In a bid to stake its claim as a top player in the TV and movie business, Netflix is now planning on launching Wide, a new publication that will help promote the work of the ever-growing brand that's now become a household name. This development comes as Netflix continues to compete more directly with major movie and TV studios.
It's anticipated that this move is part of Netflix’s strategy to promote their talent and services to an industry whose landscape is shifting, and where streaming services like Netflix and Amazon are now going head to head with big Hollywood networks such as HBO. It goes without saying, therefore, that they're keen to acquire recognition for their work in terms of awards and accolades. The news of Wide's launch comes ahead of the upcoming Emmy Awards in September 2019. Last year saw Netflix pick up awards for a number of their shows, including Black Mirror, Godless and most notably, The Crown, which awarded Stephen Daldrey with the Emmy for directing a drama series, and where Claire Foy picked up the award for lead actress in a drama.
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According to Bloomberg, the new publication is intended as an industry journal that'll not only help garner support for awards such as the Emmys, but will also act as a way of promoting new and upcoming titles to the wider industry. Netflix is especially keen to do this now that there's such a wide array of talent that they work with and attract both in front of and behind the camera to produce massive hit shows like Stranger Things. Wide will be packed with news, features, essays and interviews relating to Netflix shows, their creators and their stars. And so, with voting on the nominations for the Emmys taking place in June, it makes sense to launch just in time for awards night. They were the network leaders in 2018 in terms of Emmy nominations, but are still chasing some of the major trophies such as best drama and best comedy.
Since Netflix's inception in 1997, the California-based media provider has grown into a global brand with over 139 million subscribers worldwide to its streaming services. It's maintained a weighty commitment to not just streaming but producing original content that has helped to develop the brand and bring in customers from across the viewing spectrum. It’s no wonder therefore that Netflix is now more eager than ever to capitalize on their recent successes with shows across all genres. From drama to documentary, comedy to film, Netflix has been become a major player in this ever-changing industry and, undoubtedly, one that's here to stay.
Netflix has produced shows that have involved some of the best and well-known talent in the industry, with shows such as Ozark, and movie titles such as Birdbox bringing Hollywood heavyweights such as Jason Bateman, Sandra Bullock and John Malkovich to small screens in much-anticipated movies. The Emmys are to be held on September 22. Whatever happens with their new publication, fans can be sure to see Netflix up there with big players such as HBO, FX, and Amazon on awards night. How much Wide has contributed to that will ultimately be down to analysts to decipher.
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Source: Bloomberg