If you are a fan of Netflix that has been soured by the price increase that the service made recently, some good news has surfaced that may make you feel a little better. Netflix may be losing the Starz deal early in 2012, but by 2013 the company will have a deal in place with animation studio DreamWorks. The deal is monumental in that it marks the first time a streaming movie company has landed a deal like this.
Exclusive Access to DreamWorks Content
Netflix will be getting access to new and old DreamWorks content before pay cable channels like HBO do. Currently, DreamWorks is in a deal with HBO that apparently expires in 2013. After that expiration, the films will hit Netflix ahead of cable. This is a significant shift in the entertainment industry, as it underscores the growing influence of streaming services over traditional cable networks.
The deal covers new films and also TV content. That means that the holiday special programs that DreamWorks has will hit Netflix as well. For instance, popular holiday specials like “Shrek the Halls” and “Merry Madagascar” will be available for streaming, making Netflix a go-to platform for family-friendly holiday entertainment. The terms of the deal are unknown, but analysts think that Netflix paid about $30 million per film to secure the deal. This investment indicates Netflix’s commitment to expanding its library with high-quality content.
Impact on the Streaming Industry
This deal is not just a win for Netflix but also a significant development for the streaming industry as a whole. It sets a precedent for future deals between streaming services and major studios. Other streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Hulu may follow suit, seeking similar agreements to bolster their content libraries. This could lead to increased competition and potentially more exclusive content deals, benefiting consumers with a wider array of viewing options.
Moreover, the deal could influence the strategies of traditional cable networks. As more studios opt for streaming-first releases, cable networks might need to rethink their content acquisition strategies. They may have to invest more in original programming or negotiate new terms with studios to retain their audience.
The partnership with DreamWorks also opens up opportunities for Netflix to explore other forms of content, such as animated series and short films. DreamWorks has a rich portfolio of animated TV shows like “Dragons: Race to the Edge” and “The Adventures of Puss in Boots,” which could be added to Netflix’s lineup. This diversification can attract different audience segments, from children to adults who enjoy animated content.
In addition to films and TV shows, Netflix could potentially collaborate with DreamWorks on new, exclusive projects. This could include original movies or series that are only available on Netflix, further enhancing the platform’s appeal. Such collaborations could also pave the way for innovative content formats, such as interactive storytelling or virtual reality experiences.
Overall, this deal signifies a major step forward for Netflix in its quest to become the leading streaming service globally. By securing exclusive rights to DreamWorks content, Netflix not only enriches its library but also strengthens its competitive edge in the ever-evolving entertainment landscape.
via NYT
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