Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos responds to criticisms over the streaming service’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery on ‘The Claman Countdown.’
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos accused legendary director James Cameron of believing misinformation after Cameron criticized Netflix’s potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).
“I am significantly stunned and disenchanted that James selected to be a part of the Paramount disinformation marketing campaign that is been happening for months about this deal,” Sarandos mentioned on “The Claman Countdown” Friday.
Netflix introduced its proposed acquisition of WBD, together with HBO and HBO Max, in December. Days later, Paramount Skydance submitted a counter-all-cash provide.
Not too long ago, Netflix has obtained an outpouring of criticism from some members of the Hollywood elite and California leaders over its proposed buy of the studios.
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos and legendary director James Cameron. (LEFT (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Photos), RIGHT (Araya Doheny/Getty Photos for SAG-AFTRA Basis) / Getty Photos)
Cameron raised issues concerning the deal in a letter to Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competitors Coverage and Shopper Rights.
Within the letter, the “Titanic” and “Avatar” director mentioned Netflix’s enterprise mannequin is “instantly at odds” with the theatrical movie manufacturing enterprise.
“Theaters will shut. Fewer movies shall be made. Service suppliers similar to VFX corporations will exit of enterprise. The job losses will spiral,” the letter reads partially.
Sarandos mentioned he was “stunned” by Cameron’s criticism of Netflix’s proposed WBD acquisition.
“I met with James personally in late December and laid out for him our 45-day dedication to the theatrical exhibition of movies and to the Warner Brothers slate,” the Netflix co-CEO mentioned. “I’ve talked about that dedication within the press numerous occasions. I swore underneath oath in entrance of the Senate subcommittee on antitrust that that is what we have been doing.”
Paramount is bidding towards Netflix to amass Warner Bros. Discovery and its streaming service HBO Max. (AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Photos / Getty Photos)
Cameron has vocalized his concern that Netflix was pledging a theatrical launch window of 17 days, however the firm has repeatedly affirmed it is going to be 45 days.
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“45 days of theatrical exclusivity – that has been clear from the start,” Sarandos mentioned. “I’ve by no means even uttered the phrase 17-day window.”
The Hollywood director additionally mentioned Netflix would scale back the variety of movies WBD releases to theaters every year, at present about 15, a declare Sarandos rebuked.
“We’ll hold the Warner Brothers movie and tv studio working largely as it’s right this moment,” he advised FOX Enterprise. “Motion pictures going to the theaters for 45 days, a wholesome, sturdy slate of movies yearly. That’s gonna proceed.”
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos insisted the streaming service would have higher management over Warner Bros. Discovery, citing Paramount’s current enterprise struggles. ( Gabby Jones/Bloomberg by way of Getty Photos / Getty Photos)
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Sarandos additionally took goal at Paramount over its rival deal to buy WBD, claiming it should reduce $6 billion from WBD.
“The Paramount deal that is floating round there and all of the misinformation swirling round it’s guaranteeing to chop jobs,” he mentioned. “They’re guaranteeing to proceed to make gigantic cuts to the leisure business. After which the choice, we’re rising, rising, and they’re promising to chop, reduce, reduce.”
