©Courtesy of Netflix 

As the Warner Bros./Netflix deal heads toward closure, industry observers are wondering about the impact the new arrangements may have on movie houses. Some insiders are saying that Netflix’s insistence on a “17-day window” might be disruptive to traditional channels of theatrical distribution.

Exhibitors are putting pressure on the streamer to prioritize theatrical distribution in its negotiations. It has been reported that Ted Sarandos, the co-CEO of Netflix, is a strong proponent of the 17-day window, which Universal Pictures already uses. 

Sarandos once described traditional theatrical release model as an “outmoded idea” but he has more recently been quoted as saying: “There’s been a lot of talk about theatrical distribution, so we want to set the record straight: we are 100% committed to releasing Warner Bros. films in theaters with industry-standard windows.” Exactly what he meant by “industry-standard windows” remains vague.

 

Netflix reportedly plans to keep films in theaters for only 17 days after any Netflix-Warner Bros. deal would be consummated. According to Deadline, this strategy would “steamroll the theatrical business.” Major chains like AMC continue to push for a 45-day window.

The controversy about the 17-day window is exposing some raw nerves in the movie business. As an example, Jordan Ruima wrote in Deadline that “the real villain in this story is Warner Bros CEO David Zaslav — a man who stands to become a billionaire if a Netflix deal goes through, a man who seemingly couldn’t give a sh*t about the future of movies. Zaslav has been steadily devaluing cinema since his reign of terror began at WBD more than three years ago. His legacy may ultimately be that of an executive who sold his soul to the devil in service of the bottom line.”

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