Not only is Martin Scorsese’s latest film, “The Irishman,” poised to be one of the most talked-about films of the fall, and a sure-thing awards contender, but it might just be the film that changes the entire film industry, as we know it. No, we’re not talking about the incredibly expensive de-aging technology that the filmmaker is using to allow his cast to play age-appropriate characters over the course of decades, but more so about the business side of things, where “The Irishman” might just be the film that bridges the gap between streaming services and theater chains.
Or, it could actually be the film that makes the entire situation blow up even worse than before.
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According to a report from the New York Times, Scorsese’s latest film is the subject of intense negotiations between Netflix and some of the biggest theater chains in North America. The report says that the streaming service, which financed the $160 million project, has been talking to AMC Theatres and Cineplex about having a full, nationwide release of “The Irishman” in their locations ahead of the film’s inevitable streaming launch shortly thereafter.
Unfortunately, it appears that no deal is currently close to being made and the issue that is holding the whole thing up is something that could forever change how films are released.
You see, the problem is that theater chains want to continue to enforce the rule that when a studio agrees to screen a film at one of these locations, they agree to not release the film on any other service or medium until after 90 days. Obviously, this is something that Netflix doesn’t like, as the rule goes against the streaming services core business model of having a film available immediately all over the world.
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The theater chains argue that if they make an exception for Netflix, then other studios (such as Disney) would want to follow whatever new rule is in effect and shorten the theatrical window even further. Previously, the longest that Netflix has kept a film exclusively in theaters was for last year’s Oscar winner, “Roma,” which was shown on the big screen for 21 days before its Netflix release. You have to assume that the streaming service is looking for something similar with “The Irishman.”
“Talks are underway with Netflix about our showing ‘The Irishman’ and other Netflix films, but the outcome of those conversations is not yet clear,” said Adam Aron, the AMC chief executive.
He added that AMC would be “delighted” to add “The Irishman” to its screens, but said, “We can only do so, however, on terms that respect AMC’s important and close relationships with our longstanding studio partners, including Disney, Warner Brothers, Universal, Sony, Paramount, Lionsgate and so many other filmmakers who are the lifeblood of our substantial business.”
The NYT report also claims that Regal Cinemas, AMC’s biggest competitor, isn’t in negotiations at this time to show “The Irishman.” And in a statement, it would appear there’s a good reason why Netflix hasn’t approached the chain.
“Currently, we are not in any discussion with Netflix on ‘The Irishman’ nor on any other movie,” said Regal Cinemas in a statement. “Of course, if Netflix will decide to respect the industry business model and release the movie with a proper theatrical window, we will be more than happy to discuss the booking of the movie in Regal theaters.”
Ultimately, for many film fans, all they care about is being able to see “The Irishman” on the big screen, no matter how that happens. And honestly, many will just be happy to stream in the comfort of their home. But it would appear that Scorsese has found himself in the middle of one of the biggest streaming/theater decisions yet.