Netflix is no stranger to making original TV anymore, but it seems it has bigger plans than that: it’s floating the idea that it’ll foot the bill for a “big” movie, which would appear in cinemas and on Netflix at the same time.
All Things D reports that Netflix’s content boss Ted Sarandos is interested in breaking into movies, and he’s told investors during an earnings call that they should “keep [their] mind wide open to what those films would be and what they would look like.” Then, on the weekend, during a speech, he went further:
“What we’re trying to do for TV, the model should extend pretty nicely to movies. Meaning, why not premiere movies on Netflix, the same day they’re opening in theatres? And not little movies — there’s a lot of ways, and lot of people to do that [already]. Why not big movies? Why not follow the consumers’ desire to watch things when they want?”
It’s not obvious how well that model will work, but that doesn’t matter to an extent. Netflix is trying to assert its position, try things out, and do whatever it can to grow and develop. And if that means more interesting content, then who are we to argue? We just wish it would make itself available outside of North America. [All Things D]