Netflix lands a deal with Sony for their animated movies.
Netflix is continuing to grow their library of TV shows and kids’ movies. According to TheWrap, Netflix, has acquired the rights to Sony Pictures Animation movies under a new multiyear agreement. This agreement increases the number of kids programs and allows for Netflix to become a stronger contender in the kids programming market.In the United States Netflix users can watch “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2” and “The Smurfs 2,”.
The Starz Network controls the rights to Sony‘s live-action movies until 2021. Netflix previously had a deal with Starz but in 2012, the two media giants went their separate ways.
According to Business Insider, The deal went south after Starz Network wanted to charge Netflix $300 million per year for their content. But, the network did not want to sell their programming at a discount. Instead, their strategy was “to protect the premium nature of our brand by preserving the appropriate pricing and packaging of our exclusive and highly valuable content.” Or, Starz Network wanted Netflix users to pay more. This would force Netflix to increase their subscription fees and create a premium package for the Starz Network. Needless to say, the deal did not go through.
Over the last couple of years, Netflix has worked hard on trying to build a library of productions for children. The company has recently landed deals with DreamWorks Animation, Pixar and Disney.
Despite the big deal between Sony and Netflix, Sony will not release a new animated movie in 2014. However, Sony is expected to release “Hotel Transylvania 2” next year and two new animated movies in 2016.
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