Netflix, Inc. and FilmDistrict announced a multi-year agreement through which first-run, theatrically-released films distributed by FilmDistrict will be licensed to Netflix for streaming over the Internet a few months after their release on DVD.
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Unedited press release follows:
Netflix and FilmDistrict Announce Agreement to Stream First-Run Theatrical Films to Netflix Members
First Movies to be Included Under the Deal in 2011 are the Crime Drama ‘Drive’ and the Sci-Fi Adventure ‘Lockout’
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Dec. 1, 2010 — Netflix, Inc. (Nasdaq: NFLX) and FilmDistrict, a multi-faceted acquisition, distribution, production, and financing company, today announced a multi-year agreement through which first-run, theatrically-released films distributed by FilmDistrict will be licensed to Netflix for streaming over the Internet in the “pay TV window” a few months after their release on DVD.
Under the deal, major motion pictures that traditionally would have been licensed to premium cable channels will flow instead from FilmDistrict to Netflix for streaming to its members, beginning in 2011.
Among the first films to be covered under the deal are “Drive,” director Nicolas Winding Refn’s adaptation of the James Sallis’ crime tale starring the Academy Award®-nominated duo Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan, and the sci-fi action adventure film “Lockout,” starring Guy Pearce and Maggie Grace, produced and co-written by Luc Besson, and co-directed by James Mather and Stephen St. Leger.
Broadening the variety and timeliness of content available for Netflix members to watch instantly is among the company’s highest priorities as it rapidly transforms itself into a service focused on streaming movies and TV shows over the Internet.
FilmDistrict was created earlier this year by Oscar®-winning producer Graham King and his business partners Tim Headington and Peter Schlessel, who became FilmDistrict’s CEO. Recently, film industry veterans Bob Berney and Adrian Alperovich joined FilmDistrict as president of film distribution and president of acquisitions and operations, respectively.
Said Ted Sarandos, chief content officer for Netflix: “Netflix has a long and successful history working with Peter Schlessel and Bob Berney, and I have long admired Graham King’s amazing production success with movies like ‘The Departed’ and ‘Blood Diamond,’ which are among the most watched and highly rated movies of all time by Netflix members. We are thrilled to be in business with these proven tastemakers and entertainment business leaders.”
“We are very excited about this new relationship with Netflix,” said Mr. Alperovich. “The innovative and flexible entrepreneurial spirit they have demonstrated makes them a perfect partner for us as we build FilmDistrict into a strong independent distributor.”
“Netflix has strategically developed a bold business model and they love movies,” added Mr. Berney. “They have cultivated a loyal audience that gives FilmDistrict great opportunities for growth.”
About Netflix
With more than 16 million members in the United States and Canada, Netflix, Inc. [Nasdaq: NFLX] is the world’s leading Internet subscription service for enjoying movies and TV shows. For $7.99 a month, Netflix members can instantly watch unlimited movies and TV episodes streamed over the Internet to PCs, Macs and TVs. Among the large and expanding base of devices streaming from Netflix are Microsoft’s Xbox 360, Nintendo’s Wii and Sony’s PS3 consoles; an array of Blu-ray disc players, Internet-connected TVs, home theater systems, digital video recorders and Internet video players; Apple’s iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, as well as Apple TV and Google TV. In all, more than 200 devices that stream from Netflix are available in the U.S. and a growing number are available in Canada.