No changes in Canada
BURBANK – Warner Bros. Pictures Group announced Thursday it will release its entire 2021 feature film slate concurrently with the company’s main streaming platform, HBO Max.
While Warner Bros. will continue to exhibit the films theatrically worldwide, it will add an exclusive one month access period for HBO Max subscribers in the States. So while the company is taking a hammer to the usual release windows in the U.S. (at least for a year), it means nothing much changes in Canada or anywhere else in the world.
The hybrid model, said the company in its statement, was created as a strategic response to the impact of the ongoing global pandemic (where many theatres remain closed around the world), particularly in the U.S.
“Following the one month HBO Max access period domestically, each film will leave the platform and continue theatrically in the U.S. and international territories, with all customary distribution windows applying to the title. All films will be available in 4K Ultra HD and HDR on HBO Max,” reads the release.
Bell Media has an expensive and exclusive long-term deal with the American company for access to HBO content and Warner films and according to both Warner and Bell, nothing is changing there.
“Canada is in the same position as other territories outside of the U.S.,” Bell Media spokesperson Scott Henderson told Cartt.ca in an email.
“As with Wonder Woman 1984, Warner Bros. has decided that in the United States, these films will be released in both theatres and on HBO Max… The concurrent window on HBO Max is restricted solely to the United States. Warner Bros. is not making such a window available in any other territory, including Canada.”
The new Wonder Woman movie will debut Christmas Day in theatres around the world – but also on HBO Max in the U.S.
“While these movies will be released initially in theatres in Canada, they will be coming to Crave following their standard theatrical windows. Warner Bros. theatrical titles coming to Crave in 2021 include Tenet, The Witches, Wonder Woman 1984, The Little Things, and more. HBO Max Original Films – such as An American Pickle, Superintelligence, Charm City Kings, and the upcoming Let Them All Talk – are all available on Crave, day-and-date with their U.S. premiere,” he continued.
While Bell Media’s HBO Max deal with Warner Bros. includes HBO Max original programming produced by Warner Bros. Television Group, Warner Bros. theatrical titles that come to Crave in a pay TV window are part of a separate deal.
“These are unchartered waters that we are all collectively navigating so that studios, theatres, and streaming services are able to continue to deliver these incredible movies to as many people as possible, for years to come,” added Henderson.
A Warner spokesperson confirmed to Cartt.ca this announcement will have “no impact” on its arrangements with Bell Media in Canada.
“We’re living in unprecedented times which call for creative solutions, including this new initiative for the Warner Bros. Pictures Group,” said Ann Sarnoff, chair and CEO, WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group (of which Warner Bros. is part), in the press release.
“No one wants films back on the big screen more than we do. We know new content is the lifeblood of theatrical exhibition, but we have to balance this with the reality that most theaters in the U.S. will likely operate at reduced capacity throughout 2021. With this unique one-year plan, we can support our partners in exhibition with a steady pipeline of world-class films, while also giving moviegoers who may not have access to theaters or aren’t quite ready to go back to the movies the chance to see our amazing 2021 films. We see it as a win-win for film lovers and exhibitors, and we’re extremely grateful to our filmmaking partners for working with us on this innovative response to these circumstances.”
“After considering all available options and the projected state of moviegoing throughout 2021, we came to the conclusion that this was the best way for WarnerMedia’s motion picture business to navigate the next 12 months,” added Jason Kilar, CEO of WarnerMedia. “More importantly, we are planning to bring consumers 17 remarkable movies throughout the year, giving them the choice and the power to decide how they want to enjoy these films. Our content is extremely valuable, unless it’s sitting on a shelf not being seen by anyone. We believe this approach serves our fans, supports exhibitors and filmmakers, and enhances the HBO Max experience, creating value for all.”
