The Directors Guild of America has written a critical letter to Warner Bros., demanding a meeting to discuss the studio’s plan to release all its 2021 films on HBO Max the same day as their theatrical debut. The move from Warner has been widely criticized by both filmmakers and theater owners, including AMC CEO Adam Aron. Warner Bros’ initiative is the latest development in the industry’s ongoing woes, primarily sparked by theater closures, production setbacks and low ticket sales caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Warner Bros. announced its day-and-date streaming plan last week to a loud and mixed response. The company’s 2021 slate includes major blockbusters like Dune, Godzilla vs. Kong, and The Matrix 4. The announcement that all such films would be streamable on HBO Max with no delay and no additional charge to subscribers was surprising to many, especially to other major players in the industry who were not consulted or informed prior to Warner Bros’ public announcement.
Now, the Directors Guild of America is speaking out in condemnation of Warner Bros’ 2021 release plan. Per THR, the Guild has sent a letter to the studio requesting a meeting to outline their complaints. The report says that part of the Guild’s frustration centers on a meeting that took place in November of last year, in which Warner Bros. CEO Ann Sarnoff discussed future plans for keeping a fair market value for films while they figured out the role of HBO Max. Apparently, many feel that the company’s recently announced streaming plan contradicts the discussions had at that meeting. The Guild is therefore asking for another conversation with Sarnoff.
Obviously, the spread of and mass-shutdowns caused by COVID-19 have had huge repercussions through the film industry that could not possibly have been foreseen last November. Still, it’s also no secret that streaming platforms have become more and more prioritized in recent years, which was bound to have a rolling impact on theatrical release models even before the coronavirus hit. Warner Bros' new plan will have potential benefits to consumers while public gatherings are still a health hazard, but it will also likely continue the pains talent and exhibitors have been feeling all year.
The Guild’s official letter isn’t the first instance of vocalized criticism against Warner Bros. since the announcement. Director Christopher Nolan, a longtime partner of the studio and strong proponent of theater viewings for films, has openly attacked the strategy, and he’s far from the only one. As other prominent powers in the business speak up in opposition, it’s not out of the question that Warner Bros. could make some changes to their plan going forward.
Source: THR