Distribution

Deciphering Content Licensing in an Evolving Streaming Ecosystem

The world of streaming filmed entertainment is experiencing a significant transformation. This evolution is marked by strategic transitions in content licensing, changes in audience metrics, and the emergence of new alliances among industry heavyweights such as Netflix, Disney, and Warner Bros.

Distribution

Studios Revamp Licensing Strategy: Exclusive Distribution Era Ends

Warner Bros. Discovery has lost 2.5 million subscribers in its direct-to-consumer (DTC) division, encompassing HBO cable subscriptions and the Max and Discovery+ streaming services. The company also experienced a massive loss in advertising revenue for linear television, which still keeps the lights on at many studios.

Distribution

45 Top Titles on Offer at AFM

A roundup of 45 independent films receiving the most significant attention at AFM. As evidenced by the list below, AFM remains a robust market for genre films, and many producers and distributors are reporting strong demand for horror, action, and science fiction titles heading into the market.

Distribution

Ripples in the Reel: How Strikes are Shaping the Future of Film

AFM approaches amidst unprecedented industry turbulence. While there was hope for a post-Covid recovery, this year’s AFM finds itself under the cloud of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, a dispute reshaping not just this year’s film market but the very fabric of the film and television world.

Streaming

Netflix Delivers Soaring Financials, But It Wants More from Subscribers

After posting impressive financial results, Netflix still wants more from its subscribers in several key markets. The streaming giant will hike prices for certain subscription tiers in the US, UK, and France. While its new ad and Standard plans remain unchanged, its Basic and Premium plans will increase.

Distribution

Starz Lost Access to Pay-One Rights for Major Studio Films

Starz’s access to third-party content was severely diminished when it lost Pay-One rights to films released by Sony Pictures after Netflix swopped in last year. Starz only has Pay-One rights to films released by its sibling company, Lionsgate, which HBO and FX previously held.

Distribution

Universal’s Unique Deal Bifurcates Pay-One Rights Between Multiple Streamers

Universal Pictures bifurcates the 18-month Pay-One Film Licensing Window for its streaming service Peacock and Amazon. After four initial months on Peacock, Universal’s live-action films will stream exclusively on Amazon’s Prime Video for ten months before returning to Peacock for the final four months.