Episode 59: Streaming Strikes Back

Ben and Brandon talk about the recent deal between Martin Scorsese and Netflix and just how it will affect both the studios and the overall the movie industry. They discuss what they think the studios might need to do in order to try and compete with the streaming services that they indirectly helped build. They also talk about the importance of being the first streaming service to win an Academy Award.

1. What will happen with the STX lawsuit against Netflix for the overseas distribution rights of Irishman? STX Entertainment is a company that is actually producing semi-successful content for a decent budget. They are one of the only "studios" who tend to release mid-budget genre movies led by recognizable names and face (i.e. Free State of Jones, The Edge of Seventeen, Bad Moms, etc.)
   • Why it's good that The Irishman is a Netflix original
   • • https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2017/02/22/what-it-means-that-martin-scorseses-the-irishman-is-a-netflix-original/#26e6f9fa738d
     • "has anyone heard anything new about the James Bond distribution negotiations?"
2. Paramount in Turmoil. CEO of Paramount resigns after 12 years at the company.
   • http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/galloway-film-brad-greys-paramount-exit-studios-turmoil-977656
   • "Shelf life for studio heads are getting shorter and shorter. Forget 3 strikes and you're out. Studio heads might not even get a chance to bat...Bob Iger is the CEO studios are looking at to emulate"
   • http://collider.com/martin-scorsese-the-irishman-legal-battle-rights-netflix/
3. Netflix agrees to produce Martin Scorsese's project The Irishman because of the turmoil at Paramount, Scorsese's home studio. Will more directors that have Scorsese's popularity begin to gravitate toward Netflix (i.e. Spielberg, Zemeckis, etc.)? These are directors who are coming off less than par box office grosses.
4. Studio Profitability
   • http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/sites/default/files/custom/Meena/StudioProfitabilityembed.jpg
5. Netflix Stock Calculator
   • https://ir.netflix.com/calculator.cfm

Recommendations

1. Brandon's: I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore on Netflix
2. Ben's: The Night Manager Limited Series