Movies that have been postponed in the aftermath of Corona 19 are knocking on the door of'Netflix'. Rather than an unreasonable release, Netflix has emerged as an alternative, which can advertise works to 190 countries around the world. In particular, considering the break-even point for movies that have invested tens of billions of dollars in large-scale funds, it is judged that'Internet video service (OTT) such as Netflix is better than theater opening'.
Will Netflix's exclusive public works overflow?
Director Lee Choong-hyun's movie'Call', which was scheduled to be released in March, will be released exclusively on Netflix on the 27th of next month. Distributor New (NEW) said, "In the case of Cole, we concluded the existing contract relationship and confirmed the release of Netflix."
A new official told <Blotter>, “After thinking about the best way to show the work to the audience waiting for it, we decided to disclose it to Netflix.” I know.”
Following the movie call, many films are known to be discussing the launch of Netflix. There is an atmosphere of concern over the situation where the release schedule is delayed and the movie theater is unreasonably held and then delayed again. Choosing to partner with Netflix to avoid the current situation where it is difficult to cross the break-even point.
Seungho in the movie. /Photo = Merry Christmas, Naver Movie
The movie'Seungri-ho', which was produced with a cost of 24 billion won, was also turned to Netflix release. In the movie Seung-ho, the crew of the space garbage scavenger'Seungri-ho' discovers the robot'Dorothy' known as a weapon of destruction and is involved in a dangerous transaction. Song Joong-ki, Kim Tae-ri, Hae Jin Ha, and Jin Seon-gyu raised expectations, but the release period was delayed several times and the possibility of being released this winter season was raised. Previously, Seungho adjusted its release date to the 23rd of last month after delaying its release, but the plan was disrupted due to concerns about the spread of Corona 19. It is being highlighted as a strong next entry in that the screening date can be accelerated if it is released through Netflix.
It is known that the movie ``Night of Paradise,'' in which director Park Hoon-jung of ``Shinsegae'' holds a megaphone and starred by Um Tae-gu, Jeon Yeo-bin, and Cha Seung-won, is also discussing Netflix release. The Night of Paradise was selected as an invitation to the 77th Venice International Film Festival in the Non-Competition category and attracted attention. Distributor New said, "Paradise Night is currently discussing various plans," but it is expected that Netflix release will be dominant both inside and outside the film industry. In addition, it is known that the movie'Cha In-pyo' starring actor Cha In-pyo is also considering Netflix release.
Companies in charge of distribution maintain the position that they are "reviewing various plans", but in the film industry, it is believed that information on the date of disclosure, etc., is required in accordance with the confidentiality provisions for the contract relationship.
In addition, the number of films that have been postponed since March will join Netflix as the movie'I'm Alive', which has been launched on Netflix after the theater's opening, has been well received from overseas countries.
'Hunting Time' and'Call'
When a movie is released through Netflix, there are various variables. In particular, when planning a movie theater release and turning to Netflix, you should consider the relationship you have already signed. The movie'Hunting Time', which was released in April, is an example of an overseas pre-sale contract and has been extended to a court battle.
Director Yoon Seong-hyun's'Hunting Time' is the first example of a Korean film turning to Netflix this year. Hunting Time, which was scheduled to be released at the domestic theater on February 26, was delayed due to the aftermath of Corona 19.
Initially, it was scheduled to be released to 190 countries around the world through Netflix on April 10, but content panda, an overseas distribution agency, claimed that it was a'double contract', and applied for a ban on overseas sales and screenings during hunting time against Little Big Pictures, an investor and distributor. While doing it, it turned into a courtroom.
Movies that chose to release Netflix instead of opening the theater. Hunting Time (left) and Cole. /Photo = Little Big Pictures, NEW, Netflix
At that time, Little Big Pictures insisted that "the contract will be terminated due to natural disasters, etc." Eventually, Little Big Pictures reached an agreement with Content Panda, and Netflix screening resumed after both sides reached satisfactory results.
As in the case of Hunting Time, it is not easy to cancel and try to open Netflix if a contract for overseas pre-sale has already been signed. The movie'Cole', which is released on Netflix on the 17th of next month, is classified as a different case from the time of hunting.
A content industry official said, “As the demand for OTT services explodes in connection with the special situation of Corona 19, distributors are also turning their eyes to Netflix. It looks like they are investing intensively.”
OTT release hardens, gloomy theater world
As more films are released through Netflix, theater profits are expected to decrease. The hit is inevitable as the audiences visiting the theater have been waning due to Corona 19.
According to the total number of audiences and sales (January-October) compiled by the Cinema Admissions Computing Network (KOBIS) as of that day, the sales through movie screenings during the period were 4523.3224 million won. This is less than a third of the sales of 1.571.9 trillion won in the same period last year. During that period, the number of audiences was about 52.91 million, which was about 30% of last year's (118.61 million).
Monthly theater sales in 2020. /Photo = Cinematography admission ticket integrated computer network
The multiplex franchise industry is looking for self-help in the form of reducing the size of direct stores while increasing admission fees, but the situation is not easy. If the chain move to Netflix becomes a reality, we are at a crossroads to seek a new survival strategy.
The franchise industry emphasized that the domestic film industry should seek ways to coexist. The franchise industry's self-rescue measures are also necessary, such as pursuing a system change tailored to mobile, such as'non-face-to-face movie releases' for audiences who do not visit the theater, but they believe that the film industry ecosystem should be developed together from a long-term perspective.
An official from a theater franchise company told <Blotter>, “It is a time when cooperation between stakeholders in the film industry, such as distribution, investment, and screening, is necessary.” In) It would be nice right now, but in the long run, there is a concern that the domestic film industry will be influenced by the company.”
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