Hollywood's Big Shift: What Netflix's Deal Means for Movies
Gaëtan Bruel, France's top cinema official, has expressed concerns about Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery. He shared his thoughts at the Red Sea Film Festival, highlighting potential negative impacts on movie theaters.
Concerns About Theater Attendance
Bruel worries that Netflix might reduce the number of movies shown in theaters. He cited a similar issue when Disney acquired Fox, leading to a decline in theater attendance.
- 2019: 8 billion tickets sold worldwide
- 2023: Less than 5 billion tickets sold
He also criticized Netflix for using theaters primarily to promote its streaming service rather than supporting theaters adequately.
Optimistic Perspectives
Not everyone shares Bruel's concerns. Julie La'Bassiere, a strategy expert, believes the deal could benefit independent filmmakers. She hopes it will encourage more creative and unique content.
Ali Jaafar, a film division head, agrees and thinks local producers in the Middle East could have new opportunities. If Netflix removes HBO content from OSN, they might need local shows to fill the gap.
A Mix of Worries and Hopes
While some are concerned about the future of movie theaters, others see this as an opportunity for new voices in the film industry. The outcome remains uncertain, with a blend of worries and hopes for the future of movies.
