Streaming
This Deal Is a BFG: Roald Dahl Story Company Acquired by Netflix
It’s all giant peaches and chocolate factories over at Netflix! The streaming giant just purchased the Roald Dahl Story Company for a mystery figure (a dozen golden eggs, I presume). With the legendary British author’s entire bibliography at their disposal, Netflix will now be able to build an entire universe of Dahl-related content across all mediums and platforms. The deal, which started small as a 2018 pact between the two companies to give streaming access to 16 animated titles, includes an upcoming Charlie and the Chocolate Factory series from Taika Waititi and Phil Jonston and Matilda The Musical with Sony and Working Title. According to Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, “Netflix and The Roald Dahl Story Company share a deep love of storytelling and a growing, global fan base. Together, we have an extraordinary opportunity to write multiple new chapters of these beloved stories, delighting children and adults around the world for generations to come.” My childhood and I couldn’t be more excited.
Film
Oh-Tay! Amazon Studios Gives Eddie Murphy a Three-Picture Deal
Jeff Bezos must be a Buckwheat fan, because he’s doubling down on Eddie Murphy. The comedian just signed a three-picture deal with Amazon Studios, hot off their joint success with Coming 2 America. As part of the deal, Murphy will star in three films for the studio while also developing orginal film projects for Prime Video with the option to star in them. The actor’s fans will be thrilled with the news, especially considering the long haiatus Murphy took from the limelight. With a new Beverly Hills Cop installment on the agenda, there will be plenty of hijinx to be had over at Amazon. This deal is a sign of the times, as top-tier talent is being scooped up left and right by the giant streamers in the hopes of developing new exclusive content. Murphy’s deal is a big one, and it’s sure to encourage more iconic stars to follow suit. Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, had this to say: “Eddie is a legend both in front of and behind the camera. With undeniable comedic and dramatic genius, he consistently delivers entertaining, original stories and characters to audiences around the world. We could not be more excited to help carry on the tradition and to officially welcome Eddie into the Amazon family.”
Tech
Coming to a House Near You: Nordic Streamer Viaplay To Launch in New Regions
Viaplay, the streaming service from Nordic Entertainment Group, is about to roll out to several new markets. Five, to be exact. Through 2023, Viaplay will launch in regions across Europe, starting with the U.K. in 2022, bringing its presence to 16 different countries in total. This expansion includes Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and even the U.S. Viaplay will offer viewers Nordic series, features, local content, documentaries, and children’s programming. In addition to launching as a direct-to-consumer product, Viaplay will also form alliances with local distributors to reach audiences. “We have stepped up the pace and scale of Viaplay’s international expansion,” said Anders Jensen, NENT Group President and CEO. “We have acquired virtually all of the international sports rights that we targeted and for multiple cycles in several cases; added one more market to our roll-out ambition; signed innovative partnership agreements; and raised the bar when it comes to our investments in original content … As a result, we are increasing our subscriber and revenue growth targets, as well as our target profitability levels."
Music
Money (That’s What I Want): Universal Has Big Day Thanks to Amsterdam
It was a big day for Universal Music Group, whose shares jumped 39% during their first trading period on the Euronext Amsterdam exchange. While the era of streaming did a huge amount of damage to the traditional music business model, platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have buoyed the industry’s prospects in recent years. As it stands, streaming makes up about 80% of the industry’s U.S. revenue, forcing artists to mostly put their focus on touring and other sources to earn the money they once got from physical sales. And with the limits imposed by the pandemic, that’s been a tall mountain to climb for most. And yet Universal, propped up by talents such as The Beatles, Drake, Bob Dylan, and Taylor Swift, managed to end their first day with a valuation of almost $53 billion. Wow. As far as consolation prizes go, I’d certainly take it.
Industry
Special Update: IATSE To Seek Strike Authorization
In a move that could disrupt production everywhere, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees informed its members that it would be asking for strike authorization over their fight to secure better working conditions. Frustrated with low pay and unmanageable work hours, stage employees are seeking things like more strict missed meal break penalties and a larger share of streaming project compensation. In a communication, union leaders said, “Today, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers informed the IATSE that they do not intend to respond to our comprehensive package proposal presented to them over a week ago. This failure to continue negotiating can only be interpreted one way. They simply will not address the core issues we have repeatedly advocated for from the beginning. As a result, we will now proceed with a nationwide strike authorization vote to demonstrate our commitment to achieving the change that is long overdue in this industry.” In response, the AMPTP argued that it “put forth a deal-closing comprehensive proposal that meaningfully addresses the IATSE’s key bargaining issues.” Hopefully, the two parties will come to an agreement and avert any long-term shutdown of the industry.
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