Netflix was reportedly in talks to buy theatres to screen its films
By Robin-Leigh Chetty 20 April 2018 | Categories: newsNetflix has found itself at odds with some film and television authorities of late, most recently with Cannes, as the streaming service's original movies were not meeting the necessary criteria for consideration. Cannes announced that all films in the running for awards should have been screened in the cinemas. The company has since pulled its films from the annual French event, but it turns out Netflix had at one time considering playing ball.
According to reports, Netflix was in talks to purchase Landmark Theatres in the States, but subsequently decided to pull out as the asking price proved too high. Variety says Netflix has pondered the option of buying theatrical space, but their sources note that Landmark was not in the running for being acquired.
While the deal didn't come to fruition, it does showcase that as disruptive as Netflix has been the entertainment industry, it may still have to adopt traditional methods if it wants its films and movie projects to gain critical recognition and awards.
It should be interesting to see if Netflix carries on with its current plan of screening 'award-worthy' films in select theatres, or bite the bullet and buy a chain of theatres.
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