Amazon Prime’s adaptation of sci-fi classic “The War of the Worlds” is drubbed by critics as the worst film of the year, but it’s topping the video streaming viewing charts. The new “War of the Worlds” has a rock-bottom 3% approval in the Tomatometer metric for aggregate professional critics’ reviews. The lowest favorable rating on the Rotten Tomatoes digital website devoted … [Read more...] about Amazon Film Panned But Viewership Huge
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Attribution Exercise: Content Driving Subscriptions
Audience-researcher Parrot Analytics developed what it calls its Content Valuation system that attributes specific numbers of subscriber growth at video streaming platforms to specific program content. “Examples of titles that illustrate [Disney+] ‘Streaming Window of Theatrical Movies’ strength in 1H25 [first half of calendar 2025] include ‘Deadpool & Wolverine,’ … [Read more...] about Attribution Exercise: Content Driving Subscriptions
‘F1’ Success Revs Up Apple Films
The cinema success of car-racing yarn “F1: The Movie” propels Apple TV+’s original film ambitions that have been an enigma since the late Steve Jobs ran the tech giant. In 2007, journalists demanded to know why the company didn’t drop its then-foundering Apple TV hardware product suite, to which Jobs answered, “For us, Apple TV is just a hobby.” That flip reply drew chuckles … [Read more...] about ‘F1’ Success Revs Up Apple Films
Amazon Emerging as Major Movie Studio
Of all the video streamers, Amazon MGM Studios seems to be emerging in the form of a traditional major studio, particularly evidenced by a robust slate of original films. Pictured are stars taking a group selfie photo at a staged Amazon presentation (Ben Affleck at center, Vivica A. Fox holding selfie pole at center, and Ryan Gosling at upper right) at the United Cinemas' … [Read more...] about Amazon Emerging as Major Movie Studio
Best Bet for Netflix: Acquiring Theatricals
Netflix gets a better economic return from licensing hit theatrical films, which are more cost effective and hold up better in viewing than its original films, says researcher Ampere Analysis. “Netflix's big-budget originals like 'Damsel' and 'Lift' burn bright but fade quickly,” says a Hollywood Reporter story by Scott Roxborough, summarizing the Ampere report "Unpacking … [Read more...] about Best Bet for Netflix: Acquiring Theatricals
Netflix Keeps Original Movies Flowing
Netflix’s large slate of original movies serves as a big marketing lever. The world’s leading streamer with more than 301 million subscribers globally (90 million in U.S./Canada) unveiled its slate of 39 original films for the remaining 11 months of this year. It’s a wide mix of big-budget glitz, medium-budget fare, feature-length documentaries and animation, many with big-name … [Read more...] about Netflix Keeps Original Movies Flowing
Algorithm Film Data Sinks Sequel
An attempt to mount a sequel to 2001 medieval action-comedy classic “A Knight’s Tale” was scuttled by poor results when Netflix analyzed the concept using its audience data, says a film director involved. Algorithmic data of viewing patterns prompted Netflix to drop the idea. Algorithms are mathematical problem-solving calculations that detect patterns in data. “My … [Read more...] about Algorithm Film Data Sinks Sequel
Netflix Affirms Film Ambitions
It was thought original streaming films are on the chopping block amid cuts in spending across video streaming. Industry leader Netflix, however, reiterated a full-throated commitment to made-for-streaming films, both big and small, in its quarterly earnings call Thursday. “There is no appetite to make fewer films, but there is an unlimited appetite to make better films … [Read more...] about Netflix Affirms Film Ambitions
‘Freddy’s’ Boxoffice Pops Despite Peacock Streams
Horror film “Five Nights at Freddy’s” achieved amazing premiere boxoffice despite its simultaneous run on the Peacock video streaming service. Just a $20 million movie production, “Freddy’’s” posted a humongous $80 million domestically (U.S. and Canada) for Universal Pictures for the Oct. 27-29 weekend while streaming concurrently on Peacock. Both Universal and Peacock are … [Read more...] about ‘Freddy’s’ Boxoffice Pops Despite Peacock Streams
Netflix Hot on Films, Warms to Big Screen
Netflix will offer 27 original films from September to December, reaffirming movies as a pillar of its programming, including what seems a growing number with minor theatrical windows before streaming. Some 11 of the 27 have a short exclusive cinema run ("in select theaters"), which is a growing phenomenon. The movies run the gamut with adult dramas, romantic fare, family … [Read more...] about Netflix Hot on Films, Warms to Big Screen