Kevin Spacey makes his web debut.
Series starring the American actor to be broadcast exclusively on the Internet.
247, with information from Deadline.com – Times have changed. While renting a movie without leaving home, through online rental services, and watching it over the Internet was already a novelty until recently, now the American company Netflix – a digital video streaming service via the web – wants to make an even bolder technological step possible: broadcasting an original series exclusively online, with a top-tier cast.
With this goal in mind, Netflix has already offered David Fincher – nominated for an Oscar for Best Director for The Social Network (2010) and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) – US$100 million to undertake the venture. In this way, the company, known for being responsible for the bankruptcy of the Blockbuster chain, will assume the position of competitor to broadcasters such as HBO and Sony, recognized for producing this type of television program.
The negotiated series contains 26 episodes and will star actor Kevin Spacey, winner of two Oscars: Best Supporting Actor in 1995 for Prisoners, and Best Actor in 1996 for American Beauty. Netflix has already committed to streaming two seasons of its first original content. In a landscape where digital movie sites are constantly striving to differentiate themselves, an original series would position Netflix as a quality entertainment company, and not just a content provider.
With 61% of the digital video distribution market in the United States, Netflix is facing strong competition from Amazon. The world's largest online bookstore has invested in this area and is causing havoc for the sector leader by offering cheaper services and a frequently updated catalog. The willingness of both companies and YouTube's plans to broadcast basketball and hockey games indicates that a process of "cutting the cord" may be underway. Traditional TV broadcasters should be wary.