Netflix is increasing its theatrical presence by signing a long-term lease for The Paris Theatre, a historic single-screen venue in New York City.
This follows stories that Netflix can also be working to purchase the Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles. And whereas these would possibly look like odd strikes for a streaming firm, they could even be crucial if Netflix desires to proceed working with high-profile filmmakers like Martin Scorsese and Noah Baumbach.
After all, though Scorsese’s newest movie “The Irishman” and Baumbach’s “Marriage Story” are each enjoying in theaters, they’re showing on a restricted variety of screens.
In the case of “The Irishman,” Netflix reportedly hoped for a much bigger rollout however didn’t get the most important theatrical chains on-board as a result of the corporate would solely wait 4 weeks (shorter than the standard window of theatrical exclusivity) earlier than launching the film on-line.
Despite its deep pockets, Netflix’s theatrical challenges might dissuade different Scorsese-caliber filmmakers from signing with the service, significantly if the problem hurts the possibilities that “The Irishman” and “Marriage Story” (and final 12 months’s “Roma,” which gained three Oscars however misplaced out for Best Picture) will be capable to win main awards.
So by shopping for or leasing theaters of its personal, Netflix can be sure that its movies will get the cachet of a big-screen launch. It may also host glitzy premieres and different occasions.
As for the Paris Theatre, it opened in 1948, and reopened earlier this month to display screen “Marriage Story.” (By the way in which: I extremely suggest seeing “Marriage Story” on the large display screen — I’ve already performed so twice.)
“After 71 years, the Paris Theatre has an enduring legacy, and remains the destination for a one-of-a kind movie-going experience,” stated Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos in a press release. “We are incredibly proud to preserve this historic New York institution so it can continue to be a cinematic home for film lovers.”
