(Image Source: Netflix)
Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos graced the latest cover of Variety magazine, where he discussed his past operational experiences and shared his thoughts on working with various new and old partner companies. During the interview, Sarandos was asked for his perspective on Marvel Television's shift to Disney+ to develop new projects after concluding their collaboration on "The Defenders" series.
Variety's interviewer inquired if Sarandos considered the current Marvel shows successful. Sarandos responded that he thought they were, but he wasn't entirely sure, noting that Marvel had not released any viewership data.
(Image Source: Variety)
Sarandos then elaborated on Netflix's experience working with Marvel, explaining that during the period when they co-produced those series, they were dealing with the "old Marvel Television system," which operated independently within Disney and was "very frugal." He recalled that whenever Netflix wanted to make the shows better or expand their scope, they constantly had to "nag and persuade" Marvel. Sarandos noted that their investment standards differed: Netflix aimed to create "great television," while Marvel's focus was on "making money," though Sarandos believed that making money could be achieved by producing excellent shows.
(Image Source: Variety)
Sarandos continued, stating that one hopes to work with people who share the same motivations. He observed that when people produce content for you, they often try to make it as cheaply as possible, but his motivation was to make it as excellent as possible. Sarandos called it a lesson he would always remember, explaining that as producers, Marvel "pocketed" any money they didn't spend. Consequently, every time Netflix wanted to add something to improve the show, disputes would arise.
Sarandos also discussed Netflix's recent collaboration with Steven Spielberg's production company, Amblin Entertainment. Spielberg had previously stated publicly that Netflix films weren't "real" movies but rather television films, but he has since changed his mind. Sarandos mentioned that they are about to release a "very exciting" adaptation of "The Thursday Murder Club." Additionally, Amblin also produced "Leave the World Behind" for Netflix. Sarandos quoted Spielberg's acknowledgment: "Releasing 'Leave the World Behind' felt like releasing a blockbuster in theaters; I heard how people were discussing the film, and that's what releasing a hit feels like!"
via： Variety