Netflix Pledges 45-Day Theatrical Releases, Says Ted Sarandos
Concerns have emerged regarding Netflix’s potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery and its impact on the theatrical film industry. However, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos reassured stakeholders in a recent interview with The New York Times that the streaming giant intends to maintain a commitment to movie theaters.
Netflix’s Commitment to Theatrical Releases
Sarandos emphasized that if the merger proceeds, Netflix will implement a 45-day theatrical release window for upcoming films from Warner Bros. Discovery. He underscored that the company values the movie-going experience and intends to support a system that has generated substantial revenue.
Support for Theatrical Distribution
- Sarandos stated, “I want to win opening weekend. I want to win box office.”
- He acknowledged the importance of theatrical distribution, describing it as a phenomenal engine that brings in billions.
- Previous indications suggested a shift away from traditional release models, causing speculation about prioritizing streaming over theaters.
In his latest remarks, Sarandos clarified that his previous comments regarding theaters being “outmoded” were misinterpreted. He highlighted that not all communities have access to nearby cinemas, making the theatrical experience less practical for some audiences.
Industry Perspectives
The CEO of Cinema United, Michael O’Leary, recently noted that a 45-day theatrical release window could serve as a necessary benchmark for ongoing industry success. However, the merger’s signals might lead some viewers to prefer waiting for films to stream on Netflix instead of visiting theaters.
While Netflix aims to blend traditional theatrical strategies with modern streaming practices, the implications of this acquisition on the broader film industry remain to be seen.
