FilmTake

Disney Aims At Netflix

February 6, 2020 FilmTake Comments Off

Disney+ nearly triples its subscriber base since launching in November. Through January, the streaming service has 28.6 million subscribers, up from 10 million weeks after it debuted.

UPDATED: Sundance Heats Up

January 28, 2020 FilmTake Comments Off

After a slow start to the 35th annual Sundance Film Festival, the weekend produced a handful of sizable deals, including from Amazon Studios, Searchlight Pictures, and Lionsgate.

Sundance Slumps

January 26, 2020 FilmTake Comments Off

Deal activity is muted so far at this year’s festival despite claims that producers and sales agents were withholding their best films at TIFF in September to introduce at Sundance.

Netflix Results Are In

January 22, 2020 FilmTake Comments Off

Netflix missed its subscriber forecast in the US and Canada. Despite that, the streamer beat its overseas estimate of 7 million by adding 8.33 million.

What US Independent Distributors Want

January 21, 2020 FilmTake Comments Off

Discover in their own words what elements 26 US distributors are searching for when they acquire distribution rights at Sundance.

Netflix Shatters Glass Ceiling

January 21, 2020 FilmTake Comments Off

Netflix shocked most industry observers by receiving a leading 24 Academy Award nominations, more than any other distributor, including two for Best Picture.

Will Sundance Boom or Bust?

January 20, 2020 FilmTake Comments Off

After a lackluster Sundance in 2018, last year was full of mega-deals, especially by Netflix and Amazon. Buyers spent over $120 million acquiring rights to some 40 films.

Apple Considers MGM Buyout

January 15, 2020 FilmTake Comments Off

After the abysmal start to Apple’s new streaming service, Apple TV+, the tech company is searching for relevance with a new leader and a possible strategic acquisition.

Production Battle of Britain

January 15, 2020 FilmTake Comments Off

There is a mad rush by the most significant content creators, especially streaming services, to utilize the production infrastructure in England as a base of European operations.

Georgia Tax Credits Draw Scrutiny

January 13, 2020 FilmTake Comments Off

Georgia released a report calling into question the value of the state’s popular film and television production credit program.

Sony Shutters Streaming Service

January 8, 2020 FilmTake Comments Off

Sony Pictures is shutting down its PlayStation Vue streaming television service in the first quarter of 2020. Rising content costs and a plethora of choices have made the service untenable.

Box Office Declines

January 6, 2020 FilmTake Comments Off

The box office in North America was down almost 5% from 2018 even after rising ticket prices, and despite a slew of mega-budget franchise films being released.

Netflix Claims Originals Win Out

January 1, 2020 FilmTake Comments Off

Netflix continues to publicize unsubstantiated claims that its original films and shows outperform third-party content contrary to all independent research.

Netflix Takes Europe

December 31, 2019 FilmTake Comments Off

To gain a global content edge, Netflix has set into motion a EU production boom with plans to produce over 225 films and shows in Europe. Netflix currently controls 53% of the SVOD market in Europe.

Cinema Consolidation

December 26, 2019 FilmTake Comments Off

British film exhibitor Cineworld is now the largest theater chain in North America after buying out Canada’s Cineplex for $2.1 billion, which was a whopping 42% premium.

Since first delivering DVDs to homes via the postal service, Netflix has come to dominate the SVOD market. The streamer has 67 million subscribers in North America, which takes its total to nearly 160 million worldwide.