Netflix and the Weinstein Company announced yesterday that they plan to release the sequel to “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” simultaneously via Netflix and a select number of IMAX theaters next August. This will mark the first time a major film debuts via online streaming and in theaters at the same time. The follow-up to Ang Lee’s Academy Award-winning martial arts drama will reportedly be the first of several films backed by Netflix that are expected to follow the new release model. Continue reading ‘Crouching Tiger’ Sequel Slated to Debut Via Netflix and IMAX

During a keynote at the ninth annual Film Independent Forum over the weekend, Netflix executive Ted Sarandos told attendees the video streaming giant might begin releasing its own movies. During the 40-minute speech at the DGA Theater in Los Angeles, the chief content officer attributed the move to the fact that theater owners are resistant to let movies bow day-and-date on Netflix, and that they are not supportive of innovation. Continue reading Netflix Executive Says Theater Owners Resistant to Innovation

Ted Sarandos, chief content officer for Netflix, has met with some criticism for not playing by traditional media development and distribution rules, but has remained unapologetic as Netflix has emerged as one of the most attractive buyers of original programming. In an interview for the May 31 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine, Sarandos discusses the future of online streaming and his disdain for the existing TV model. Continue reading THR Interview: Ted Sarandos Discusses the Future of Netflix