Cinemas, unions sound alarms over Netflix deal

Concerns are raised over jobs and the effect on theatrical box office revenue.

- BY SAMANTHA MASUNAGA

NETFLIX HAS NOT been shy about its main goal of offering subscribers first-run movies on its platform.

(ALLEN J. SCHABEN Los Angeles Times)

Hollywood unions and trade groups are pushing back against the proposed $82.7-billion deal for streaming giant Netflix to acquire Warner Bros.' film and television studios, HBO and HBO Max, citing concerns about greater industry consolidation, job losses and the potential hit to theatrical box office revenue.

Groups began voicing opposition even before the proposed tie-up was officially announced. Amid reports Thursday night that Netflix had secured exclusive rights to negotiate with Warner Bros., the Directors Guild of America said it had “significant concerns” about the development and intended to meet with Netflix for further discussion.

“We believe that a vibrant, competitive industry — one that fosters creativity and encourages genuine competition for talent — is essential to safeguarding the careers and creative rights of directors and their teams,” the DGA said in a Thursday statement.

A major point of contention is Netflix’s longstanding resistance to traditional theatrical film releases. Though the Los Gatos, Calif., streamer has released films in theaters — including about 30 this year alone — it does so typically for marketing or awards purposes and limits the amount of time those movies are available on the big screen.