What is Stuart Ford's concern about a Netflix-Warner Bros. merger?

Stuart Ford believes a Netflix takeover of Warner Bros. poses an existential threat to the film industry due to Netflix's model limiting backend participation for producers and talent.

How does Netflix's business model affect the film industry, according to Ford?

Ford argues that Netflix's model, which excludes producers and talent from meaningful backend participation, could lead to a generational brain drain as creators may leave the industry.

Why is preserving revenue flow important for the film business?

Preserving revenue flow is critical for the industry's long-term survival and its ability to attract ambitious talent, ensuring money circulates through the entire system.

Home / Business and Economy / Ford: Netflix-Warner Deal Risks Talent Exodus

Ford: Netflix-Warner Deal Risks Talent Exodus

13 Feb

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Summary

Stuart Ford believes a Netflix-Warner Bros. merger poses an existential threat.
He warns against Netflix's model excluding producers from meaningful backend.
Ford stresses the need to preserve revenue flow for industry survival.

Ford: Netflix-Warner Deal Risks Talent Exodus

Stuart Ford, chairman of AGC Studios, expressed apprehension about a potential Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros., suggesting it could negatively impact the film industry. Ford articulated that the primary existential threat lies in Netflix's business model, which limits meaningful backend participation for producers and talent tied to a film's financial performance.

He cautioned that a culture where creators are treated like gig workers could lead to a generational exodus from the industry. Ford noted that the downstream effects of streaming's dominance are only now becoming apparent, disrupting the flow of money that historically supported talent, residuals, and the overall ecosystem.

Ford stressed the imperative for the independent and studio film businesses to actively protect the existing revenue circulation. He believes this preservation is crucial for the industry's revival and its continued ability to attract ambitious, idealistic talent, warning against a scenario where a single entity consolidates all gains.

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