James Cameron warns Netflix-Warner Bros. merger would be ‘disastrous’

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‘Avatar’ filmmaker James Cameron has written a letter to Senator Mike Lee arguing that a potential Netflix-Warner Bros. merger would be ‘disastrous’ for the theatrical film business, leading to job losses and hurting the film export business.

Filmmaker James Cameron has written a letter arguing that if Netflix is successful in its bid for Warner Bros.’ studio and streaming businesses, it could cause huge job loss, change the theatrical landscape and hurt the film export business, according to Variety. The ‘Avatar’ filmmaker sent his letter last week to Senator Mike Lee, chair of the Senate subcommittee on antitrust, and the letter was then recently obtained by CNBC.

Cameron Warns of ‘Disastrous’ Impact on Theatrical Business

“I believe strongly that the proposed sale of Warner Brothers Discovery to Netflix will be disastrous for the theatrical motion picture business that I have dedicated my life’s work to,” Cameron wrote in the letter. “Of course, my films all play in the downstream video markets as well, but my first love is the cinema,” as quoted by Variety. The filmmaker, best known for directing the blockbuster ‘Avatar’ franchise, cautioned that a contraction in big-budget film production would have sweeping consequences. He predicted that if the number of large-scale films declines, “Theaters will close. Fewer films will be made. The job losses will spiral.”

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Clash of Business Models

Cameron argued that Netflix’s streaming-first business model conflicts with the traditional theatrical system. “The business model of Netflix is directly at odds with the theatrical film production and exhibition business, which employs hundreds of thousands of Americans,” he wrote. “It is therefore directly at odds with the business model of the Warner Brothers movie division, one of the few remaining major movie studios,” according to Variety.

Senator Responds to Concerns

Responding to the concerns, Senator Lee said in a statement, “We have received outreach from actors, directors, and other interested parties about the proposed Netflix and Warner Brothers merger, and I share many of their concerns. I look forward to holding a follow-up hearing to further address these issues.”

Fears for US Film Exports

Cameron also contends that exports of Hollywood films would suffer in a Netflix-Warners merger. “The U.S. may no longer lead in auto or steel manufacturing, but it is still the world leader in movies. That will change for the worse,” according to Variety. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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