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 an Amazon presentation (Ben Affleck at center, Vivica A. Fox holding selfie pole at center, and Ryan Gosling at upper right). Amazon MGM made a statement … [Read more...] about Amazon Emerging as Major Movie Studio
digital distribution
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
Labor Strife Crimps Film Marketing
The strike by Hollywood screenwriters might seem distant to film marketing, which focuses on release-ready films, but labor turmoil is taking a toll on cinema premieres. Myriad secondary impacts from Hollywood labor strife are crimping movie marketing: * Uncertainty that film talent will do publicity for finished films. * Awards events are under boycott threat. * TV … [Read more...] about Labor Strife Crimps Film Marketing
Discounting Fever Engulfs Film Biz
With recession fears looming, price cuts are beginning to pop up across the movie landscape at video streamers, while being considered by theaters. In some cases, these take the form of bundling multiple streaming services or offering a cheaper advertising-supported streaming service, as Netflix and AMC+ have done recently. NBCUniversal’s mainstream video streamer Peacock … [Read more...] about Discounting Fever Engulfs Film Biz
Netflix Markets Titles, Less the Brand
Netflix is shifting its marketing focus to individual titles instead of its brand, finding a general messaging of value and breadth-of-content is no longer compelling, according to a New York Times article. The video streaming industry leader, with 230 million subscribers worldwide, finds subscribers restless and prone to canceling to jump to emerging competition from … [Read more...] about Netflix Markets Titles, Less the Brand