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Netflix Is Betting Its Future on Exclusive Programming

nytimes.com

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Re: Netflix Is Betting Its Future on Exclusive Programming

#11
post #10

When Netflix first started, they were able to buy the streaming rights to old movies and TV shows for cheap, because executives thought they weren't worth anything. Now those contracts are expiring, and the studios want to jack up the rates or start their own service. Netflix is also getting squeezed by ISPs like Comcast, who want to charge them for the right to deliver video to Comcast's customers who already paid f…

You mean when Netflix streaming started - they've been around for a long time doing DVDs :).

Re: Netflix Is Betting Its Future on Exclusive Programming

#13
post #10

When Netflix first started, they were able to buy the streaming rights to old movies and TV shows for cheap, because executives thought they weren't worth anything. Now those contracts are expiring, and the studios want to jack up the rates or start their own service. Netflix is also getting squeezed by ISPs like Comcast, who want to charge them for the right to deliver video to Comcast's customers who already paid f…

Don't forget the rather oppressive DRM required by Hollywood for 4K video content. This is why 4K is currently only available for Netflix original content.

Re: Netflix Is Betting Its Future on Exclusive Programming

#14
I'm wondering why Netflix don't make a few topical shows, which could potentially increase the loyalty of their subscribers and would be very inexpensive to produce. Having their own shows similar to the daily and weekly shows on Comedy Central and HBO would add a new facet to their offerings.

Re: Netflix Is Betting Its Future on Exclusive Programming

#15
post #10

When Netflix first started, they were able to buy the streaming rights to old movies and TV shows for cheap, because executives thought they weren't worth anything. Now those contracts are expiring, and the studios want to jack up the rates or start their own service. Netflix is also getting squeezed by ISPs like Comcast, who want to charge them for the right to deliver video to Comcast's customers who already paid f…

Speaking of exclusive content, I highly highly recommend Netflix's "Daredevil" (a TV series they developed with Marvel). It's seriously some amazing content.

Re: Netflix Is Betting Its Future on Exclusive Programming

#16
“It will be like the Yankees and the Red Sox,” Mr. Hastings said. “I predict HBO will do the best creative work of their lives in the next 10 years because they are on war footing. They haven’t really had a challenge for a long time, and now they do. It’s going to spur us both on to incredible work.”

That guy has a ton of class. This war will only benefit all of us entertainment junkies.

Re: Netflix Is Betting Its Future on Exclusive Programming

#17

Seems like they're following in the footsteps of HBO, going from a distribution channel rebroadcasting others' content to being known primarily for their high quality original content. I like where this is headed. The competition will be a boon for content consumers.

Ted Sarandos (Netflix's chief content officer) has stated: "The goal is to become HBO faster than HBO can become us." [1]

So yes, your observations are spot on.

[1]: http://www.gq.com/entertainment/movies-and-tv/201302/netflix...

Re: Netflix Is Betting Its Future on Exclusive Programming

#19
Netflix has shown an ability to think of the future and adapt. Congrats to them. They started mailing DVDs, went full force into streaming old TV shows and movies, and now are pivoting again towards exclusive programming.

As a side note, it wouldn't surprise me if they are deeply concerned about an Apple TV service with a similar interface as Netflix, but more / better content. When I hear Tim Cook talk about his ideas for TV, it seems like he hates the current way TV works. Most programs aren't live, but are still shown the way they were 50 years ago for no particular reason.

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