Apple Will Reportedly Release Films in Theaters Before Streaming Them
Apple is playing nice with Hollywood, unlike a few of its streaming service contemporaries.
In the ongoing war of supremacy between Hollywood and streaming platforms, Apple has reportedly decided with the former by deciding to release its slate of upcoming films in theaters before releasing them on its Apple TV+ service.
Some of the most powerful names in the film industry, including Steven Spielberg, are turned off by the approach of platforms such as Netflix, who release films in theaters for minimal runs in order to compete in film festivals and collect prizes.
Contrastly, Amazon has released its prestigious films in theaters for three months before dropping it on its streaming service in order to qualify for award nominations like the Oscars. It is speculated that Apple will follow a similar strategy, not for extra revenue it says, but to build the brand and demand for its upcoming streaming platform.
One of deciding factors of J.J. Abrams making a deal with WarnerMedia over Apple was that Warner has preexisting theatrical distribution. Not having distribution in place is why Netflix infamously refused to attend the Cannes festival for the last two years.
As such, Netflix had a difficult time getting its highly anticipated Martin Scorsese film The Irishman in theaters, especially since it’ll only be there shortly in order to be a contender for awards down the line.
According to reports, one of Apple’s first major theatrical releases will be Sofia Coppola‘s On the Rocks starring Rashida Jones and Bill Murray, expected to release in 2020.
In other entertainment news, Spider-Man is officially back in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
