Netflix, American provider of on-demand internet streaming media and flat-rate DVD-by-mail, has decided not to renew its deal with major distributor Epix, saying the company wants to focus on exclusive content.
Netflix’s deal with Epix, which runs up at the end of September 2015, is worth a reported $1bn (N200bn).
Explaining the rationale behind the move to subscribers, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos wrote: “While many of these movies are popular, they are also widely available on cable and other subscription platforms at the same time as they are on Netflix and subject to the same drawn out licensing periods.”
This parting of ways between the two companies will affect major titles The Hunger Games and Transformer movies.
On the other hand, rival US service Hulu will take on the Epix catalogue, a move which the company describes as an answer to subscribers “asking us for more, and more recent big movies”.
“We listened. Through this new deal with Epix, we are proud to be able to offer a huge selection of the biggest blockbusters and premium films,” Hulu said.
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