artificially high in Europe, sources said.

At least some of the studios have indicated a willingness to consider dropping the contested clause in their contracts, sources familiar with the case said on condition of anonymity.

European regulators have been ready for months to file charges against companies including Universal Pictures, Sony Corp., Walt Disney Co. and Time Warner Inc., accusing them of distorting the market by effectively setting minimum prices in pay TV contracts across Europe.