Netflix is continuing to exhibit unprecedented growth as its lineup of original programming expands. Having already raked in more subscribers than HBO in the U.S., Netflix is looking to outpace movie channels and on-demand services even further by bringing movies to the living room the same day they hit theaters. Speaking at the 2013 Film Independent Forum, Netflix CCO Ted Sarandos said that the model the company currently uses for TV shows “should extend pretty nicely to movies.”
Sarandos went on to say that there are plenty of avenues currently available to watch small, independent films online during their theatrical run, but the same cannot be said for blockbuster features from major studios.
In his speech, Sarandos gave no assurance that Netflix would be able to enter this market any time soon, but concluded that consumers want easier access to movies immediately, not months after they leave theaters, and the industry might begin to suffer if it does not innovate.
The full speech can be seen below (and the movie discussion begins at 19:32).