Netflix reveals new plans in major announcement.
Netflix is investing in original programming which is good news for filmmakers, producers, actors, and fans alike. The company has announced that it intends to boost production of original productions after the successful performance from many of their current TV shows including Narcos and Jessica Jones.
Speaking today at the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference in New York, Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos predicted that programming spending will hit the $5 billion mark in 2016. This will help create 30 original TV shows and programs to the Netflix network
Mr. Sarandos also pointed out that the Internet television network provider is currently working on becoming more of a global product, with a focus on net subscriber growth. The company has revealed its intention of expanding its services to Japan, Cuba, Italy, Span and Portuagal.
But, what is the most surprising announcement is Netflix’s plan on creating their own sports league.
Sarandos said he’s not interested in acquiring rights to big sports leagues or competing with broadcast news because he doesn’t see Netflix’ bread-and-butter — on-demand offerings — as adding anything of value to customers.
“This comes up because Netflix is seen as a substitute for cable,” he says. “People are frustrated. But making it on demand doesn’t add anything for the viewer. The other problem is that leagues have all the pricing power.”
Pausing a beat, Sarandos then added, “If there was a model where we create our own sports league, that would be interesting.”
Whoa. Netflix football? Netflix soccer? Netflix basketball? Instead of athletes going to another country to play sports, maybe we will soon see athletes playing for Netflix’s sport leagues.
Another announcement by Netflix was the fact that Marvel’s Daredevil had even more viewers than Game of Thrones.
Netflix claims that it hosts the most-watched show not on network television, beating out top-ranked cable series Game of Thrones.
“We’re pleased to take the number two spot, but think it’s number one because they don’t measure all the devices,” he said. He went on to provide anecdotal evidence of Netflix’s popularity. He said that Aziz Ansari, star and co-writer of Netflix comedy Master of None, hasn’t been able to walk down the streets of New York City since the show premiered, even though he was able to do so anonymously for six years while starring on network comedy Parks and Recreation.
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