Streaming Détente? As HBO Eyes Licensing Deal With Netflix, Industry Sees Opportunities
deadline.comHBO’s potential deal to license a slew of library titles to rival Netflix, as revealed by Deadline, was met with derision by some, another example of Warner Bros.
Discovery boss David Zaslav selling off the crown jewels to hit his savings targets. However, industry experts have urged that the move could actually open the door to streaming profitability and increase residuals for creatives, leading to a larger digital détente.
Talk of such a move was a surprise, largely given the frostiness between the two rivals, which have been battling it out on the talent and awards front for the last few years, but optics aside, a deal, which was described as “groundbreaking” by one source, could be good for consumers and the town.
In addition to Issa Rae’s Insecure, Deadline has confirmed that the non-exclusive deal, which has not been signed, will include Dwayne Johnson’s Ballers, war miniseries Band of Brothers and The Pacific and, most significantly, Six Feet Under. These titles were first reported by Vulture.
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