Netflix and Sony Forge Groundbreaking Global Pay-1 Deal
Netflix has forged a landmark global Pay-1 licensing agreement with Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), marking a significant milestone in the streaming industry. This exclusive multi-year deal ensures that SPE’s feature films will be available on Netflix worldwide after completing their theatrical and home entertainment runs.
Details of the Pay-1 Deal
The innovative Pay-1 arrangement is set to roll out incrementally, starting later this year. Full global availability on Netflix is anticipated by early 2029. As part of the agreement, Netflix will also gain licensing rights to select films and library titles from SPE.
Current and Upcoming Titles
- Uncharted
- Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
- It Ends With Us
- Anyone But You
- Venom: The Last Dance
Notable future films include:
- The Nightingale
- Buds
- Live-action The Legend of Zelda
- Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse
- Beatles Quartet films by Sam Mendes
Industry Implications
According to Lauren Smith, Vice President of Licensing and Programming Strategy at Netflix, this collaboration enriches the platform for global subscribers. Smith highlighted the popularity of Sony’s iconic franchises, such as Spider-Man, among Netflix’s U.S. audience, expressing excitement about broadening access to these titles around the world.
Paul Littmann, EVP of Global Distribution at Sony Pictures Television, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership. He noted that this Pay-1 agreement solidifies the appeal of SPE’s theatrical releases to Netflix’s international audience, while also showcasing the potential for independent creative ventures.
About the Companies
Netflix is a leading entertainment service globally, boasting over 300 million paid memberships across 190 countries. Subscribers enjoy a vast array of films, series, and games, with the flexibility to watch anytime, anywhere.
Sony Pictures Entertainment, a subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, specializes in production, acquisition, and distribution of motion pictures and television content. Its diverse operations encompass various film studios, including Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation.
This groundbreaking Pay-1 deal represents a significant shift in how audiences will consume feature films, further altering the landscape of film distribution.
