Documentaries are a smart direction for Netflix. They can actually afford to license the best ones for streaming. Of the five Oscar nominated documetaries that were announced today, three are already streaming on Netflix and the one Netflix produced comes out tomorrow.
Given that the actual movie studio distribution of these movies must be minuscule, it makes a lot of sense for Netflix to just buy them directly.
I've seen a trend lately of my friends increasingly referring to "this documentary XYZ that I saw on Netflix". It seems to be a great way to build mindshare in a segment that isn't as interested in mainstream TV shows (somewhat akin to their approach of producing critically acclaimed TV Dramas)
It's neat because the barrier to entry to Netflix is so minimal. Previously, when someone said "I saw this documentary XYZ", you basically had to say "Oh that's neat, wish I could watch it..."
Even outside Netflix really, documentary and lower-budget films are much, much more accessible, which is a great thing.
As far as I know they don't actually produce shows, which might even have something to do why they are critically acclaimed.
"The money went not only to the talent involved but to the look and feel of the show which is much more cinematic than most things you’ll watch on TV. That’s because MRC, the production company behind House of Cards, insisted that Fincher and his crew be given final cut — something that is virtually unheard of in the world of TV where everything is produced by committee."
To be clear - The Square wasn't created by Netflix. The Square is an independent documentary started a few years ago, boosted with a successful Kickstarter (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/noujaimfilms/the-square-...) last year, and finally picked up by Netflix. That said, much credit goes to Netflix for recognizing and promoting independent documentaries.
This might actually hinder 'mass consumption' in Europe if Netflix decides it doesn't want to license broadcasting rights to public broadcasting, which often have their own online services. I think we should be at least somewhat skeptical of the rights-holder also controlling distribution channels.
Fun fact: If you have a private German TV broadcast license, you are required to give a certain amount of airtime to independent companies. And you are required to air news-segments - the quality may vary :)
I've always found Netflix to be a great source of documentaries. Especially now The History channel and discovery channels play mostly reality shows now. Its also great to see their own productions are decent to watch. They may have a chance to become an HBO type provider.
I wonder what the employee perks are like at Netflix? Any chance of getting an invite to the awards ceremony? Was there the opportunity to meet Kevin Spacey when they were filming House of Cards? I'd find stuff like that to be a huge selling point if so!
Kevin Spacey is a notoriously private person because he feels that it makes his acting more believable. The chance of him agreeing to meet employees at Netflix is pretty low but it would kind of cool.
It came out in theaters first, they acquired the rights to it after it had been released there. The best I can find about availability on Netflix is "early this year".
Given that the actual movie studio distribution of these movies must be minuscule, it makes a lot of sense for Netflix to just buy them directly.