Netflix Quietly Buying Niche Films

Reuters is reporting that Netflix is quiety buying niche films like Cowboy del Amor and Born into Brothels.

The company, which pioneered online DVD rental, began dabbling in distributing small films in 2004 with DVD releases of films such as "Born Into Brothels," a documentary on the children of prostitutes in Calcutta, which later won an Academy Award for best documentary.

From "Brothel," Netflix learned "the importance of making the film an event for a particular audience but not trying to make one film for everybody," Sarandos said. "Being able to identify what niche wants a particular film and marketing that film (to them) ... is really valuable."

Sarandos said he and his staff plan to secure rights to 100 more titles per year based on what he called "data-driven hunches."

Thanks to Dave @ Zatz Not Funny for sending this in.

Comments

[gir]

When I first read the headline, I thought NetFlix was buying out NicheFlix.

Sounds like this is one way NetFlix could stay in business (in much reduced form) even after someone else has taken over the VOD market.

[CJ]

And this is the reason I really like NetFlix, despite their throttling, lack of customer service, etc. For true film buffs, who don't/can't do the film festival circuit, NetFlix is about the only way to see those obscure films.

[corey3rd]

this is a good move for Netflix because of the way their business is set up. They can find viewers for these lesser titles because people aren't "paying" to rent them. They can risk a small, semi-unknown title on the queue unlike going Blockbuster where it's going to cost you $4 to take a risk. And for a high volume renter, it's even less of a risk.

Last weekend I received "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill." I had no idea what this film was about, but a pal said it was the anti-Grizzly Man. I risked a slot on my queue, and was wonderfully rewarded with a great little film. If I had to go to Blockbuster, I probably would have just said, I'll catch it on cable.

And by the time Netflix picks up a majority of these titles that didn't quite escape the festival circuit, the price is low.

[Doc Blase']

Actually, Blockbuster has The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill available for online rental right now.
Thanks for the tip!

[disgustedwithnetflix]

I you're into art house films and true independent filmmaking, try Greencine. They are reliable and are stocked to the ceiling with indy films. Yes, Netflix will get these films and then - not send them to heavy users. Great company, Netflix. I am SO glad I left them TODAY.