Netflix Considering ‘Roma’ Exclusive Theatrical Run As Streaming Service Decides Prestige Film Strategy

As we’ve reported recently, Netflix film boss Scott Stuber is trying to shift the streaming service’s focus onto three basic types of films. First, he wants to throw a lot of money at those big Marvel-like blockbusters. Then, because of recent successes, Stuber wants to continue to develop mid-budget romantic comedies. And finally, Netflix really wants to become a major player in the prestige category, developing major awards contenders.

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But it’s that last bit that’s becoming the most troublesome. You see, you can spend a bunch of money and make a blockbuster. You can hire a good cast and crew and make a competent rom-com. But to attract those premier filmmakers, known for their arthouse/awards fare, you need to figure out the theatrical dilemma.

This year looks to be the first major time in Netflix’s relatively short life where they’re going to release multiple films in small theatrical runs day and date with the streaming release. This is, of course, to qualify for awards consideration. However, according to THR, the streamer is running into the issue of having to make more theatrical concessions for certain filmmakers.

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One of the most anticipated films of the season is Alfonso Cuaron’s “Roma.” From everything we have seen about the upcoming semi-autobiographical drama, it appears that the “Gravity” filmmaker has hit another home run, and perhaps, “Roma” could be a masterpiece. And Netflix knows this. And Cuaron knows this.

So, the filmmaker is pushing not just for the day-and-date release with token Oscars run in theaters. According to the report, Netflix is figuring out whether or not to release “Roma” in theaters before it hits the streaming service. As of now, it’s reported that Netflix is working on a deal to put “Roma” in Landmark Cinemas and Alamo Drafthouses around the country. We’ll have to see if this changes.

As you probably already know, this goes against almost everything that Netflix stands for. But hey, they have to attract those big-name filmmakers, and as of today, there aren’t many in the world that are as big as Cuaron.

Another major awards contender this fall is the Netflix film “22 July” from Paul Greengrass. THR reports that Greengrass isn’t worried about the day-and-date release with the theatrical run. What he’s concerned about is how big the theatrical run is. Instead of the token Oscars run, the filmmaker wants an expanded run, to give more people access to the film.

As you can see, times are changing and Netflix is figuring out how to evolve. It looks like with the streaming services’ incredible fall slate, this is the year that the company figures out how to be a major film studio.