At it’s inception, Netflix was a cool idea, despite it’s analog entry into the mainstream. Digital was at the onset of the brand, however a solid cyber foundation was required to couple strategic timing and marketing. The evolutionary medium recently acquired the rights to air the NBC hit, “The Black List” that stars James Spader, for two-million dollars per episode recently. Now they’ll enable subscribers to see brand new films simultaneously as they’re released in theaters! It begins with the sequel to the Ang Lee hit “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.”
From Variety: “Netflix has reached a deal with The Weinstein Co. for its first original movie — a sequel to Ang Lee’s 2000 martial arts pic ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ — set to hit IMAX theaters and the streaming-video service simultaneously next summer. The film, “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend,” is slated for a August 28th, 2015, debut. Produced by Weinstein Co., the movie is the first of several major films to premiere day-and-date both on the SVOD service (at no extra charge) and in select IMAX theaters worldwide. Financial terms of the pact were not disclosed. Netflix has been eyeing day-and-date releases of movies, as chief content officer Ted Sarandos said in a keynote last year at the Film Independent Forum in Los Angeles. The launch of the movie is likely to catch the ire of exhibitors — who have in the past viewed digital encroachment on theatrical windows as a threat… Netflix already has an output deal with Weinstein Co. that makes the Internet-streaming provider the exclusive U.S. subscription television service for first-run films from TWC, beginning in 2016, and has other deals with the studio including the original series “Marco Polo.” ‘Fans will have unprecedented choice in how they enjoy an amazing and memorable film that combines intense action and incredible beauty,’ Sarandos said in a statement. ‘We are honored to be working with Harvey Weinstein and a world-class team of creators to bring this epic story to people all over the world and to partner with IMAX, a brand that represents the highest quality of immersive entertainment, in the distribution of this film.’ Added Harvey Weinstein, co-chairman of TWC, ‘The moviegoing experience is evolving quickly and profoundly, and Netflix is unquestionably at the forefront of that movement. We are tremendously excited to be continuing our great relationship with Netflix and bringing to fans all over the world the latest chapter in this amazing and intriguing story.’ IMAX, for its part, has high hopes for the release in China — where Netflix does not presently offer service. In territories where Netflix and IMAX simultaneously release the film.”
In addition too that, according to Business Insider, Adam Sandler has signed a four movie deal with Netflix. Sandler had the following to say: “I immediately said yes for one reason and one reason only . Netflix rhymes with Wet Chicks. Let the streaming begin!!!!” There’s no word on deal terms, but Sandler reportedly gets over $15 million per movie from traditional studios. Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/netflix-signs-adam-sandler-to-a-4-year-movie-deal-2014-10#ixzz3F3XVEynH
I spoke to Netflix Ted Sarandos of Netflix in 2007. That year he received the Trailblazer Award at the Eighth Annual Woodstock Film Festival. He spoke about his years with Superstar Video and ETD, and how the ultimate mission of NetFlix was to connect people with movies they love. As NetFlix steadily increased in its membership since its inception 1997, Ted talked about being responsible for the company’s continued growth since he joined the company in 2000. As NetFlix has acquired a multitude of subscribers, it has become one of the most viable and meaningful aspects of the film industry, in the United States.
It was then, that Sarandos expressed that eventually the majority of films will be viewed via the internet, but knew it was something yet to come. By all indications, it certainly appears that he was right, although it has yet to transpire. Movie theater companies are not pleased at all about the follow-up to “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” being available via Internet, when it hits theaters. NetFlix is continually developing the aspect of connecting their Internet service to consumers personal television sets nonetheless.
