There’s been a great deal of talk recently over the idea of streaming services replacing the theatrical experience, particularly with Steven Spielberg appearing to be on the front lines of making sure Netflix doesn’t receive the same treatment as other studios in regards to Oscars. We’ve heard from the “Jurassic Park” filmmaker, as well as other filmmakers and actors. But honestly, there’s been a lot of talk, but not much in the way of proposed solutions. That’s where Sean Baker comes in.
The filmmaker behind indie darlings “Tangerine” and “The Florida Project” has entered his opinion into the official record known as Twitter, and while he doesn’t take sides, he does offer the kernel of an idea that might solve the whole problem.
“Wouldn’t it be great if [Netflix] offered a ‘theatrical tier’ to their pricing plans?” the filmmaker tweeted. “For a nominal fee, Netflix members could see Netflix films in theaters for free. I know I’d spend an extra 2 dollars a month to see films like Roma or Buster Scruggs on the big screen.”
He continued, “Just an idea with no details ironed out. But we need to find solutions like this in which everybody bends a bit in order to keep the film community (which includes theater owners, film festivals and competitive distributors) alive and kicking.”
Unfortunately, there’s a pretty big issue that Baker seems to be forgetting – exhibitor exclusivity. You see, the reason Netflix has such a hard time getting its films into nationwide theaters is that the streaming service will not back down from its insistence that the films are released either day and date on its streaming service or only a few weeks later, as was the case with “Roma.”
AMC and the other major theater chains don’t like this. They’re still fighting for the 90-day exclusivity window that prevents films from hitting digital services for 90 days after the film’s theatrical debut. So, even if Netflix were to add a new pricing tier, and offer its films in theaters, the truth is that not many people would be able to see them anyway. That is, unless you are lucky enough to have a strong independent theater near you.
However, regardless of his plan’s possible outcome, Baker is trying to come up with a creative solution. We’ll just have to see if others follow suit. Otherwise, we’re in for a lot of back and forth, as the old guard is unwilling to change for the new guard, and the new guard doesn’t want to compromise.
https://twitter.com/Lilfilm/status/1102014976170967043
https://twitter.com/Lilfilm/status/1102014978398203904
https://twitter.com/Lilfilm/status/1102014979346116608
