Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Will Make Movies for Netflix

Two film entertainment bigwigs, Amblin, led by Steven Spielberg, and Netflix, have signed a deal that will allow the former to produce and release multiple films for Netflix every year. This partnership reflects Netflix’s exponential rise in the film industry and its acceptance among renowned directors, such as Spielberg. It also shows a change in the industry; an age when home viewing gradually renders movie theaters obsolete.

In a press release posted on 21 June 2021, Spielberg’s global film and TV studio and Netflix expressed their enthusiasm and support for the partnership. Although the article didn’t reveal many details about the deal, it quoted the leaders of both parties.

“Steven is a leader and visionary with great creativity. His compelling stories and characters have inspired many people around the world, including myself. Netflix is happy to partner with Amblin, and we’re zealous to come together with their (Amblin’s) team. Our staff is thrilled and happy to be part of this memorable and historical chapter of Steven Spielberg’s cinematic experience,” commented Ted Sarandos, Netflix Co-CEO, and Executive Content Officer.

Spielberg, who was reportedly opposed to Netflix’s inclusion in the 2019’s Academy Awards, also had something positive to say about the partnership: “From the first moment Ted and I sat down to discuss this agreement, we knew that we had a great opportunity to tell our stories together in a different way. Netflix provides a new platform for our films. Combine that with the stories we continue to tell with our long-term friends at Universal and other companies, this partnership provides me with a fulfilling experience of working with Ted, Scott, and their team at Netflix.”

The deal represents a significant win for Netflix, which will get a consistent stream of Amblin features, although it doesn’t guarantee productions by Spielberg Pictures. At the same time, Amblin will carry on working on films with Universal, a move meant to preserve and protect the traditional theatrical experience. While Amblin has worked with Netflix to distribute its movies and shows on various streaming platforms, this agreement is the most significant they’ve signed thus far.

According to Scott Stuber, Netflix Chief of Global Films, “Amblin and Steven and great entertainment are one thing. You can’t separate them. Their enthusiasm and creativity enable to create films that entertain and challenge viewers. We can’t wait to start working with Steven, Jeff, and the entire Amblin fraternity on a new chapter of film production that will captivate audiences for generations to come.”

The partnership comes when Amblin has solidified its niche in the film and TV industry by releasing movies that have bagged coveted awards. For instance, the Green Book won the Best Oscar Picture, while 1917 took three Oscar awards, two Golden Globes and accrued over $385 million in the global box office. Nonetheless, Amblin and Netflix had previously partnered to create The Trail of the Chicago 7, nominated to the Academy Awards.

The coronavirus pandemic in 2020 might have suggested to Steven Spielberg that movie-streaming platforms are not going away soon. However, it is the future of the film industry and provides many business opportunities for Amblin. Today, the theatrical experience is a super spreader of COVID-19, and consumers are happy to watch movies at home and pay a “premier” for that. That said, Amblin’s deal with Netflix is perhaps the best move for the company.

Are Movie Theaters Safe at This Point of the Pandemic?

When the pandemic began, many places shut down. Today, news outlets report on companies, stores, and other locations opening back up. Many people are looking forward to returning to their favorite locales. For some, the movie theater is a fun destination to gather with friends and enjoy a movie. Others might wonder if going to the theater is safe, especially since the pandemic is ongoing. A trip to the theater can be an enjoyable experience if appropriate safety measures are in place.

The Covid-19 Virus

The Covid-19 virus travels through the air and can make a person sick by infiltrating their lungs, eyes, nose, or mouth. Some people have severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, coughing, or fever, while others may experience no symptoms. Anyone can carry the virus and pass it to others.

Vaccinated vs. Unvaccinated

According to the CDC, vaccinated people can engage in activities without a mask unless required by law. If you are vaccinated, you can enjoy a somewhat normal experience at the movie theater. However, the vaccine lowers but does not eliminate the chances of catching the virus, so you still need to adhere to health regulations in theaters.

People who are not vaccinated must take precautions and safety measures at the movie theater because they are susceptible to the virus. Unvaccinated people must wear a mask and follow social distancing rules to protect others and themselves from covid.

People who have a compromised immune system should continue to take precautions, even if they have received the vaccine. The virus can cause severe damage to people who do not have a healthy immune system. If anyone experiences symptoms before going to the theater, they should stay home.

Tips for Staying Safe at the Theater

Before you visit the local theater, conduct online research to see if the theater area is safe. If there have been cases of covid in or near the theater, you might want to stay home or visit another theater.

You should also check the size of the theater building. For a safer experience, visit a theater with lots of space and ventilation. A small theater with little room and ventilation means that people will be close together, and the virus will travel easily. See if the theater has social distancing guidelines, preferably 6 feet or more.

Theater food is part of the experience, and if you are vaccinated, you can enjoy a snack at the theater but distance yourself from others. If you are not vaccinated or are immunocompromised, you should refrain from eating until you are away from others.

Finally, you want to see the theater’s protocol for cleaning. Contact the theater and ask them about their cleaning measures. Some questions you can ask are:

· Does the theater clean the area after viewing?

· Are there hand sanitizer bases for you to use?

· Should you wear a mask at all times?

· Does the theater do temperature checks?

You can also bring personal cleaning supplies to the theater. Use a wipe to clean up the seat before you sit or, bring a bottle of hand sanitizer to use when you need it. If you plan on taking a trip to the movie theater with family or friends, keep these tips in mind to ensure that everyone remains safe.