Netflix kicked off 2024 with a bang, exceeding analyst predictions and boasting its best first quarter since the pandemic surge.  Subscriber growth surpassed expectations, adding 9.33 million customers compared to the projected 4.84 million. Revenue increased 15% to $9.33 billion, exceeding analyst estimates. Earnings per share grew to $5.28, beating analyst projections. This stellar performance is attributed to a combination of factors:Hit Programming: A steady stream of original shows, including "Fool Me Once," "Griselda," "The Gentleman," and "Love is Blind," kept viewers glued to their screens.Password Sharing Crackdown: Netflix's efforts to curb unauthorized account sharing resulted in a significant influx of paying customers. Millions who were previously freeloading are now contributing to the revenue stream.Global Expansion: New subscribers joined Netflix from all corners of the globe, with particular strength in North America.Looking Forward:Continued Growth Projected: Netflix forecasts sales growth of roughly 16% in Q2. New subscriber numbers will likely dip seasonally.Shifting Metrics: Starting in Q1 2025, Netflix will move away from reporting paid quarterly memberships and revenue per subscriber, focusing instead on traditional measures like sales and profit. Valuation Concerns: Some analysts express caution, citing the high market valuation compared to current financials and the temporary boost from password sharing clampdown.New Initiatives:Ad-Supported Tier: To attract cost-conscious viewers, Netflix introduced a cheaper option with advertisements. This tier is gaining traction, with 40% of new customers opting-in (though still a small portion compared to giants like YouTube).Live Programming: Netflix is venturing into live events, including stand-up comedy, wrestling, and an upcoming boxing match. Despite concerns, Netflix's recent performance has impressed even skeptical analysts. The company's diverse content offerings, subscriber growth strategies, and new revenue streams suggest a promising future.

NY VFXWAALA, a visual effects (VFX) studio founded by actor Ajay Devgn, has entered into a strategic partnership with Goodbye Kansas Studio (GBK) of Stockholm, Sweden.Key aspects of the partnership:  • Investment and Joint Venture: NY VFXWAALA, through an offshore subsidiary, has acquired a significant stake in GBK, solidifying the collaboration. Additionally, a joint venture studio will be launched in India to leverage combined expertise.  • Combined Expertise: GBK brings a wealth of experience in VFX, animation, and game trailers for major studios like HBO, Netflix, and Ubisoft. NY VFXWAALA boasts an award-winning portfolio of over 300 films.  • Global Reach and Growth: The partnership aims to expand service offerings globally, attracting talent from India and Asia. They will target new markets and capitalize on the growing VFX and gaming content outsourcing trend.  • Enhanced Service Offerings: The combined entity will offer a broader range of services, including 3D scanning, motion capture, and character design. They will also focus on the Indian gaming market and other Asian opportunities.  • Research and Development: A collaborative R&D team will be established to explore new technologies and tools for the VFX industry.Ajay Devgn, Founder and Chairman of NY VFXWAALA, said: "This partnership with GBK allows us to extend our global reach and deliver exceptional services to clients worldwide. We are excited to collaborate with a like-minded partner and contribute to the creative and technological advancements in the industry."Per Anders Wärn, Chairman of the Board, Goodbye Kansas, said: "NY VFXWAALA is a perfect partner, sharing our commitment to talent, technology, and storytelling. This partnership strengthens both our organizations and creates new opportunities for our employees and clients."Stefan Danieli, CEO of Goodbye Kansas: "We welcome NY VFXWAALA as a strategic investor and partner. This collaboration will significantly contribute to our growth and expand our production capabilities, supporting GBK's profitable future."Naveen Paul, Creative Head and Co-founder of NY VFXWAALA, said: "We are thrilled to partner with the GBK team. Together, we aim to raise the bar for quality, expand globally, and offer exceptional service. We invite talented individuals worldwide to join us on this exciting journey."

Receiver to be Produced by NFL Films, Omaha Productions and 2PM Productions, the Team Behind Hit Series QuarterbackToday, Netflix announced its newest sports series that follows pass catchers during the NFL 2023-24 season: Davante Adams (Las Vegas Raiders), Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings), George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers), Deebo Samuel (San Francisco 49ers), and Amon-Ra St. Brown (Detroit Lions).Logline: It’s been said that there’s no more difficult position in the NFL than the quarterback. But throwing the pass is only half the story. Receiver follows five of the NFL’s best pass catchers throughout the 2023 season on and off the field: Davante Adams, Justin Jefferson, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel and Amon-Ra St. Brown.Receiver is set to premiere in Summer 2024 as a continuation of Netflix’s partnership with the NFL that first began with Quarterback, which hit the Netflix Global Top 10 for three weeks.Production Company: NFL Films, Omaha Productions and 2PM ProductionsFormat: 8 x 45 minute episodesExecutive Producers: Peyton Manning and Jamie Horowitz for Omaha Productions; Ross Ketover, Pat Kelleher and Keith Cossrow for NFL Films; Patrick Mahomes and Jacquelyn Dahl from 2PM Productions. “The natural progression is from a pass to a catch, so we’re excited to dive into the Receiver world after the success of our Quarterback series,” said Gabe Spitzer, Vice President, Nonfiction Sports, Netflix. “NFL Films, Omaha Productions and 2PM Productions have delivered again in finding unique and dynamic athletes who will further highlight the drama of this sport on and off the field.” “We were thrilled last summer to see audiences all over the world diving into the lives of NFL quarterbacks,” said Joe Zucco, NFL Films Supervising Producer. “We believe the extraordinary skills, dedication and passion of the NFL’s great wide receivers – and one tight end – will make a perfect follow-up.”“We are excited to be working again with Netflix and NFL Films to give fans unprecedented access to what it’s like to play receiver at the highest level,” said Peyton Manning. “As we did with Quarterback, we look forward to telling the stories of five incredible receivers, each with their unique personality, skillset, and motivation for what drives them to be the best.” Netflix is the premier home for great sports stories as these series join Netflix's lineup of sports programming, including recent releases like Quarterback, Formula 1: Drive To Survive, Full Swing, NASCAR: Full Speed, Untold, Tour de France: Unchained, Under Pressure: The U.S. Women’s World Cup Team, Six Nations: Full Contact and more. Netflix has partnered with sports leagues including Formula 1, National Football League (NFL), the PGA TOUR, Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), Women's Tennis Association (WTA), Fédération internationale de football association (FIFA), World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and more.

WWE, part of TKO Group Holdings, Inc., and Netflix today announced a long-term partnership that will bring WWE’s flagship weekly program – Raw – to the world’s leading entertainment service. This marks a major programming shift as Raw leaves linear television for the first time since its inception 31 years ago.  Beginning in January 2025, Netflix will be the exclusive new home of Raw in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Latin America, among other territories, with additional countries and regions to be added over time. Likewise, as part of the agreement, Netflix will also become the home for all WWE shows and specials outside the U.S. as available, inclusive of Raw and WWE’s other weekly shows – SmackDown and NXT – as well as the company’s Premium Live Events, including WrestleMania, SummerSlam and Royal Rumble. WWE’s award-winning documentaries, original series and forthcoming projects will also be available on Netflix internationally beginning in 2025.  “This deal is transformative,” said Mark Shapiro, TKO President and COO. “It marries the can’t-miss WWE product with Netflix’s extraordinary global reach and locks in significant and predictable economics for many years. Our partnership fundamentally alters and strengthens the media landscape, dramatically expands the reach of WWE, and brings weekly live appointment viewing to Netflix.” “We are excited to have WWE Raw, with its huge and passionate multigenerational fan base, on Netflix,” said Netflix Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria. “By combining our reach, recommendations, and fandom with WWE, we’ll be able to deliver more joy and value for their audiences and our members. Raw is the best of sports entertainment, blending great characters and storytelling with live action 52 weeks a year and we’re thrilled to be in this long-term partnership with WWE.” “In its relatively short history, Netflix has engineered a phenomenal track record for storytelling,” said Nick Khan, WWE President. “We believe Netflix, as one of the world’s leading entertainment brands, is the ideal long-term home for Raw’s live, loyal, and ever-growing fan base." With 1600 episodes to date, Raw is the most iconic show in sports entertainment. Since its debut in 1993, Raw has delivered action, compelling drama and unmatched athleticism – 52 weeks a year. Blending the best of scripted content with unpredictable live entertainment, the three-hour show has helped launch the careers of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Triple  H, John Cena, Roman Reigns, Bianca Belair and Charlotte Flair.  The show is currently the No. 1 show on USA Network, where it brings in 17.5 million unique viewers over the course of the year. One of television’s best performing shows in the 18-49 advertising demographic, Raw trends on X 52 weeks a year while each new episode is airing. On social media, WWE has more than one billion followers across its platforms. 

Netflix provided another update on the viewership numbers for its ad-supported tier on Wednesday. The Netflix Standard with Ads plan has now reached 23 million monthly active users globally, a substantial increase from the 15 million reported in November.While subscriber count denotes the number of paid accounts a streaming service has, monthly active users represent the number of individual profiles within a paid account.Netflix also disclosed its intention to introduce pause ads in the coming months.It seems that Netflix is finally witnessing the desired momentum in subscriber growth since it introduced ads just over a year ago. In May, the global monthly active user count for its ad-supported service was only 5 million, and by August, it had doubled to 10 million. For comparison, Disney is also undergoing a similar growth trajectory, with its last reported AVOD subscriber count around 7 million in November.Advertisers had voiced concerns about Netflix's initial lack of scale as recently as May. However, with its current growth rate, Netflix is better positioned to appeal to marketers. As buyers aim to reach a sufficient number of viewers to justify their investments, particularly in the context of allocating funds for streaming during the upfronts, media companies are already taking notice.Regarding upfronts, Netflix is expected to have a broader range of ad inventory available for negotiations in the coming months.In a few months, Netflix will launch pause ads, appearing after a viewer pauses a stream for at least five seconds, aiming to be minimally disruptive. The introduction of binge ads was also announced in November, offering brand sponsorship deals that allow viewers to access an ad-free episode in exchange for watching a sponsored message. Additionally, advertisers will soon have the option to include QR codes in their ad creatives.

Viewers are open to and tolerant of advertising on streaming platforms – especially when ad loads are reasonable, when users’ bills are lower, and when they have the option to choose a premium ad-free options if they so desire, according to Hub Entertainment Research’s TV Advertising: Fact vs Fiction study.As more and more streaming services adopt an ad-supported model, the importance of understanding advertising’s role in the TV ecosystem – and in viewer’s subscription and viewing decisions – has never been more important. While Netflix, Disney+, and Max work to draw subs to their new ad tiers, Amazon and AMC+ recently announced their push to ad commercials to their streams. Soon there may be few truly ad-free streamers left – if any.Time and again consumers are seen choosing content first – whether or not they can watch it ad-free.The sixth wave of the study continues to track use, viewing behaviors, and perceptions of ad-supported TV, exploring the interplay between advertising, cost, and content.Consumers, who were intolerant to ads in 2023, are now open opt to ad-supported services to save money.Contrary to popular belief, consumers' patience for advertising has its limits. In a level playing field, nearly four out of ten viewers would opt for a streaming service with fewer ads. Additionally, advertisers benefit from reduced ad loads, as almost half of consumers pay more attention when ad breaks are shorter. A streaming service with a more reasonable ad load tends to elevate the perceived quality of its advertisers.The consensus among viewers is that two standard-length ads per break constitute a reasonable amount of advertising. Viewers generally find ad breaks acceptable if they last one minute or less, but the tipping point occurs at ninety seconds, beyond which most viewers deem the break unreasonable.There remains substantial potential for streaming platforms to expand their ad-supported offerings. A significant proportion of consumers remain unaware of the lower-cost ad-supported options provided by most streaming services.Consumer acceptance of advertising in streaming video is on the rise, presenting growth opportunities for ad-supported offerings. The Hub TV Advertising: Fact vs. Fiction survey consistently indicates that a majority of viewers prefer an ad-supported video subscription if it costs less than an ad-free one over the past two years. In the latest survey, this preference is notably higher than it was in June 2023.The acceptance of advertising in streaming video is widespread, and there is still untapped potential to attract new subscribers. Many consumers are unaware that streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Max have introduced more affordable ad-supported tiers. Aggressively marketing these economical options can draw in viewers who have not subscribed due to perceived high costs.

Netflix has published insights into what people watched on its platform over a six-month period.  The streamer will continue publishing "What We Watched: A Netflix Engagement Report" twice a year. This comprehensive report of what people watched on Netflix over a six month period, including:  Hours viewed for every title — original and licensed — watched for over 50,000 hours2;  The premiere date for any Netflix TV series or film; and  Whether a title was available globally.  In total, this report covers more than 18,000 titles — representing 99% of all viewing on Netflix — and nearly 100 billion hours viewed.  Over 60% of Netflix titles released between January and June 2023 appeared on its weekly Top 10 lists. So while this report is broader in scope, the trends reflected in it are very similar to those in the Top 10 lists, including: The strength of returning favorites like Ginny & Georgia, Alice in Borderland, The Marked Heart, Outer Banks, You, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, XO Kitty and film sequels Murder Mystery 2 and Extraction 2;  The popularity of new series like The Night Agent, The Diplomat, Beef, The Glory, Alpha Males, FUBAR and Fake Profile, which generate huge audiences and fandoms;  The size of the audience of Netflix films across every genre including The Mother, Luther: The Fallen Sun, You People, AKA, ¡Que viva México! and Hunger;  The enthusiasm for non-English stories, which generated 30% of all viewing;  The staying power of titles on Netflix, which extends well beyond their premieres. All Quiet on the Western Front, for example, debuted in October 2022 and generated 80M hours viewed between January and June; and The demand for older, licensed titles, which generates tremendous value for its members and for rights holders.   The streamer said in a blog post that the success on Netflix comes in all shapes and sizes, and is not determined by hours viewed alone.  "We have enormously successful movies and TV shows with both lower and higher hours viewed. It’s all about whether a movie or TV show thrilled its audience — and the size of that audience relative to the economics of the title; and to compare between titles it’s best to use our weekly Top 10 and Most Popular lists, which take into account run times and premiere dates," said the blog post.  "This is a big step forward for Netflix and the industry. We believe the viewing information in this report — combined with our weekly Top 10 and Most Popular lists — will give creators and our industry deeper insights into our audiences, and what resonates with them," stated the post.

Netflix has embarked on its first custom creative campaign for its ad-supported tier in collaboration with Geico. The campaign features a partnership between Geico's gecko mascot and Leo the lizard, the main character in the animated film 'Leo' starring Adam Sandler.In a 30-second spot, the Geico Gecko is depicted passing out on-set, and the creative content spans TV and online video ads, out-of-home placements, and social media elements. This signifies Netflix's move towards a co-branded marketing strategy to fuel advertising for future growth. The streaming giant is exploring co-branded partnerships that aim to strengthen the connection between advertisers' products and Netflix's original programming.The 'Leo' campaign is a departure from past initiatives, such as Domino's collaboration with 'Stranger Things' and Old Spice's ties with 'The Witcher,' as the ads are running directly on Netflix, providing Geico with a more direct line to viewers.Magno Herran, Netflix's Vice President of Marketing Partnerships, highlighted the significance of bringing together the iconic Geico Gecko and the new character Leo, stating that it delivers more entertaining ad experiences for members and more contextually relevant messages for advertisers. Netflix plans to explore more opportunities like this in the future.The ads were developed in collaboration with creative studio Framestore and animation experts Animal Logic. The content shows the Geico Gecko acting as an on-set consultant, offering Leo tips that include vocal warm-up routines and finding the right lighting for a shot.'Leo' itself has achieved notable success on Netflix, standing as the biggest debut for an animated film on the platform with 34.6 million views within six days of premiering. The film, featuring Adam Sandler, secured the top spot on Netflix's English-language top 10 list.

At The Future of TV Advertising Global event in London, Rita Ferro, Disney's President of Global Advertising, delivered insights into the future of the TV streaming landscape, predicting a significant wave of consolidation in the next 12-24 months. Ferro emphasized that the current number of competitors in the streaming market is unsustainable, and viewers can expect a substantial transformation within two years.About the viability of the existing multitude of streaming services, Ferro expressed confidence in the inevitability of consolidation. "Ultimately, you're going to see more consolidation because there's no way that all of these players will continue to exist without multiple revenue streams," she explained.In a conversation with Justin Lebbon, Director of Adwanted Events, Ferro provided a positive update on Disney's streaming business, citing an excellent end to the year. Despite the challenges faced throughout the year, Ferro noted that Disney is in a strong position, anchored particularly in sports and streaming.Reflecting on the successful one-year rollout of Disney+'s ad tier, Ferro highlighted its exceptional performance. She shared that Disney+ now boasts 1,000 advertisers globally, with half of the new subscribers in the US opting for the ad-supported tier.Ferro attributed the positive response to the ad tier to Disney's careful approach in ensuring the "right ad load, the right ad experience, and the right ad policy." Drawing a distinction from competitors like Netflix, Ferro underscored Disney's advantage, leveraging its ownership of Hulu and its extensive advertising tech stack.Addressing concerns about the potential disruption of user experience with ads, Ferro emphasized Disney's commitment to being "very careful." With a longer history of working with advertising, Disney limits its ad load to approximately four minutes per hour and strategically places ads in content originally designed without ad breaks.While acknowledging the challenges, Ferro stressed the importance of navigating the "minefield" of balancing advertising with a seamless streaming experience, highlighting Disney's dedication to preserving the quality of user engagement.

Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos unveiled the streaming giant's transformative journey and outlined a strategic vision for global expansion, backed by a massive $600 billion market opportunity. Sarandos's address at the 2023 UBS Global TMT Conference zeroed in on Netflix's pivotal role in the rapidly evolving entertainment landscape, with a spotlight on the company's ambitious plans to capture a substantial share of the lucrative market across pay TV, film, games, and branded advertising.Netflix's futureLooking forward, Sarandos outlined Netflix's strategic plan:Diversifying content offerings with a focus on non-English language content, games, sports programming, and live events. Strengthening connections with fans through innovative experiences like "The Bridgerton Ball" and "The Squid Game Trials."Exploring new revenue streams through advertising while maintaining competitive pricing. Sarandos positioned Netflix to seize a significant share of the $600 billion market opportunity, highlighting the company's current underrepresentation:Sarandos highlighted the dynamic nature of the entertainment industry, identifying streaming as the linchpin for modern entertainment and emphasizing its role in shaping consumer choices and industry growth. The transformative impact of streaming resonated throughout Sarandos's address, showcasing not only the fulfillment of consumer demands but the unprecedented global opportunities it has unlocked:A surge in TV and film production, contributing to job creation and an expansive content library. Empowered creators globally, enabling their stories to transcend cultural boundaries. Successful penetration of local narratives into global markets, exemplified by hits like "Wednesday" and "Squid Game."Transformative journeySarandos acknowledged Netflix's challenging shifts—from DVD to streaming, from a US-centric approach to global expansion, and from second-run titles to original content. These strategic moves, however, have yielded significant returns.Since the global launch in 2016:Substantial investment in content, with annual content amortization tripling to $14.5 billion. A fivefold increase in operating margins, soaring from 4% to 20%. A remarkable turnaround in free cash flow, from negative $3.3 billion in 2019 to an estimated $6.5 billion in 2023. The business of streaming: Sarandos emphasized the robustness of the streaming business model, evident in Netflix's consistent growth and financial success.Consumer-centric approach : In his closing remarks, Sarandos underscored the enduring importance of a consumer-centric approach. Member satisfaction, he emphasized, remains the linchpin for sustained growth, revenue generation, and brand strength in the highly competitive streaming landscape.

Manga Production, a subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation "Misk," has signed an agreement with the renowned Japanese production company and studio, Production I.G., to license the animated series "GREAT PRETENDER razbliuto" which is scheduled to be launched in 2024. The partnership includes granting full rights to Manga Production for distribution, licensing, and marketing of the third season of the animated series "Great Pretender" in the Middle East and North Africa region, including events and merchandise rights.Dr. Essam Bukhary, CEO of Manga Productions, commented on the expansion of distribution and licensing, saying: “We are witnessing significant expansion in the field of distribution and licensing at Manga Productions, and this success is attributed to the trust of our partners around the world and the special efforts of our team in their continuous pursuit of success and leadership in the creative industry. Our partnership with “Production I.G” and through “GREAT PRETENDER razbliuto” will play a crucial role in promoting the growth of the local and Middle Eastern market, as it represents a significant milestone in the licensing world within our Arab community."In addition, Mr. George Wada, the president, and the CEO at Production I.G, expressed his enthusiasm towards this partnership, saying: “GREAT PRETENDER razbliuto” is an anime that Production I.G takes full responsibility for, and we have officially entrusted its rights to Manga Productions in the Middle East and North Africa. We are confident that our partnership with Manga Productions will allow the audience in the Arab world to closely enjoy “GREAT PRETENDER razbliuto” series and other upcoming anime works.Eng. Abdulaziz Alnaghmoosh, Director of Marketing, Distribution, and Business Development at Manga Productions, says that “the partnership with Production I.G. in distributing and licensing “GREAT PRETENDER razbliuto” is an important step in their strategy to enhance their presence in the animation industry. They are excited to bring this unique show to audiences in the Middle East and North Africa”.It is worth mentioning that the animated series "GREAT PRETENDER" was directed by Mr. Yuuichiro Hayashi and written by Ryota Kosawa. It premiered in June 2020 on Netflix in Japan, followed by its release on Netflix worldwide. The series has received positive reviews, with an IMDB rating of 7.0 and 8.2 on My Anime List.

Tyler Perry and Netflix have formed a creative partnership that will have Perry write, direct and produce feature films under a multi-year first-look deal.  Perry’s upcoming films with Netflix include Six Triple Eight starring an ensemble cast led by Kerry Washington about the inspiring true story of the the first and only Women’s Army Corp unit of color to be stationed overseas during World War 2, and Mea Culpa starring Kelly Rowland about a criminal defense attorney who takes on the case of an artist who may or may not have murdered his girlfriend. Perry’s previous films with Netflix include A Jazzman’s Blues, a sweeping tale of forbidden love that made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, A Madea Homecoming, the 12th installment of the billion dollar Madea franchise, and the thriller A Fall from Grace. 

Netflix's emphasis on engagement proves pivotal in its journey to triumph within the streaming landscape. This yardstick for customer satisfaction not only retains existing users but also entices new subscribers while strengthening the platform's recommendation system and fostering a dedicated fan base. With 247 million paying households worldwide, Netflix's outreach is continuously expanding, enabling them to sustain higher levels of user engagement compared to their competitors, according to the company's letter to the shareholders during the third quarter earnings.In the United States, for instance, Netflix's original series commanded the viewership charts for 37 out of 38 weeks in 2023, with the top movie ranking in 31 of those weeks, as per Nielsen ratings. This exceptional viewership translates to Netflix capturing 8% of TV screen time in the US, surpassing most streaming platforms, except for YouTube. This affords Netflix ample room for growth as they continually enhance the quality of their content catalog.Netflix's prowess in generating engagement is exemplified by the remarkable success of "One Piece." This live-action adaptation of the best-selling manga series garnered stellar reviews, ignited social media conversations, and drew 62 million views globally, marking it as Netflix's first English-language title to debut at number one in Japan and remain at the top of Netflix's global Top 10 for three consecutive weeks. This accomplishment is attributed to the close collaboration between Netflix's US creative team and their counterparts in the Asia-Pacific region, enabling them to faithfully honor the source material while breathing life into Monkey D. Luffy's world in captivating new ways.Another case in point is the licensed title "Suits." Despite its prior availability on other streaming services, the arrival of seasons one through eight on Netflix in July broke viewing records, securing the title as the most-watched across film, original TV, and acquired TV on streaming platforms in the US for 12 consecutive weeks, racking up an impressive 614 million view hours and a staggering 1 billion view hours on Netflix globally over the same period. Licensing plays an integral role in Netflix's content strategy, with increasing opportunities to license popular titles alongside their original content, creating added value for both members and rights holders.Netflix's engagement endeavors extend well beyond the United States, as they cater to over 70% of their members located outside the US by delivering authentic local stories tailored to regional audiences. Their productions span across 50 countries and languages, with notable hits in various regions and genres, showcasing Netflix's ability to create content that resonates globally.Furthermore, Netflix's investment in sports shoulder programming has gained immense traction, making it the preferred destination for sports enthusiasts. Their contribution to sports culture is evident across tennis, American football, soccer, cycling, boxing, racing, golf, and more. The Netflix effect has a profound impact, leading to increased social media following and engagement for sports figures and events.To foster fan engagement, Netflix continues to innovate and invest in off-platform experiences, such as pop-up restaurants and live events, allowing fans to immerse themselves in their favorite shows between seasons. In the coming years, Netflix House, a physical flagship destination, will further enhance fan engagement with fresh, interactive experiences, food, and retail options.Animated content also plays a vital role in Netflix's programming mix. They recently announced a multi-year partnership with Skydance Animation to produce animated movies, complementing their existing successful animated series and films.As Netflix looks ahead, their fall/winter schedule promises an array of highly-anticipated content, including the final season of "The Crown," "Berlin" from the "Money Heist" franchise, and an extensive lineup of movies featuring A-list actors. This diverse content offering underscores Netflix's commitment to keeping users engaged and entertained.In summary, Netflix's commitment to user engagement, a diverse content catalog, and off-platform experiences contributes to their ongoing success in the global streaming landscape.

In its latest quarterly earnings report, Netflix has announced the success of its global initiative to combat password sharing and unveiled plans to increase subscription rates.Over the past three months, the streaming giant added 8.8 million new subscribers, a significant leap beyond expectations and a substantial increase from the 2.4 million added during the same quarter in the previous year. In the US, the cost of a basic Netflix subscription will rise by $2, reaching $11.99, while premium subscriptions will experience a $3 increase, reaching $22.99. Across the pond in the United Kingdom, the price of the basic subscription will climb by £1 to reach £7.99, and premium memberships will see a £2 hike to reach £17.99.In Australia, prices will remain constant, but the basic subscription tier, previously priced at $10.99, will no longer be available to new or returning subscribers starting next week. The basic tier will also be phased out for new subscribers in Germany, Spain, Japan, Mexico, and Brazil, commencing next week. It has already been discontinued in the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Canada.Netflix has taken steps to curtail the practice of password sharing during the summer months. The company reported that the number of cancellations stemming from this initiative was lower than originally expected.Netflix has introduced an ad-supported subscription tier a year ago, which now constitutes 30% of new subscribers. However, the company acknowledged that building this service "from the ground up" would require some time.Netflix reported revenues of $8.54 billion, in line with expectations. Net profit surged by 20%, reaching $1.68 billion in the third quarter, exceeding its own forecasts. This strong financial performance resulted in an over 11% increase in Netflix's share price during after-hours trading.

This fall, stars of two Netflix sports series will face off in The Netflix Cup, Netflix’s first-ever live sports event featuring athletes from Formula 1: Drive to Survive and Full Swing. The drivers and golfers will pair up to compete in a match play tournament at Wynn Golf Club at Wynn Las Vegas, the only 18-hole, championship golf course on the Las Vegas Strip, to kick off the week of the inaugural FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN SILVER LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX. The Netflix Cup is set to stream live on Netflix beginning at 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 14th. The Netflix Cup’s roster currently includes:Formula 1® Drivers: Alex Albon (Williams Racing), Pierre Gasly (BWT Alpine F1 Team), Lando Norris (McLaren Racing), and Carlos Sainz (Scuderia Ferrari).PGA TOUR Golfers: Rickie Fowler, Max Homa, Collin Morikawa and Justin Thomas. In a clash of wheels and irons, four pairs consisting of one Formula 1® driver and one PGA TOUR professional will play an eight-hole match with the top two teams advancing to the final hole, where they will battle for the chance to win the inaugural Netflix Cup title. The Netflix Cup is a first-of-its-kind live event that showcases two of Netflix’s sports programming breakouts. Formula 1: Drive to Survive is now in production on its sixth season as the fandom continues to popularize the sport in the US. Full Swing, one of 2023’s new series, is finishing filming on a second season and is credited with a rise in PGA TOUR fan engagement.“We love to see how our sports series have brought increased fandom to sports leagues and competitions all over the world,” said Gabe Spitzer, Vice President, Nonfiction Sports, Netflix. “The Netflix Cup will take that energy to the next level with global stars from two popular hits competing in our first-ever live sports event.” “The continued success of Drive to Survive has played a significant role in the growth of Formula 1 in the US, which has ultimately led to the addition of a third American race,” said Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer, Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc. “It’s only fitting that we kick off our inaugural race weekend with a fun event that can be streamed by F1 and PGA TOUR fans around the globe.”“The PGA TOUR is proud to participate in this significant milestone for Netflix and we look forward to showcasing our sport’s professional athletes to a live global audience,” said Norb Gambuzza, PGA TOUR Senior Vice President, Media and Gaming. “New and diverse audiences have come to know more about both our sports and their athletes through Full Swing and Drive to Survive, and we are excited to team up with Netflix, Formula 1 and the Las Vegas Grand Prix on this exciting concept.”“The Wynn Golf Club has hosted a number of unique matchups over the years and The Netflix Cup will be an incredible addition to the storied history of the course,” said Steve Weitman, President of Wynn Las Vegas. “This tournament will showcase a tremendous roster of talent, competing on the only golf course on the Las Vegas Strip, just steps away from the inaugural Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.” Netflix is the premier home for great sports stories with popular series such as Formula 1: Drive to Survive, Full Swing, Untold, Quarterback, Tour de France: Unchained, Break Point and upcoming series following athletes in track and field, soccer, rugby and NASCAR. The Netflix Cup, which is sanctioned by the PGA TOUR and Formula 1®, will be produced by Excel Sports Management, BZ Entertainment, and Full Day Productions (Connor Schell and David Chamberlin), the company behind the ESPY Awards, the Oscars Red Carpet Show and the NFL Honors. 

Netflix has announced its strategic move to venture into the world of brick-and-mortar retail with the launch of a series of physical stores under the banner "Netflix House." This retail venture will not only provide fans with an opportunity to acquire merchandise inspired by popular Netflix shows but also indulge in dining experiences and meticulously curated live events.Netflix's foray into the brick-and-mortar realm will kick off with the opening of the first two locations in the US in 2025, with specific details about their locations yet to be disclosed. For the entertainment buff wanting to bring a piece of their beloved Netflix series into their daily lives, Netflix House will offer a variety of show-themed merchandise, including coveted items like the Lincoln Lawyer coffee mug. Going beyond the conventional retail concept, these Netflix House establishments will offer immersive experiences, starting with an obstacle course inspired by "Squid Game." This intriguing choice, while seemingly at odds with the show's critique of modern capitalism, aligns with Netflix's commitment to engaging and entertaining its global audience.Netflix House promises even more excitement through rotating art installations that pay homage to their hit shows and live performances designed to captivate fans. Additionally, the in-house restaurant will feature a diverse menu, incorporating delectable dishes and beverages spotlighted in the streaming giant's popular unscripted food-based reality shows, ranging from fast casual options to high-end dining experiences.Netflix's Vice President of Consumer Products, Josh Simon, explained the rationale behind this global push, citing their customers' strong desire to immerse themselves in the world of Netflix's content.While Netflix House represents a bold new chapter for the streaming giant, it's not their first venture into physical experiences. In the past, Netflix has organised a series of pop-up events worldwide to celebrate specific shows such as "Stranger Things" and its assortment of culinary reality programmes. However, Netflix House marks a significant shift, as it will encompass the full spectrum of Netflix's content offerings, making it a prime destination for fans. Although it's unlikely to feature live experiences centered around lesser-known series like "Real Rob," "Flaked," or "The Ranch," Netflix House promises to be a treasure trove for fans, with the potential to uncover unique merchandise from fan-favorite shows like "BoJack Horseman."As Netflix continues to refine the finer details regarding menus, locations, and other aspects of the Netflix House concept, eager fans have more than a year to anticipate the immersive retail experience.  Comcast unveils next-gen Internet powered by DOCSIS 4.0 https://corporate.comcast.com/press/releases/comcast-multi-gig-symmetrical-speeds-world-first-docsis-4-deployment

In a strategic move, Netflix has promoted Amy Reinhard to President of Advertising, succeeding Jeremi Gorman, who played a key role in launching Netflix's advertising division last year. Gorman, a veteran executive with experience at companies like Snap, Amazon, and Yahoo, has exited the company.The change in leadership comes as Netflix's ad-supported tier gains traction, with 5 million subscribers globally. While this represents a small percentage of Netflix's overall subscriber base, it's a crucial component of the company's strategy, especially as it implements paid password sharing.Amy Reinhard, who has been with Netflix since 2016, will now lead the advertising division. She brings a wealth of experience in content acquisition and studio operations. Reinhard's deep understanding of the entertainment industry positions her well to lead Netflix's advertising efforts.Jeremi Gorman, who built Netflix's advertising business from scratch, expressed confidence in Reinhard's leadership and the future of Netflix's advertising endeavors. Gorman is known for her ability to develop businesses from the ground up and is excited to embark on new challenges.Overall, this transition in leadership reflects Netflix's commitment to its advertising business, which is expected to generate substantial revenue in the coming years.

Netflix is launching the second volume of short films of its “New Saudi Voices ” collection, as part of its efforts to support the flourishing film industry in Saudi Arabia. The collection features 13 short films by Saudi talent, spanning a vast selection of genres including feel-good movies, drama, fantasy, romance, and more. The films are crafted with unique storylines and highlight cultural nuances within the Saudi community, showcasing the artistic minds of the creators.The films in this year’s collection were picked from the Red Sea International Film Festival. Two of them, ‘When Red Blooms’ by Tala Alharbi and ‘The Child in His Closet’ by Khaled Zeidan, were winners in the festival’s 48-hour Filmmaking Challenge. ‘VHS Tape Replaced’ by Maha Saati, and ‘Yallah, Yallah Beenah’ by Mohammed Hammad were also supported by the festival’s Red Sea Fund. The collection includes the works of award-winning writer Faisal Buhaishi, whose film ‘Last Chance to Fal in Love’ follows the touching story of an old man reuniting with his first love after 50 years. Fictional dramas such as ‘Old Phone Number’ by Ali Saeed and ‘Zabarjad’ by Hussain Almutliq, explore the themes of character growth while holding on to parts of one’s past life. Movies from the fantasy genre include ‘A Swing’ by Raneem and Dana Almohandes follows the journey of a 10-year-old girl trekking through the woods to find a magical swing her father used to tell her about. Nora Abu Shusha highlights the untold struggles of married life with ‘Lucky you’re mine’, while Mohammed Baqer uses ‘Tea Leaf’ to artistically articulate the pain and regret that comes with failed relationships. ‘Requiem for Silence’ by Majed Z. Samman, ‘Forward’ by Fahad Alotaibi, and ‘Othman’ by Khaled Zeidan, see storylines filled with drama, changing each respective character’s life trajectory.  Nuha el Tayeb, Director, Content, Middle East, Africfa and Turkey, Netflix notes: “The second volume is not just a collection of short films; it is a celebration of untold stories, and a testament to the creative prowess of the emerging filmmakers. As these captivating tales find their home on Netflix, they transcend borders and allow viewers  to experience the beauty and dynamism of Saudi culture. We believe great stories can come from anywhere and be loved by anyone.”The entertainment landscape in the Kingdom is rapidly evolving and Netflix continues to amplify Saudi voices by launching Netflix originals such as ‘Al Khallat +’, ‘Masameer County’, ‘Whispers’, and more recently, ‘Ras B Ras’. The New Saudi Voices 2 films will be available on Netflix on October 6, 2023.

Netflix has launched a Creative Producer Training program that will help upskill 15 professional Saudi television creative producers. The seven  week program will be available exclusively through the University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts (SCA)  and will take participants through the process of creating, forming, and executing a TV pitch, pilot script, and writer’s room and is led by SCA alumni and award winning film/television writer & producer, Jason Shuman.Netflix worked with USC to design the program, which aims to develop the talent pipeline in the Kingdom, and generate a qualified network of talent for the regional and global film industry. The training will provide the necessary skills and opportunities to Saudi producers to break new ground and advance their career in film and television.The program kicked off with an intensive 3-day, in-person training in Riyadh covering the full range of skills required to develop quality TV shows. Participants deep-dived into the qualitiesof a good writer and producer, the development process for different formats, going from pitch to script and script to series, and finally, producing the pilot and series. A series of online workshops are currently underway, covering the development and production process, followed by pitches and a hands on writer’s room experience.Speaking of the launch, SCA alumni and award winning film/television writer & producer, Jason Shuman, said, “The entire program was beautifully put together. I was thoroughly impressed with the passion and professionalism of both the Netflix and SCA team. The students in attendance may have been born and raised far from Hollywood, but their love and appreciation for the arts, especially in the medium of television, was as genuine as I’ve ever seen. I am excited for the future of storytelling in Saudi Arabia.”  Nuha El Tayeb is the Content Director Middle East, Turkey, and Africa at Netflix, “The booming entertainment industry in Saudi Arabia presents an incredible opportunity for aspiring creatives to grow, learn, and advance their careers. Knowledge transfer is critical to building this thriving creative community, and partnerships like the one with USC, allow us to expose promising talent to the tools and industry insight needed to create best in class content. Some of the producers participating in this training program have worked on shows and films currently streaming on Netflix, and we hope that through continued industry collaboration and initiatives such as this will help amplify their work further and create more avenues for Arab talent to shine on the global stage.”Through training programs, Netflix is committed to adding value to creative communities in the Arab world, regularly working with industry partners to catalyze skills advancement and provide creators with the tools they need to tell the best version of their stories. In October 2022, Netflix signed a partnership with SPT in Saudi Arabia to help train and upskill 15 young talents in Saudi through on set training and workshops focused on art department and production roles. 

Netflix today has released the official trailer for the second season of the smash-hit Saudi animation sensation, Masameer County. The six-episode series will premiere exclusively on Netflix on March 2nd, 2023.The trailer for season 2 teases the wild escapades of beloved characters, Saad , Saltooh and Trad the dog, including a daring 24-hour mission, an unexpected ride in an elevator, and a mischievous rocket launch. Created by Abdulaziz Almuzaini and Malik Nejer, the series follows the comical adventures of the mischievous citizens of Masameer County. In season 1 of Masameer County, which debuted on Netflix in June 2021, we saw the Masameer team heading into a long-standing tribal feud, a media war, and a health craze gone too far. Season 2 builds on the first season promising further exciting stories and humorous entertainment for fans alike.This series is brought to you as part of Netflix's five-year exclusive partnership with Saudi Arabian animation studio Myrkott, signed in 2020 to bring viewers Saudi-focused shows and films. Masameer County season 2 will be available on Netflix in 190 countries on 2nd March, 2023.

In its latest Arabic reality show, Dubai Bling, Netflix takes you behind the velvet rope to experience the glitz and glamour of life for the rich and famous in Dubai. Premiering on October 27th, this high-value production docu-soap follows 10 Arab millionaires who are living their wildest dreams in the Bling City, Dubai.Dubai has earned a global reputation as the land of wealth and opportunities. Sitting at the forefront of trade, business and innovation, Dubai has long attracted the bold and ambitious who will stop at nothing to make their dreams come true. The cast of Dubai Bling embody this determined spirit, giving you behind-the-scenes access to the daily lives of the trailblazers who are at the top of their fields, from real estate, to entertainment, to socialites and influencers. From the enterprising businessman to the free-spirited who pursued their passion, the cast of Dubai Bling, built their empires from the ground up. Reflecting the melting pot of cultures in the city, the predominantly Arab cast stars some well-known faces from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Kuwait and Iraq as well as expats from as far afield as India and Australia, who now call Dubai home. Despite the casts’ diverse backgrounds, nationalities and occupations, they all have one thing in common: getting to the top and staying on top! Set against the backdrop of luxury cars, runway-fresh fashion, exotic resorts and exclusive access to the city’s most popular restaurants and late night hotspots, we follow the cast in their daily lives. It’s not long before the competition between friends heats up and secrets are revealed, causing problems, sassy clapbacks and a whole lot of drama. Every episode of this explosive Arabic reality show is packed with pizazz and guaranteed to keep you glued to your screens as you soak up the extravagance, luxury and intense drama of these 10 millionaires, living their version of the Dubai Dream.

Latin American SVOD revenues will reach $8.54 billion by 2027; up from $5.01 billion in 2021. Netflix will account for 41% of the 2027 total, down from 72% in 2021. Netflix’s revenues will peak at $3.73 billion in 2023.Simon Murray, Principal Analyst at Digital TV Research, explained: “Netflix will introduce AVOD-SVOD tiers [one for Brazil and another pan-regional one for the Spanish-speaking countries] in 2024, with SVOD revenues and ARPUs falling slowly as some subscribers convert to cheaper packages.”Disney+ is likely to introduce similar tiers in 2024. The platform is expected to follow its US example by converting its current subscription tier to AVOD-SVOD and charging more for SVOD-only. This will push up ARPU.