Netflix has proposed a tentative deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, which could give the company 45-day theater exclusivity if the acquisition goes through. As part of the negotiations, Netflix co-chief executive Ted Sarandos has sought to ease concerns about what this could mean for theaters.
In an interview with The New York Times, Sarandos emphasized that his company is committed to preserving the theatrical business and will maintain 45-day windows for new releases. He stated, "We want to win opening weekend, we want to win box office." This stance may be seen as a compromise between Netflix's interests and those of theater owners.
Earlier reports suggested that Netflix was open to a shorter window of 17 days, which would likely have been detrimental to theaters. However, the proposed 45-day window is considered more acceptable by industry stakeholders.
Sarandos also acknowledged that some people might view the theatrical business as "outmoded," but clarified that this does not apply universally. He pointed out that for someone living in a city with multiple theaters, such as Manhattan, the concept of going to see a movie at a different location might be less relevant.
The proposed deal is seen as a significant development in the ongoing battle between rival bidders on Warner Bros. Discovery. The trade organization Cinema United has expressed concerns about the consolidation of control over the film industry in the hands of a single streaming platform, warning that this could lead to reduced competition and a loss of local theaters.
As negotiations continue, it remains to be seen whether Netflix will ultimately secure the deal and what terms they can agree upon. However, Sarandos's comments suggest that his company is committed to preserving the theatrical business while also advancing its interests in streaming.
In an interview with The New York Times, Sarandos emphasized that his company is committed to preserving the theatrical business and will maintain 45-day windows for new releases. He stated, "We want to win opening weekend, we want to win box office." This stance may be seen as a compromise between Netflix's interests and those of theater owners.
Earlier reports suggested that Netflix was open to a shorter window of 17 days, which would likely have been detrimental to theaters. However, the proposed 45-day window is considered more acceptable by industry stakeholders.
Sarandos also acknowledged that some people might view the theatrical business as "outmoded," but clarified that this does not apply universally. He pointed out that for someone living in a city with multiple theaters, such as Manhattan, the concept of going to see a movie at a different location might be less relevant.
The proposed deal is seen as a significant development in the ongoing battle between rival bidders on Warner Bros. Discovery. The trade organization Cinema United has expressed concerns about the consolidation of control over the film industry in the hands of a single streaming platform, warning that this could lead to reduced competition and a loss of local theaters.
As negotiations continue, it remains to be seen whether Netflix will ultimately secure the deal and what terms they can agree upon. However, Sarandos's comments suggest that his company is committed to preserving the theatrical business while also advancing its interests in streaming.
. I mean, isn't Netflix supposed to be the new way of watching movies and TV shows? Why are they trying to help out the theaters now? In my day, we used to have to wait for VHS tapes to come out or rent them at Blockbuster... those were the days 
. But, I guess this is progress or whatever 
. Theaters will survive as long as people want to see movies on the big screen, right?
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It's like, I love watching movies on Netflix just fine, but sometimes I wanna go see 'em on the big screen you know? 
And what about all these smaller theaters in cities? They're not gonna disappear overnight. I'm kinda glad Ted Sarandos is trying to find a balance here 
. Maybe this 45-day window thing is a good start, but we'll just have to wait and see what happens next 
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. I mean, yeah, it's true that a 45-day window might seem like a lot for theaters, but come on, people! It's not like they're gonna be stuck showing the same movie for months on end 
. And Sarandos's point about some cities having multiple theaters is a valid one 
. I'm all for preserving the theatrical business, but let's not forget that Netflix is just trying to grow and compete with other streaming services 
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. Sure, things are changing, but that doesn't mean old-school moviegoing isn't still relevant for a lot of people 
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It makes sense for Netflix to want that opening weekend buzz, but also acknowledging the theater owners' concerns is a good move.
I think 45-day window is pretty cool 
. They just wanna make $$ 
, wants to save theaters but also try to grow streaming biz 
. Hope negotiations go smooth 
, no more drama 
!
. The 45-day window thing makes sense, especially if they want to win at that opening weekend box office 
so like netflix is trying to make a deal with warner bros discovery and it's gonna be HUGE!! 
they're offering 45-day theater exclusivity which is actually pretty cool, i think? 
i mean on one hand i get why netflix wants 45 days of theater exclusivity - it makes sense for them to promote their movies and not let them just get lost in the streaming abyss 
but at the same time, theaters are already struggling to stay afloat and this could be the nail in the coffin 
. Do we really want Netflix dictating how theaters operate just to appease its own interests?
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the thing is tho some ppl might think theatres are out of touch