Netflix keen to remain BBC co-producer

Netflix

Netflix has reiterated that it wants to continue working as a co-producer with the BBC, rather than being perceived as a competitor.

The streaming giant has co-produced with the BBC several times and wants to pursue a similar relationship on future projects, while also “competing fairly” with traditional broadcasters, according to a Broadcast report.

“I want to make sure they know we’re a good partner for them, as a licensor of their content, as a co-producer,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s chief content officer, addressing the BBC’s Media Show. “But I also want to make sure we’re a good partner when we compete.”

Sarandos related the notion of being a “good partner” to Netflix’s recent high-end wildlife documentary Our Planet, which was narrated by David Attenborough and involved several key crew with experience of working on BBC documentaries, but did not involve the corporation.

“There are certain things that are more valuable to us around the world than they are to the BBC,” said Sarandos. “If we were able to outbid for something, it’s because it has outsize value to us.”

International production companies continue to seek UK firms as co-production partners, often encouraged by the high-end TV series emerging from Britain. 

Cable channel Epix is a co-producer on Julian Fellowes’ new period drama Belgravia and earlier this year UK involvement was being sought for a major new documentary series provisionally entitled Understanding China.    



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