Netflix thinks less is more

IN what may be a far-reaching decision, Netflix, one of the big online movie distribution channels, will not renew its contract with cable network Epix in the US which means that a certain part of its film repertoire will disappear.

The content affected includes such films as the Hunger Games and Transformers franchises.

Having said this, we understand that most of the films supplied by Epix are available through other outlets and Netflix intends to devote its finances towards exclusive presentations and funding films and other shows. What is not clear at this stage is how Netflix in other countries will be affected as they may well have different arrangements with different companies.

“While many of these movies are popular, they are also widely available on cable and other subscription platforms at the same time as they are on Netflix,” Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s chief content officer, said in a statement. “Through our original films and some innovative licensing arrangements with the movie studios, we are aiming to build a better movie experience for you.”

He went on to add: “It will take us time to build a robust slate of original movies, but we’re hard at work on it with such great stars and directors as Brad Pitt, Ricky Gervais, Judd Apatow, Angelina Jolie, Sofia Coppola and Adam Sandler.”

Starting next year, Netflix will have exclusive rights to show new films from the Walt Disney Company after they leave theatres, and the company has a deal to develop shows with DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc.

This move follows the wide range of new product being produced exclusively for Amazon which very quickly announced that following Jeremy Clarkson´s ejection from the BBC and Top Gear, Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond would re-unite in a similar series aimed at petrol heads on the Amazon channel.