Netflix Seeks Theatrical Win with 45-Day Windows: What It Means for Cinemas
In a bid to ease concerns about its proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix co-chief executive Ted Sarandos has announced that the company will maintain 45-day windows for movies in theaters if its deal is approved.
If the deal goes through, theater owners can look forward to a relatively short window in which their cinemas can showcase new releases before they become available on the streaming giant's platform. This move would be a significant departure from Netflix's previously stated plan of supporting a 17-day window, which would have had far more damaging effects on theaters.
The news comes as Netflix seeks to bolster its position in the highly competitive film industry. Sarandos expressed his desire to win opening weekends and box office battles, suggesting that he wants the company to remain competitive in the theatrical business.
However, some experts argue that maintaining a 45-day window could be seen as an attempt by Netflix to appease theater owners who have opposed the proposed sale. The cinema industry has already faced significant challenges due to the rise of streaming services, and many chains have expressed concerns about the potential impact of a single dominant platform on production and distribution.
Sarandos's comments also raised questions about his previous statement that the theatrical business is an "outmoded" idea for some people. While he clarified that this term does not apply to everyone, including those living in urban areas with access to multiple theaters, the comments seem designed to reassure theater owners who have been vocal in their opposition to the sale.
As the fate of Warner Bros. Discovery remains a major topic in Hollywood, Netflix's approach to maintaining 45-day windows for movies in theaters may prove to be a key factor in its bid to win over theater owners and secure approval for the deal.
In a bid to ease concerns about its proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix co-chief executive Ted Sarandos has announced that the company will maintain 45-day windows for movies in theaters if its deal is approved.
If the deal goes through, theater owners can look forward to a relatively short window in which their cinemas can showcase new releases before they become available on the streaming giant's platform. This move would be a significant departure from Netflix's previously stated plan of supporting a 17-day window, which would have had far more damaging effects on theaters.
The news comes as Netflix seeks to bolster its position in the highly competitive film industry. Sarandos expressed his desire to win opening weekends and box office battles, suggesting that he wants the company to remain competitive in the theatrical business.
However, some experts argue that maintaining a 45-day window could be seen as an attempt by Netflix to appease theater owners who have opposed the proposed sale. The cinema industry has already faced significant challenges due to the rise of streaming services, and many chains have expressed concerns about the potential impact of a single dominant platform on production and distribution.
Sarandos's comments also raised questions about his previous statement that the theatrical business is an "outmoded" idea for some people. While he clarified that this term does not apply to everyone, including those living in urban areas with access to multiple theaters, the comments seem designed to reassure theater owners who have been vocal in their opposition to the sale.
As the fate of Warner Bros. Discovery remains a major topic in Hollywood, Netflix's approach to maintaining 45-day windows for movies in theaters may prove to be a key factor in its bid to win over theater owners and secure approval for the deal.
! They're really trying to make amends with cinemas, right? I mean, 45 days is still pretty long, but it's a lot better than that 17-day window they were proposing, you know? 
It shows they're willing to listen to theater owners and compromise. Plus, Ted Sarandos saying theaters are "outmoded" was kinda harsh, so I'm glad he clarified that 
. But seriously, this move could be a game-changer for Netflix in the film industry. They want those box office wins and openings, just like everyone else 
! And let's be real, who doesn't love going to the movies on opening night? 
. It's all about supporting our fave film folks 
. Sarandos seems like a cool cat trying to balance his streaming and cinematic love 
!
. Like, don't get me wrong, cinemas are struggling and all that, but Netflix still wants to control the distribution of their movies? It's a bit too much power, you know? They're just gonna milk it for as long as they can before making it available online.
.
. I mean, think about it – all these movies and shows are just a stream of consciousness anyway, so why can't we have both options? It's like trying to decide between pizza and tacos 
- you're still gonna end up eating both! But seriously, this is a bold move by Netflix, and I'm curious to see how theaters will react to the new plan 
. I mean, Netflix has been growing so fast and now wants to be competitive at the box office too? It's like they're trying to have their cake and eat it too 
. The cinemas are already struggling because of streaming services and all this drama with Warner Bros. Discovery... let's hope Netflix can make it work for everyone involved 
.
. And who knows, maybe this 45-day window thing will actually help them find a balance between streaming and theater releases? 
It's all about finding that sweet spot now 
.
, 45 days is still super short for cinemas to show new releases! It's like they're trying to suck all the life out of movie-going as we know it 
. I get that Netflix wants to stay competitive in theaters, but do they have to be so blatant about it? It's like they're saying "we're going to take your money and then give you a tiny window to see what we're doing" 
. This whole thing just feels like Netflix is trying to strong-arm their way into the industry without giving anyone a break 
it's all about competition, i guess. the cinema industry is already struggling with streaming services like netflix so they need to be able to offer some kind of balance between new releases and old favorites 
... like what's wrong with just giving them 17 days, ya know? It feels like Netflix is trying to buy their loyalty or something 
. Ted Sarandos seems like he's trying to be all diplomatic and stuff, but I'm not buying it entirely... or am I? 
