Expect new films on Netflix from Steven Spielberg as the American film director has just signed a major deal with the streaming platform to produce multiple films every year.
The partnership with Tinsletown’s (arguably) best director is a major boost for Netflix at a time when streaming rivals including Disney+ and HBO Max are heating up.
In a joint statement about the Netflix deal, Spielberg praised “this new avenue for our films” as an “amazing opportunity to tell new stories together and reach audiences in new ways.”
Spielberg also praised his close relationship with Netflix co-CEO and content chief Ted Sarandos, a former industry outsider who has broken the barriers to become one of Hollywood’s top power brokers.
“We cannot wait to get to work with the Amblin team and we are honoured and thrilled to be part of this chapter of Steven’s cinematic history,” said Sarandos.
The announcement does not say much about whether Spielberg, who in recent years has produced many more films than he has directed, will personally direct any of the Netflix movies.
But the deal comes as the industry pivots from a model that insisted on lengthy, exclusive “windows” for movie theatre releases, to one in which major films often appear on streaming platforms simultaneously or very soon after they hit the big screen ― or even not consider cinemas altogether.
The deal also did not specify if the films the American director works on will also be shown on the big screen.
Other top directors who have recently joined forces with Netflix include Martin Scorsese (The Irishman), Spike Lee (Da 5 Bloods) and David Fincher (Mank).
*Cover Image Credits: Craig Sjodin / ABC via Getty Images
Post comments (0)