Iconic filmmakers like Christopher Nolan make cinematic marvels designed to be seen on the grandest scale available, so the recent shift from theatrical to streaming release has caused animosity among those in the industry. Nolan himself has expressed public criticism over Warner Bros.' new streaming deal with HBO Max. Warner Bros. plans to release its slate of new films in 2021 on the streaming platform simultaneously with theaters wherever possible. The news seemed to come as a blow to many artists working for WarnerMedia, many of whom were seemingly blindsided by the public announcement without being given a heads up. But are Hollywood leaders like Nolan wrong with their strong criticism of the Warner Bros./HBO deal? It likely depends on which side of the cinematic experience you’re on.

Films serve as testimonials to the passion filmmakers have for their craft, and understandably, they expect to showcase them on platforms they're designed for. This idea isn’t lost on Nolan, as he commented recently about the upcoming Warner lineup, stating, "In 2021, they've got some of the top filmmakers in the world, they've got some of the biggest stars in the world who worked for years in some cases on these projects very close to their hearts that are meant to be big-screen experiences. They're meant to be out there for the widest possible audiences...” That includes such expected blockbusters under the Legendary Pictures banner, Dune and Godzilla vs Kong  huge tent poles designed for the big screen experience. When that opportunity is suddenly ripped away from an artist, it has to hurt.

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Ann Sarnoff, Chairwoman and CEO of Warner Bros. Entertainment, says the decision was out of necessity, not lack of artistic respect. "We're living in unprecedented times that call for creative solutions, including this new initiative for the Warner Bros. Pictures Group." It also happens to be a huge incentive to drive new subscribers to HBO Max. It presents a win-win for the studio and the streaming service. The pandemic has created a situation where audiences can’t go to cinemas like they used to, especially in North America. While some international markets do have cinemas open, they can’t make up for the loss of a domestic blockbuster opening weekend. At the same time, corporate bottom lines still need to turn profits, so a solution was necessary. But it can leave artists like Nolan feeling out in the cold for good reason.

Nolan pushed hard this past summer to premier his most recent film Tenet in cinemas, and eventually he got his theatrical release. But audiences and communities weren’t ready to go back to the movies, and many theaters could not be filled to capacity due to the pandemic. Pushing a theatrical release for Tenet, in hindsight, may have been an error. However, Nolan is right on target with his displeasure for how artists were treated over this streaming deal.

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Filmmakers want as many people as possible to see their labors of love. Regrettably, HBO Max is not nearly as widely used or available to viewers as other streaming platforms, so the new HBO Max deal further limits the available audience who can stream it. WarnerMedia says films will only stream for 30 days initially, then will only be available exclusively in cinemas for the remainder of the theatrical run. But what about all that lost money from ticket sales and a the lack of larger streaming audience? The answer is likely, "More money."

HBO Max took the first big leap in this direction when it announced Wonder Woman 1984 would have a streaming debut this Christmas to coincide with release in theatres. Actress Gal Gadot and director Patty Jenkins were both reportedly paid $10 million to publicly support the streaming deal. The payment was justified by stating that the money helped offset lost revenue from limited ticket sales.

Theatrical releases have been essential in the entertainment industry for years, and premiering films on streaming services won't be the same. Christopher Nolan is right: artists deserve better. Sadly, due to circumstances, it appears this split online/theatrical release is the only viable option as of now.

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