007 heading to streaming? Amazon buys MGM for $8.45 billion!

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Comments

  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,471
    No Apple+ isn't as widely available as Netflix and Netflix ain't going to pay such huge sum of money for a single film imo. At this point i don't believe it will end up on any streaming platform, but delay is more likely especially when they are considering theatrical release.

    The sad thing is they could easily meet the asking price if they would simply cut out some of those garbage, doomed-to-fail pricy shows and movies they spit out. The money's there and that'd certainly bring in a lot more subscribers for them.
  • Posts: 503
    To all the Americans here... not sure if this has been said yet, but Youtube has 22 of the Bond films available for free to stream (at least through the New Year)

    https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/james-bond-franchise-now-streaming-youtube-free-ads/

    https://youtube.com/watchbond
  • ImpertinentGoonImpertinentGoon Everybody needs a hobby.
    Posts: 1,351
    What is the situation with the (global) streaming rights for the back catalogue or just the Craigs.

    For the streamers, saying: "Here is the shiny new thing from the franchise you love" makes much more sense, if they also have a library to go with it.
    Advantage for Amazon and Apple is, they can at the very least offer the other movies for rental or sale...
  • matt_umatt_u better known as Mr. Roark
    edited December 2020 Posts: 4,343
    No Apple+ isn't as widely available as Netflix and Netflix ain't going to pay such huge sum of money for a single film imo. At this point i don't believe it will end up on any streaming platform, but delay is more likely especially when they are considering theatrical release.

    Agreed. Netflix won’t ever pay so much money for a film like NTTD and that’s not just because of the $600/800 million price. After a film with this level of scale, scope and talent behind every other future film in their catalogue would feel like a downer and that’s not good for Netflix. On the other hand Apple could benefit more, since their are desperate to increase their subscribers. Another delay is more likely if you ask me.
  • ImpertinentGoonImpertinentGoon Everybody needs a hobby.
    Posts: 1,351
    matt_u wrote: »
    No Apple+ isn't as widely available as Netflix and Netflix ain't going to pay such huge sum of money for a single film imo. At this point i don't believe it will end up on any streaming platform, but delay is more likely especially when they are considering theatrical release.

    Agreed. Netflix won’t ever pay so much money for a film like NTTD and that’s not just because of the $600/800 million price. After a film with this level of scale, scope and talent behind every other future film in their catalogue would feel like a downer and that’s not good for Netflix. On the other hand Apple could benefit more, since their are desperate to increase their subscribers. Another delay is more likely if you ask me.

    Yes, Apple want to increase the subscriber base for their services, but isn't their ultimate goal always to sell more hardware? So my thinking is they are less interested in buying a fully produced movie that has no placement tie-in with their products, but could potentially be more interested in buying MGM and making iPhones and Macs front and center in the Q Section in upcoming films.
    But I honestly have no idea, what their "original" movies are like
  • MakeshiftPythonMakeshiftPython “Baja?!”
    Posts: 8,025
    matt_u wrote: »
    No Apple+ isn't as widely available as Netflix and Netflix ain't going to pay such huge sum of money for a single film imo. At this point i don't believe it will end up on any streaming platform, but delay is more likely especially when they are considering theatrical release.

    Agreed. Netflix won’t ever pay so much money for a film like NTTD and that’s not just because of the $600/800 million price. After a film with this level of scale, scope and talent behind every other future film in their catalogue would feel like a downer and that’s not good for Netflix. On the other hand Apple could benefit more, since their are desperate to increase their subscribers. Another delay is more likely if you ask me.

    Yes, Apple want to increase the subscriber base for their services, but isn't their ultimate goal always to sell more hardware? So my thinking is they are less interested in buying a fully produced movie that has no placement tie-in with their products, but could potentially be more interested in buying MGM and making iPhones and Macs front and center in the Q Section in upcoming films.
    But I honestly have no idea, what their "original" movies are like

    Their subscription streamer AppleTV+ used to be exclusive to their hardware Apple TV, but now it's become more of a software app you can download on other hardware such as on a PS4. Back when I got an AppleTV it was purely just so I could watch my digital copies on my TV without having to hook up my PC all time.
  • edited December 2020 Posts: 2,060
    This may seem like a shot in the dark, but what are the chances of HBOMax snagging NTTD? They had an “uncut” version of Casino Royale on their platform, and honestly they could use anything they could get their hands on to compete with the other streaming services.
  • DeerAtTheGatesDeerAtTheGates Belgium
    Posts: 524
    This may seem like a shot in the dark, but what are the chances of HBOMax snagging NTTD? They had an “uncut” version of Casino Royale on their platform, and honestly they could use anything they could get their hands on to compete with the other streaming services.

    I'm not really an expert in this, but if MGM (and EON) made that decision, what does that mean for the distribution partnership with Universal? MGM has a deal with Universal to let them distribute the film in theaters outside the US; and as I understand it, that deal still stands.
    Now, I'm not sure if MGM can have their cake and eat it too, meaning Universal distributing the film in cinemas and HBOMax/WB having the exclusive streaming rights. That depends on the exact contract between MGM and Universal, but if that is an option and it happens, Universal might not be willing to renew their distribution contract for B26 or might sue MGM or otherwise demand a compensation. I can imagine Universal might also demand or get a compensation if NTTD forgoes cinemas completely and ends up at a competitor's platform.
    And then there's Annapurna, who agreed to distribute NTTD together with MGM in the US, but given that the relationship between those two companies is already pretty bad, who knows what would happen there.
  • ImpertinentGoonImpertinentGoon Everybody needs a hobby.
    Posts: 1,351
    This may seem like a shot in the dark, but what are the chances of HBOMax snagging NTTD? They had an “uncut” version of Casino Royale on their platform, and honestly they could use anything they could get their hands on to compete with the other streaming services.

    I'm not really an expert in this, but if MGM (and EON) made that decision, what does that mean for the distribution partnership with Universal? MGM has a deal with Universal to let them distribute the film in theaters outside the US; and as I understand it, that deal still stands.
    Now, I'm not sure if MGM can have their cake and eat it too, meaning Universal distributing the film in cinemas and HBOMax/WB having the exclusive streaming rights. That depends on the exact contract between MGM and Universal, but if that is an option and it happens, Universal might not be willing to renew their distribution contract for B26 or might sue MGM or otherwise demand a compensation. I can imagine Universal might also demand or get a compensation if NTTD forgoes cinemas completely and ends up at a competitor's platform.
    And then there's Annapurna, who agreed to distribute NTTD together with MGM in the US, but given that the relationship between those two companies is already pretty bad, who knows what would happen there.

    Universal will absolutely demand/get a compensation if their deal isn't honored. They have a legal agreement and if MGM wants to back out of that, there will have to be remedies. I have no idea how high that is going to be and whether there is a straight option in the contracts or if they need a seperate nullifying agreement or even a court settlement, but there is no way MGM can just back out.

    To me the added complication is the split between US and non-US distribution rights. Universal (or rather their parent company) has a streaming service, Peacock. But that is only available in the US. The only country where they do not have the distribution rights. Annapurna/UnitedArtists/MGM of course do not have their own streaming service. So a "clean deal" like Warner Brothers just putting all the movies they have distribution rights for on their parent company's streaming service for a month isn't going to happen.

    I believe all of this to be the reason why MGM was calling such a high number for the film. Because after they are done buying out Universal, Eon and everyone else who has a profit sharing agreement on the movie, there wouldn't be all that much left.

    That is why my prediction is still a crippled theatrical run that will hurt MGM so much that it will subsequently be bought wholly by one of the global streamers (and I believe it will be Apple).
  • This may seem like a shot in the dark, but what are the chances of HBOMax snagging NTTD? They had an “uncut” version of Casino Royale on their platform, and honestly they could use anything they could get their hands on to compete with the other streaming services.

    I'm not really an expert in this, but if MGM (and EON) made that decision, what does that mean for the distribution partnership with Universal? MGM has a deal with Universal to let them distribute the film in theaters outside the US; and as I understand it, that deal still stands.
    Now, I'm not sure if MGM can have their cake and eat it too, meaning Universal distributing the film in cinemas and HBOMax/WB having the exclusive streaming rights. That depends on the exact contract between MGM and Universal, but if that is an option and it happens, Universal might not be willing to renew their distribution contract for B26 or might sue MGM or otherwise demand a compensation. I can imagine Universal might also demand or get a compensation if NTTD forgoes cinemas completely and ends up at a competitor's platform.
    And then there's Annapurna, who agreed to distribute NTTD together with MGM in the US, but given that the relationship between those two companies is already pretty bad, who knows what would happen there.

    Universal will absolutely demand/get a compensation if their deal isn't honored. They have a legal agreement and if MGM wants to back out of that, there will have to be remedies. I have no idea how high that is going to be and whether there is a straight option in the contracts or if they need a seperate nullifying agreement or even a court settlement, but there is no way MGM can just back out.

    To me the added complication is the split between US and non-US distribution rights. Universal (or rather their parent company) has a streaming service, Peacock. But that is only available in the US. The only country where they do not have the distribution rights. Annapurna/UnitedArtists/MGM of course do not have their own streaming service. So a "clean deal" like Warner Brothers just putting all the movies they have distribution rights for on their parent company's streaming service for a month isn't going to happen.

    I believe all of this to be the reason why MGM was calling such a high number for the film. Because after they are done buying out Universal, Eon and everyone else who has a profit sharing agreement on the movie, there wouldn't be all that much left.

    That is why my prediction is still a crippled theatrical run that will hurt MGM so much that it will subsequently be bought wholly by one of the global streamers (and I believe it will be Apple).

    I may be wrong, but I think NTTD looks like it may be the 1st Bond film to actually lose money with all of the constant delays the film has suffered, and the money wasted on constant advertising campaigns. If it does, than surely MGM is going to be bought out. If Apple does buy MGM, then it at least gives them somewhat traction against the competition, and heck maybe we can stop having to wait 3-5 years in between films if that’s the case.
  • Posts: 187
    https://www.thewrap.com/marvel-studios-talent-deals-disney-exclusive/

    Looks like Marvel is now taking.the precaution of flicks maybe moving to Disney+. If Bond delays again, they will likely be the last hold out. Everyone else is now eyeing streaming deals regardless of blockbuster status.
  • MakeshiftPythonMakeshiftPython “Baja?!”
    Posts: 8,025
    I wonder if WB would be interested in buying MGM. They already have a home video distribution deal with them, having released the most recent titles (and soon NTTD). This would also mean the MGM catalog can be reunited with the pre-1986 titles like THE WIZARD OF OZ and GONE WITH THE WIND.
  • DwayneDwayne New York City
    Posts: 2,625
    I wonder if WB would be interested in buying MGM. They already have a home video distribution deal with them, having released the most recent titles (and soon NTTD). This would also mean the MGM catalog can be reunited with the pre-1986 titles like THE WIZARD OF OZ and GONE WITH THE WIND.

    Given the number of “mentions” (not ads) they’ve received on Turner Classic Movies (TCM/U.S.) of late, HBO MAX appears to be positioning themselves as a kind of “go to” streaming service for legacy titles. They may windup being a mix of the old FilmStruck steaming service and the Criterion channel in that they have the older MGM titles (“2OO1”) as well as the back catalog of WB (“Casablanca”).

    Whether this would make them a good fit for Bond is an interesting question. Obviously, it will come down to money, but it is something to think about.
  • MakeshiftPythonMakeshiftPython “Baja?!”
    Posts: 8,025
    One of the strengths of HBO Max is their library of films, which will no doubt include newer films down the line. Adding titles like Bond would be a hell of a get for them. CBS All Access is going to soon be rebranded as Paramount+ due to the merger with Viacom, given all those Paramount titles. It's gonna be a big competition between the old studios and the original streamers Amazon/Netflix.
  • mtmmtm United Kingdom
    edited January 2021 Posts: 14,951
    I can't find a Netflix thread as the search function isn't up to much, but their new French show 'Lupin' has a bit of a Bondy whiff to it- all about a supersmooth gentleman thief in modern day Paris.
    I watched the first one just now and it's quite fun.
  • Posts: 17,280
    mtm wrote: »
    I can't find a Netflix thread as the search function isn't up to much, but their new French show 'Lupin' has a bit of a Bondy whiff to it- all about a supersmooth gentleman thief in modern day Paris.
    I watched the first one just now and it's quite fun.

    Looks like a show worth checking out!
  • mtmmtm United Kingdom
    edited January 2021 Posts: 14,951
    Yeah I've only seen the first one but it seems good, undemanding European fun with posh cars and smart suits and glamorous locations and all that.
    The dubbed version is a bit weird with everyone being American though.
  • Posts: 17,280
    mtm wrote: »
    Yeah I've only seen the first one but it seems good, undemanding European fun with posh cars and smart suits and glamorous locations and all that.
    The dubbed version is a bit weird with everyone being American though.

    That description certainly doesn't lessen my interest in watching Lupin!

    Haven't checked, but do you have the choice between a dubbed or subtitled version? I'm likely to go for the latter if possible.
  • mtmmtm United Kingdom
    Posts: 14,951
    Yes I believe you can set it in the audio options to be subtitled with original sound.
  • StarkStark France
    edited May 2021 Posts: 177
  • ImpertinentGoonImpertinentGoon Everybody needs a hobby.
    Posts: 1,351
    Stark wrote: »

    My least preferred option out of the big streamers, tbh.
  • MajorDSmytheMajorDSmythe "I tolerate this century, but I don't enjoy it."Moderator
    Posts: 13,894
    Of all of the companies that I would not want anywhere near Bond, it would be Amazon. Even Disney would be a better alternative, though not by much.
  • QBranchQBranch Always have an escape plan. Mine is watching James Bond films.
    Posts: 13,929
    Should've seen this coming, as Q's laptop stand in NTTD is branded Amazon!
  • Posts: 1,165
    Of all of the companies that I would not want anywhere near Bond, it would be Amazon. Even Disney would be a better alternative, though not by much.

    Can I ask why? What is it about Amazon that you’d rather Disney?
  • Fire_and_Ice_ReturnsFire_and_Ice_Returns I am trying to get away from this mountan!
    Posts: 23,333
    As someone who has spent several hundred pounds on Amazon products, I would be a hypocrite to complain.
  • edited May 2021 Posts: 615
    Stark wrote: »

    My least preferred option out of the big streamers, tbh.


    Amazon is far superior to Netflix — at least in the USA. (And especially if you’re a cinephile.)
  • Yeah Amazon, as far as streaming goes anyway, is one of the better options, since their model actually focuses on having a library of classic cinema, and their “Amazon productions” have been fairly diverse. Disney would have been the death knell of the franchise.
  • ImpertinentGoonImpertinentGoon Everybody needs a hobby.
    Posts: 1,351
    I am more focussed on the image of the company and the place Bond would take in their portfolio.

    To me, Amazon (the entire company, not Prime Video) has lately morphed into something of a cross between a poundland and a flea market. Mass produced knock-offs by untrustworthy sellers trying to undercut on price and quality. That's at least my feeling. And that is not what I would associate with Bond.

    And it's hard to know what their offerings are, because the Prime Video interface is largely impenetrable to me.
  • TripAcesTripAces Universal Exports
    edited May 2021 Posts: 4,554
    I would need to see the fine print. But this wouldn't change anything as far as how EON operates. In fact, MGM's continual financial problems have been a thorn in the Bond franchise's side for a long time.

    My guess is that the MGM name, logo, and brand would remain in place. And those who are disappointed that Bond films are not being released in regular 2- or 3-year intervals may like this deal. This will not mean that Bond film will be streaming instead of being released in theaters--Amazon already has a small production company (Amazon Studios) which has made some pretty good films in recent years. Most of these are co-distributed, in the same way that MGM co-distributes.
  • Fire_and_Ice_ReturnsFire_and_Ice_Returns I am trying to get away from this mountan!
    edited May 2021 Posts: 23,333
    Prime Instant Video interface has been updated recently, thankfully its much easier to navigate (on 4K Firesticks).
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