Netflix’s Ted Sarandos Calls Out James Cameron for ‘Misinformation’ Claims
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos responds to criticisms over the streaming service’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery on ‘The Claman Countdown.’
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has recently found himself in the spotlight after legendary director James Cameron criticized the streaming service’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). Sarandos accused Cameron of spreading misinformation, particularly in light of the ongoing discussions surrounding the deal.
During an appearance on “The Claman Countdown,” Sarandos expressed his surprise and disappointment regarding Cameron’s involvement in what he described as a “Paramount disinformation campaign.” He stated, “I’m particularly surprised and disappointed that James chose to be part of the Paramount disinformation campaign that’s been going on for months about this deal.”
Netflix announced its intention to acquire WBD, which includes HBO and HBO Max, back in December. Shortly after, Paramount Skydance made a counter-offer, further complicating the situation. Since then, Netflix has faced significant backlash from various Hollywood figures and California leaders regarding the potential acquisition.
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos and legendary director James Cameron. (LEFT (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images), RIGHT (Araya Doheny/Getty Images for SAG-AFTRA Foundation) / Getty Images)
Cameron has voiced his concerns about the acquisition in a letter to Senator Mike Lee, R-Utah, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights. In his letter, the director of “Titanic” and “Avatar” argued that Netflix’s business model is fundamentally at odds with the theatrical film production business.
“Theaters will close. Fewer films will be made. Service providers such as VFX companies will go out of business. The job losses will spiral,” Cameron warned.
In response, Sarandos expressed his astonishment at Cameron’s stance, noting, “I met with James personally in late December and laid out for him our 45-day commitment to the theatrical exhibition of films and to the Warner Brothers slate.” He emphasized that he has consistently communicated this commitment in public forums and even swore under oath before the Senate subcommittee.
Paramount is bidding against Netflix to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery and its streaming service HBO Max. (AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images / Getty Images)
Cameron has also raised concerns about Netflix’s commitment to a 17-day theatrical release window, a claim Sarandos has firmly denied. “45 days of theatrical exclusivity – that has been clear from the beginning,” he stated. “I have never even uttered the word 17-day window.”
Furthermore, Cameron suggested that Netflix would reduce the number of films WBD releases to theaters each year, currently around 15. Sarandos countered this assertion, assuring that Netflix intends to keep the Warner Brothers film and television studio operating as it is today. “Movies going to the theaters for 45 days, a healthy, robust slate of films every year. That is gonna continue,” he affirmed.
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos insisted the streaming service would have better leadership over Warner Bros. Discovery, citing Paramount’s recent business struggles. (Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
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Sarandos also criticized Paramount’s competing bid for WBD, claiming it would result in significant job cuts. “The Paramount deal that’s floating around there and all the misinformation swirling around it is guaranteeing to cut jobs,” he asserted. “They’re guaranteeing to continue to make gigantic cuts to the entertainment industry. And then the alternative, we’re growing, growing, and they are promising to cut, cut, cut.”
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos responds to criticisms over the streaming service’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery on ‘The Claman Countdown.’
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has recently found himself in the spotlight after legendary director James Cameron criticized the streaming service’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). Sarandos accused Cameron of spreading misinformation, particularly in light of the ongoing discussions surrounding the deal.
During an appearance on “The Claman Countdown,” Sarandos expressed his surprise and disappointment regarding Cameron’s involvement in what he described as a “Paramount disinformation campaign.” He stated, “I’m particularly surprised and disappointed that James chose to be part of the Paramount disinformation campaign that’s been going on for months about this deal.”
Netflix announced its intention to acquire WBD, which includes HBO and HBO Max, back in December. Shortly after, Paramount Skydance made a counter-offer, further complicating the situation. Since then, Netflix has faced significant backlash from various Hollywood figures and California leaders regarding the potential acquisition.
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos and legendary director James Cameron. (LEFT (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images), RIGHT (Araya Doheny/Getty Images for SAG-AFTRA Foundation) / Getty Images)
Cameron has voiced his concerns about the acquisition in a letter to Senator Mike Lee, R-Utah, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights. In his letter, the director of “Titanic” and “Avatar” argued that Netflix’s business model is fundamentally at odds with the theatrical film production business.
“Theaters will close. Fewer films will be made. Service providers such as VFX companies will go out of business. The job losses will spiral,” Cameron warned.
In response, Sarandos expressed his astonishment at Cameron’s stance, noting, “I met with James personally in late December and laid out for him our 45-day commitment to the theatrical exhibition of films and to the Warner Brothers slate.” He emphasized that he has consistently communicated this commitment in public forums and even swore under oath before the Senate subcommittee.
Paramount is bidding against Netflix to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery and its streaming service HBO Max. (AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images / Getty Images)
Cameron has also raised concerns about Netflix’s commitment to a 17-day theatrical release window, a claim Sarandos has firmly denied. “45 days of theatrical exclusivity – that has been clear from the beginning,” he stated. “I have never even uttered the word 17-day window.”
Furthermore, Cameron suggested that Netflix would reduce the number of films WBD releases to theaters each year, currently around 15. Sarandos countered this assertion, assuring that Netflix intends to keep the Warner Brothers film and television studio operating as it is today. “Movies going to the theaters for 45 days, a healthy, robust slate of films every year. That is gonna continue,” he affirmed.
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos insisted the streaming service would have better leadership over Warner Bros. Discovery, citing Paramount’s recent business struggles. (Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Sarandos also criticized Paramount’s competing bid for WBD, claiming it would result in significant job cuts. “The Paramount deal that’s floating around there and all the misinformation swirling around it is guaranteeing to cut jobs,” he asserted. “They’re guaranteeing to continue to make gigantic cuts to the entertainment industry. And then the alternative, we’re growing, growing, and they are promising to cut, cut, cut.”
