Netflix’s Big Budget Bet
Netflix is banking on a slate of big budget films to attract new subscribers. The streamer is spending over $550 million to make just three big budget films.
Production
Hey Big Spenders
To woo subscribers away from Netflix, Disney, AT&T, and Apple are spending big bucks to produce original series content.
Netflix Lands at Shepperton
Netflix expanded its global footprint with a ten-year lease at the U.K’s Shepperton Studios. The lease grants Netflix exclusive access to a majority of Shepperton including 14 sound stages.
Rocky Media Marriage
The uneasy marriage between Lionsgate and Starz has been a rocky one from the start. The biggest clash relates to Lionsgate’s television division.
Largest Studio Merger In History
The long-awaited buyout of Fox by Disney, which was announced in December 2017, is officially scheduled to close March 20th.
Declining Production Incentives
In recent years, 13 states have ended their film incentive programs. This retreat marks a larger trend of states re-evaluating and reducing film incentive programs.
Netflix Steals Studio
Netflix has finally earned film studio status after buying ABQ Studios in Albuquerque, New Mexico last October for a steal.
China’s Hollywood Love Affair is Ending
After two years of running Legendary Entertainment into the ground, China’s Wanda Group is exploring a sale of the once great production company.
Studio Netflix
Netflix plans to release 80 films in 2018; nearly as many as all six major studios combined.
Has Scripted Television Peaked?
In 2017, 487 shows were produced, up 7% from 455 in 2016. In 2010, just 216 shows were produced. Netflix is now the largest supplier of new shows.