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Denis Villeneuve on HBO Max move: "AT&T has hijacked one of the most respectable and important studios in film history"

pauljeremiah

Gold Member
denis_villeneuve-1024x683-1200x800.jpg

Link

I learned in the news that Warner Bros. has decided to release “Dune” on HBO Max at the same time as our theatrical release, using prominent images from our movie to promote their streaming service. With this decision AT&T has hijacked one of the most respectable and important studios in film history. There is absolutely no love for cinema, nor for the audience here. It is all about the survival of a telecom mammoth, one that is currently bearing an astronomical debt of more than $150 billion. Therefore, even though “Dune” is about cinema and audiences, AT&T is about its own survival on Wall Street. With HBO Max’s launch a failure thus far, AT&T decided to sacrifice Warner Bros.’ entire 2021 slate in a desperate attempt to grab the audience’s attention.
 
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Fox Mulder

Member
It’s a global pandemic where no one is going to theaters and these babies want to cry about the streaming services. It’s like seeing a cruise ad on tv.

I’m guessing ATT and WB would rather prefer to make over a billion worldwide box office from each of these blockbusters, but they can’t anytime soon.
 
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SlimySnake

Flashless at the Golden Globes
It’s a global pandemic where no one is going to theaters and these babies want to cry about the streaming services. It’s like seeing a cruise ad on tv.

I’m guessing ATT and WB would rather prefer to make over a billion worldwide box office from each of these blockbusters, but they can’t anytime soon.
the vaccinations should be done by mid next year, maybe late next year worst case scenario. they can easily sit on these movies. no one is forcing anyone to launch these movies during the pandemic.
 
I'll be watching Dune at the movies unless some kind of world war breaks out and makes that impossible.

I really hope this doesn't affect part 2 being made. This decision all but guarantees the first one won't do great at the box office.

What's the streaming quality on HBO Max like? Is the bitrate good, or are they cheap fucks streaming poverty?
 
they were stupid to not make deals with Roku and shit, and they were stupid to not just let people already subscribed to stuff like HBO GO switch to MAX for free.
 
Yep, that's why Richard Plepler former CEO of HBO bailed after AT&T buy out. The guy made HBO what it is(before the buyout) and already a young dumb full of cum was coming in to ruin shit
 

Quasicat

Member
I tried HBO Max and liked it during the free month, but you don’t go up against Disney+ with a $15 price point per month and expect people to jump on board because you think it’s worth it. Market research had to have shown them that.
 

IDKFA

I am Become Bilbo Baggins
Denis has some massive balls to come out with that sort of statement.

If this is a success, then I'd expect more studios to follow suit.
 

DonJorginho

Banned
I'll be watching Dune at the movies unless some kind of world war breaks out and makes that impossible.

I really hope this doesn't affect part 2 being made. This decision all but guarantees the first one won't do great at the box office.

What's the streaming quality on HBO Max like? Is the bitrate good, or are they cheap fucks streaming poverty?
I don't even think HBO Max have 4K support yet and have quite shitty bitrates.

It's the IMAX or nothing for me when it comes to seeing Dune.
 

#Phonepunk#

Banned
Glad to see big deal directors are pissed at this and speaking our. Streaming globalism is once again a threat to culture. I know people don’t give a shit because it’s convenient for them but I’m glad to see people fighting for their medium.
 
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AJUMP23

Member
I love going to the movies, but I am not going to complain about movies coming day and date to a streaming service for a year. I will still go see Dune in the theater though. Then come home and watch it on my home theater.
 
Looks like Cyberpunk is slowly coming true. Corporation slowly evolving into megacorporations taking control of every industry and soon armed forced will be at our doors if you have something to say.
 

MacReady13

Member
This is the streaming future many fucking idiots want. This kind of shit will happen with games as well. The complaints have been coming from music artists for years with streaming as well. Fuck this shit.
 

epicnemesis

Member
I enjoy going to a movie as much as the next guy, but when you have a nice tv and atmos at home it’s tough to make this guys argument.

If HBO Max was relegated to the smartphone I would understand his frustration at the prospect of people judging Dune from a 5 inch screen.

I have no issue with what HBO Max is doing. Also, I wonder what a movie launch is going to be like in the future. Theaters are closing down all over the place, big chains have already thrown in the towel.

Let’s put it this way, with the reduction of screens, the next marvel movie could sell out every showing for weeks and still not come close to avengers. If I’m a studio I’m looking at that and finding ways to generate income that doesn’t rely on a diminished distribution channel.
 

MacReady13

Member
I enjoy going to a movie as much as the next guy, but when you have a nice tv and atmos at home it’s tough to make this guys argument.

If HBO Max was relegated to the smartphone I would understand his frustration at the prospect of people judging Dune from a 5 inch screen.

I have no issue with what HBO Max is doing. Also, I wonder what a movie launch is going to be like in the future. Theaters are closing down all over the place, big chains have already thrown in the towel.

Let’s put it this way, with the reduction of screens, the next marvel movie could sell out every showing for weeks and still not come close to avengers. If I’m a studio I’m looking at that and finding ways to generate income that doesn’t rely on a diminished distribution channel.

Have you ever had the pleasure of seeing 2001 on a big screen? It is unlike anything I have ever seen, and can NEVER be replicated on a home theatre set up.
People like Denis make films to be seen on the biggest screen as possible, and what these money hungry assholes are doing is depriving not only the artist of their true vision, but the viewer of how a film should be seen.
Now yes, I am aware you do have the option of watching the film in a theatre as well as at home, but this added option will stop people from seeing it on the big screen, eventually eliminating the need to watch it away from home. It is utter horse shit and another reason the future of streaming is ruining film/music/gaming.
 

thefool

Member
This is why Nolan needed to come first. The rest will feel protected to criticize this absurdity.
Worst that can happen a new studio will scoop all the warner talent.
 

epicnemesis

Member
Have you ever had the pleasure of seeing 2001 on a big screen? It is unlike anything I have ever seen, and can NEVER be replicated on a home theatre set up.
People like Denis make films to be seen on the biggest screen as possible, and what these money hungry assholes are doing is depriving not only the artist of their true vision, but the viewer of how a film should be seen.
Now yes, I am aware you do have the option of watching the film in a theatre as well as at home, but this added option will stop people from seeing it on the big screen, eventually eliminating the need to watch it away from home. It is utter horse shit and another reason the future of streaming is ruining film/music/gaming.
I agree with pretty much everything you said. It’s why I went to see die hard on the big screen a few years ago despite owning it in every format throughout the years.

With that said though, it’s time we realize that the theater is no longer the default medium for movies. The theater is now where you go to experience a movie instead of just watching a movie.

I would hate to see the theaters disappear entirely because like you said, some movies transform on the big screen. The realist in me however doesn’t really see the cat going back in the bag.

It’s unrealistic to expect movie studios to just pause all releases for a year and a half, which is what would have been required without digital releases. Likewise moving towards the future, if you are a movie studio, it’s unlikely that you are going to standalone release in theaters where you are now supply constrained (I’d like to know how many theaters are forever closed now.)

I think movies are about to hit a dark period where production budgets are squeezed. The multi 9 figure budgets are going to go away.

Studios are going to find themselves in a catch 22 of not having enough theaters to drive required box office numbers while also not being able to reach as many people as Mulan did digitally. No one is going to want to spend a Saturday night at home to watch a new movie at a premium when we return to normal.
 

MacReady13

Member
I agree with pretty much everything you said. It’s why I went to see die hard on the big screen a few years ago despite owning it in every format throughout the years.

With that said though, it’s time we realize that the theater is no longer the default medium for movies. The theater is now where you go to experience a movie instead of just watching a movie.

I would hate to see the theaters disappear entirely because like you said, some movies transform on the big screen. The realist in me however doesn’t really see the cat going back in the bag.

It’s unrealistic to expect movie studios to just pause all releases for a year and a half, which is what would have been required without digital releases. Likewise moving towards the future, if you are a movie studio, it’s unlikely that you are going to standalone release in theaters where you are now supply constrained (I’d like to know how many theaters are forever closed now.)

I think movies are about to hit a dark period where production budgets are squeezed. The multi 9 figure budgets are going to go away.

Studios are going to find themselves in a catch 22 of not having enough theaters to drive required box office numbers while also not being able to reach as many people as Mulan did digitally. No one is going to want to spend a Saturday night at home to watch a new movie at a premium when we return to normal.

I'm happy with films dialing back budgets. Many classics films have no budgets yet many more films that have astronomical budgets are terrible!

I am just against this streaming future we are adopting. I can only speak for myself here in Australia, and I don't know of exact prices BUT, if you decided to go with ALL the major streaming services, per month, this is roughly what you'd spend-

Spotify $11
Game Pass $15
Netflix $15
Stan $15
Amazon Prime $7
Disney + $8
Binge $10

Now that is for the whole gamut of entertainment (and doesn't include Foxtel or Youtube Red) so as you will hardly miss a thing, and doesn't include hiring movies on some of these services. All added up (and again, these aren't exact prices as I don't own them and only know of the prices as estimates) you're looking at spending roughly $80 per month. That also doesn't include you mobile phone/plan or even console that you sometimes watch/listen to these things on. That works out to approx $1000 per year! This shit ain't cheap, yet people think that represents value... Most of the stuff on these streaming services you will never watch and, like many with a gym membership, they'll never be used to their full extent.

Going to the movies was a great night out. Something many of us did to escape reality. Now we get to watch these movies at home with the usual distractions of everyday life and we don't get the intended directors full vision.
 

oagboghi2

Member
Have you ever had the pleasure of seeing 2001 on a big screen? It is unlike anything I have ever seen, and can NEVER be replicated on a home theatre set up.
People like Denis make films to be seen on the biggest screen as possible, and what these money hungry assholes are doing is depriving not only the artist of their true vision, but the viewer of how a film should be seen.
Now yes, I am aware you do have the option of watching the film in a theatre as well as at home, but this added option will stop people from seeing it on the big screen, eventually eliminating the need to watch it away from home. It is utter horse shit and another reason the future of streaming is ruining film/music/gaming.
No, people like Denis like to but backend points in their contract, and they need those large, billion dollar box office weekends to make an insane amount of money.

It has nothing to do with "respect for film" or whatever nonsense they are spouting this week.
 

MacReady13

Member
No, people like Denis like to but backend points in their contract, and they need those large, billion dollar box office weekends to make an insane amount of money.

It has nothing to do with "respect for film" or whatever nonsense they are spouting this week.

Oh, so you know this for certain?
So many film makers (like many musicians and even some video game devs) are starting to make a massive issue out of this streaming bullshit. Yes, sometimes it is about money (why shouldn't they get paid fairly for what they do???) but generally it is about the art and seeing it as it is intended.
 

kruis

Exposing the sinister cartel of retailers who allow companies to pay for advertising space.
This is the streaming future many fucking idiots want. This kind of shit will happen with games as well. The complaints have been coming from music artists for years with streaming as well. Fuck this shit.

In a race to the bottom everyone loses out at the end. You may be paying very little for your streaming service and you're getting a lot of content, but the production quality of these movies will undoubtedly suffer. Studios were able to finance blockbuster movies costing 150 million dollars or more just from movie theater revenues. Take that revenue stream away and movie budgets will shrink substantially. No No movie goer will shed a tear when Hollywood's highest paid talent will get smaller pay checks, but the costs cutting will happen on all fronts. Big budget spectacles can't be made for a profit and will go the way of the dodo. But the same goes for smaller art house movies. There'll be less movies made when they're all made to be streamed instead of shown in theaters.
 

oagboghi2

Member
Oh, so you know this for certain?
...yes

This isn't controversial. It's been a thing for a while now. Robert Downey Jr is famous for doing this, and it's a big reason the MCU was able to assemble such a large cast of stars so quickly.

Every major actor and director is looking to make money on the backend now


So many film makers (like many musicians and even some video game devs) are starting to make a massive issue out of this streaming bullshit. Yes, sometimes it is about money (why shouldn't they get paid fairly for what they do???) but generally it is about the art and seeing it as it is intended.

And just like musicians, when you scratch the surface and look past their bullshit, "it's for the art, man" you see what it is really about. It's 100% about the money, and streaming cuts down on multiple revenue streams for them.

The same directors who would gladly sell you a movie you can watch on your phone are now crying about the "theatre experience". Please....
 

Sub_Level

wants to fuck an Asian grill.
Going to the movies was a great night out. Something many of us did to escape reality. Now we get to watch these movies at home with the usual distractions of everyday life and we don't get the intended directors full vision.

As someone who refuses to watch Dune outside a theatre, a reminder that those night outs are still available.

Wonder Woman, for example, will still be showing in many a theatre this month ready for your family or date with the popcorn, drinks, and the works. The streaming option should be there given the circumstances, because we are not in everyday life anymore.
 
Everyone is angry at them, they'll potentially lose a lot of actors, directors and writers who would work for them.
I saw that Nolan, Apatow and Villeneuve came out against this. These are old school directors who would rather their movie fail in the the theatre than succeed on the small screen. That is until the money comes rolling in.
 

sol_bad

Member
I saw that Nolan, Apatow and Villeneuve came out against this. These are old school directors who would rather their movie fail in the the theatre than succeed on the small screen. That is until the money comes rolling in.

A film made for theatrical release that is released on the small screen is never going to be a success. Disney understands this even with having 86 million subscribers. There is still much money to gain theatrically.

And speaking of old school, Warner have been around for nearly 100 years, they should understand the importance of cinema.
 
A film made for theatrical release that is released on the small screen is never going to be a success. Disney understands this even with having 86 million subscribers. There is still much money to gain theatrically.

And speaking of old school, Warner have been around for nearly 100 years, they should understand the importance of cinema.
Disney just wants more money. 30% of those Disney+ subscribers are in India where the cheapest plan range is $5 per YEAR. So, it’s not like they have actually have 86M subscribers paying $8 per month. Netflix is producing a $200M+ movie at the moment with a few $150M ones also in production.
 

oagboghi2

Member
A film made for theatrical release that is released on the small screen is never going to be a success. Disney understands this even with having 86 million subscribers. There is still much money to gain theatrically.

And speaking of old school, Warner have been around for nearly 100 years, they should understand the importance of cinema.
They do understand, which is why their films are still being released in theatres.

It's a silly thing for directors and actors to complain about....until you realize how much money they are primed to lose now
 
I just don’t think people are understanding the long term implications of this - it’s a race to the bottom. Quantity over quality. Netflix has proven this, it’s happening to the gaming industry. It’s basically the equivalent of buying a Big Mac at McDonald’s, it’s delicious and quick, but also junk food. But hey some people love eating Big Macs everyday and it’s just fine for them, hard to argue against that.

I’m just glad I was able to grow up as a millennial and see the the shift before my eyes and just know there are certain things people will never understand. The hype of midnight release of Halo 3, the packed theatres for the The Dark knight. I’m for some reason reminded of what Sapper Morton said in Blade Runner 2049, my favorite cinematic experience - “because you’ve never seen a miracle”...why is this related? Because many people are missing something here, just like how K was missing something. People who are very open to these changes, sure it’s more convenient, but they’ll just never know.

A more convenient world doesn’t necessarily mean a better world. Some appreciation will be lost along the way - we’re trending towards a Wall E society. And I can see why some of these artists like Denis, Nolan want to preserve the certain aspects of the movie industry that make it so great, theatres are a better and easier way to show the movie the way these artists intended. I guarantee there will be a major portion of the population just watching Dune on their computer/iPad - in a way the artist didn’t intend.
Some people will just never know.
 

sol_bad

Member
Disney just wants more money. 30% of those Disney+ subscribers are in India where the cheapest plan range is $5 per YEAR. So, it’s not like they have actually have 86M subscribers paying $8 per month. Netflix is producing a $200M+ movie at the moment with a few $150M ones also in production.

Which Movies are Netflix making for that much?
 
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