Netflix Seeks to Ease Fears Over Proposed Acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery - 45-Day Theater Exclusivity Offered
In an interview with The New York Times, Netflix co-chief executive Ted Sarandos sought to alleviate concerns about the company's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, a move that could have far-reaching implications for the theatrical business.
According to Sarandos, if the deal goes through, Netflix will maintain 45-day theater exclusivity windows, giving filmmakers a competitive edge in securing box office success. This compromise aims to strike a balance between the streaming giant's interests and those of theater owners.
The proposed 45-day window is significantly longer than what industry insiders had initially anticipated, with sources suggesting Netflix was open to a 17-day window that would have dealt a devastating blow to theaters. The revelation came after the highly successful release of the Stranger Things finale, which grossed over $25 million at the box office during its brief theatrical run.
Sarandos acknowledged some critics' concerns about the "outmoded" nature of traditional movie-going, but made it clear that for many viewers, including his own daughter living in Manhattan, theaters remain a vital part of the entertainment landscape. The executive's comments seem designed to placate theater owners and appease the movie-going public.
Industry trade organizations have already expressed concerns about Netflix's proposed acquisition, warning that it would further concentrate control over production and distribution of motion pictures in the hands of a single dominant global streaming platform.
As the fate of Warner Bros. Discovery hangs in the balance, Sarandos's efforts to ease fears over the company's potential sale may ultimately determine the future of the theatrical business.
In an interview with The New York Times, Netflix co-chief executive Ted Sarandos sought to alleviate concerns about the company's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, a move that could have far-reaching implications for the theatrical business.
According to Sarandos, if the deal goes through, Netflix will maintain 45-day theater exclusivity windows, giving filmmakers a competitive edge in securing box office success. This compromise aims to strike a balance between the streaming giant's interests and those of theater owners.
The proposed 45-day window is significantly longer than what industry insiders had initially anticipated, with sources suggesting Netflix was open to a 17-day window that would have dealt a devastating blow to theaters. The revelation came after the highly successful release of the Stranger Things finale, which grossed over $25 million at the box office during its brief theatrical run.
Sarandos acknowledged some critics' concerns about the "outmoded" nature of traditional movie-going, but made it clear that for many viewers, including his own daughter living in Manhattan, theaters remain a vital part of the entertainment landscape. The executive's comments seem designed to placate theater owners and appease the movie-going public.
Industry trade organizations have already expressed concerns about Netflix's proposed acquisition, warning that it would further concentrate control over production and distribution of motion pictures in the hands of a single dominant global streaming platform.
As the fate of Warner Bros. Discovery hangs in the balance, Sarandos's efforts to ease fears over the company's potential sale may ultimately determine the future of the theatrical business.
. But at the same time, Netflix seems like they're trying to make it work with theater owners. My friend's cousin works at a cinema and she said they're all relieved about this news 
. It's interesting that Sarandos is talking about how theaters are still important to some people... my sister loves going to movies in the cinema, it's like an experience 
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. Theaters are where magic happens, you know? There's nothing quite like that big screen experience and the energy of the crowd. And now they're gonna have 45 days to show their movies? That's just not right.
. And what about all the indie films and smaller movies that rely on theaters for exposure? They're gonna get lost in this deal.
. like they're tryin to make theaters happy but still wanna keep their fingers in every pie 
. 45 days sounds pretty decent tho, maybe it'll give films a fair shot at the box office 
. and honestly, i'm still confused why netflix wants warner bros dis discovery so badly... are they just tryin to own everythin'? 
! 45-day theater exclusivity windows? That's a pretty generous offer, if you ask me 
. I mean, it's not like they're going to completely take over the theaters or anything... but at the same time, I get why theater owners are worried.
, even if some people might say it's old-school. And let's be real, Stranger Things just dropped and it was a huge hit at the box office - so I think this compromise could actually work in everyone's favor 
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. It's like they're giving theaters a pat on the back while simultaneously planning their move to take over the whole cinema world 
. Meanwhile, industry insiders are like "hold my popcorn" because this deal could change everything. And honestly, I'm just here for the popcorn and Netflix is giving me some... let's say "exclusive" content 
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. I mean, some folks were saying 17 days would be devastating for theaters... and that's not even counting the whole global reach thing 
. It'll be interesting to see what happens with this deal - will Netflix get its way, or will theater owners manage to keep their independence? 
like 45 days isn't just enough to make them lose their minds... i mean i guess it's a good thing sarandos has a daughter in manhattan or he'd be clueless about the importance of the big screen experience 