Ted Sarandos, CO-CEO, shared reflections on the impact of the recent strikes in Hollywood during a recent conference in New York. The executive stressed that the COVID-19 pandemic helped prepare the platform for possible interruptions, highlighting that the company did not experience ‘significant interruptions’ during the double strike in Hollywood last months.
‘COVID helped us develop a muscle on how to manage the production slate and its delivery in an unpredictable time like the strike,’ said Sarandos, highlighting that Netflix‘s content agenda is a key factor in minimizing interruptions.
In response to the end of the strikes, Sarandos expressed his excitement: ‘I’m very excited about it. We are delighted that the strikes are behind us and we are getting back to what we do best’. Among the new seasons that return after the protests lifted are: Bridgerton, Cobra Kai and Emily in Paris.
One of the points that the executive maintains is the company’s commitment to move forward with the content budget stipulated for 2024, which amounts to 17 billion dollars. Additionally, Sarandos highlighted the importance of two strategic focus areas: animation and non-scripted programming in local languages.
He also highlighted the success of licensing films in partnership with studios such as Sony Pictures Entertainment and Universal Pictures/Enlightenment, highlighting the addition of popular titles such as Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and Super Mario Bros. in addition, he noted that carrying certain shows and movies to the global platform can boost its popularity, citing the case of Suits.
Referring to future plans, Sarandos announced that Netflix will increase its animation offering in collaboration with David Ellison‘s Skydance starting next year. Additionally, he noted that the company will continue to explore initiatives to increase average revenue per subscriber, including payment sharing, advertising-supported plans and adjustments to the price and plan mix.
