Several major Hollywood studios are in talks with Apple and Comcast, according to a report from Bloomberg. The two forces could potentially create a premium rental service which would offer movies to consumers a scant two weeks after their debut in theaters. Needless to say, this could cut into movie theater profits, if not phase them out of the equation entirely.
According to the report, the deal’s proponents propose to include major theater companies in the profits if they approve of the idea. So far parties haven’t been able to agree on terms. If the studios decide to go ahead with the deal anyway, it’s possible theaters could be left out in the cold.
The studios mentioned as examples in Bloomberg‘s report as potentially working with Apple and Comcast are Warner Bros and Universal.
Disney, for its part, is not joining the negotiations — though given the company aims to make its own streaming service, chances are good it doesn’t think it needs Apple.
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