Why Independent Film Can’t Let This Mega-Acquisition Slide

And how we can step up to protect independent film

Netflix’s $82.7 billion proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery threatens every sector of independent filmmaking by removing up to 25% of the annual domestic theatrical box office from the market, and consolidating one-third of the streaming market under one platform.

Netflix has consistently exploited prestige indie films for awards in order to legitimize itself with Hollywood, as its short theatrical windows focus on awards qualification, not genuine filmmaker or public audience commitment. Netflix caps the ability for independent filmmakers to participate in their film’s success and build long-term value. Netflix has a stated plan which does not prioritize, or even meaningfully support, independent film. And we are the canary in the coal mine.

We must step up to protect independent film.

From development through release, the acquisition will enable Netflix’s market dominance to further drive up costs. Independent filmmaking, distribution, exhibition, marketing and communications, artist support, legal, funders, and all the other sectors will face a marketplace where one platform dictates terms, eliminates consumer choice, and treats our art form as mere algorithm-feeding content.

This acquisition will result in Netflix owning the means of production, distribution, theatrical, streaming, and marketing. Netflix can continue to devalue and disintermediate every function of the film industry: for audiences, for distributors, for theaters, for filmmakers. It’s a loss for all film workers and American consumers.

Regulators can block this anticompetitive acquisition. And if the deal is approved, it needs guardrails—but that will only happen if they hear from us.

You have the power to impact this anticompetitive acquisition. Join our Media Consolidation Teach-In, co-presented with IDA, on December 17 at 1pm ET/10am PT to learn how to effectively comment on this acquisition and build collective action to protect independent film.

FFC stands in solidarity with our colleagues from Cinema United, WGA, Committee for the First Amendment, IDA, and others.

This acquisition will harm exhibitors unless we stand united with our theater partners and call for guarantees to preserve the volume and windowing of releases. (Cinema United)

This acquisition will harm writers and filmmakers by eliminating jobs, pushing down wages, and worsening employment conditions. (WGA)

This acquisition will increase censorship by big business eager to curry favor with regulators and politicians unless we stand together and put a stop to it. (Committee for the First Amendment)

This acquisition will limit the creative expression of documentary filmmakers. (IDA)

The independent film sector has already experienced the effects of mass market streamers pulling back on platforming indie stories. As a unique and critical portion of the entertainment and media field, including small businesses, independent distributors, financiers, festivals, and filmmakers, who together fuel innovation and launch new talent, the Future Film Coalition testifies to the vital array of stories and perspectives which have been systematically deprioritized by these consolidated commercial platforms.

We’ve already seen the loss of public media funding, and its impacts on documentary film will ripple for years to come. On the narrative independent film side, financiers, distributors, and filmmakers already struggle to find homes for their work in the U.S. streaming market.

Future Film Coalition is bringing you ways to get directly involved, to make your voice heard, and to advocate for the sustainable film industry we need and that the American public deserves.

Register today for our Media Consolidation Teach-In, co-presented with IDA, on December 17 at 1pm ET/10am PT to learn how to effectively comment on this acquisition and build collective action to protect independent film.