Netflix news: DGA chief Christopher Nolan to lead emergency talks with streamer over Warner Bros. deal

The Directors Guild of America (DGA), led by Christopher Nolan, plans to meet with Netflix over concerns with the streaming giant’s planned acquisition of Warner Bros.

Netflix has rocked the film world with this deal, which will cut right through the theatrical and streaming markets.

Film News Blitz’s Dan Lawrence takes a look at what Nolan and company have had to say.

Netflix buying Warner Bros.

Netflix revealed Thursday night that it will purchase Warner Bros and HBO in a deal worth over $82 billion. 

The “announcement combines two of the greatest storytelling companies in the world to bring to even more people the entertainment they love to watch the most,” said David Zaslav, President and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery.

However, massive concerns have been raised, which the Directors Guild of America has put eloquently in a statement.

What has the DGA said about Netflix buying Warner Bros.?

“The news that Netflix had secured exclusive rights to negotiate for WBD raises significant concerns for the DGA,” opened the creative guild’s statement. 

“We believe that a vibrant, competitive industry — one that fosters creativity and encourages genuine competition for talent —is essential to safeguarding the careers and creative rights of Directors and their teams. 

“We will be meeting with Netflix to outline our concerns and better understand their vision for the future of the company. 

“While we undertake this due diligence we will not be commenting further.”

Nolan, as president of the DGA, is poised to lead the talks with Netflix, which could prove decisive in the future of the theatrical experience. 

Long proponents of limited release windows, Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros. would not only raise concerns mentioned in the DGA’s statement, but also significantly impact the cinema industry.

Nolan, on the other hand, is a massive promoter of the cinema experience, and no doubt the DGA’s talks with Netflix will involve this.

What these talks will mean for the Netflix/Warner Bros. deal will only be revealed by the tides of time, but it appears as if the film and television industry is balanced on a knife-edge.

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