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.

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.

Streaming

Netflix’s New Advertising Tier is Off to a Shaky Start

Netflix’s ad-based tier aims to reduce the high churn the company faced in 2022, attract new subscribers, and lure back those who canceled. However, by all measures, the rushed experiment is failing. Netflix’s AVOD tier accounts for just 12% of its subscriber base.

Streaming

Streaming Services Revert to Advertising to Drive Subscriber Growth

Last year was the first year in the previous four years that didn’t welcome a new subscription streaming service from Hollywood’s major players. The lack of a new streaming service did not stop the existing services from offering new ways to watch content through paid and free ad-supported options.