Starz may be on the outs with Netflix, but Miramax seems more than happy to deal. In May, the movie studio inked its first non-exclusive, multi-year deal with the streaming giant for dozens of its films. And now it's pledged scores of that same content to Netflix's Latin American and Caribbean launch.
"We are very pleased to launch our first international digital deal through our friends at Netflix," said Mike Lang, Miramax CEO. "The robust Netflix platform will provide a proven avenue to reach Latin American audiences and take advantage of strong subscriber growth prospects."
The films include "Good Will Hunting," "Pulp Fiction" and "There Will Be Blood." More than 140 movies in total were part of the deal, with additional titles to be available "on a rotating basis." Miramax declined to discuss financial terms of the agreement, though it's safe to say they made a killing.
On Monday, Netflix launched in Brazil - making it the first country outside the U.S. and Canada to receive access to the service. Citizens of Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay will be able to sign up for a free 1-month trial starting Wednesday. By next Monday, Netflix will be available in Mexico, Caribbean countries and across most of Central America.
"It is an amazing privilege for us to travel through the region, introducing Netflix to consumers in Latin America and the Caribbean," said Netflix CEO Reed Hastings in a statement this week. "We are committed to offering the same great service, value and choice throughout the Americas and we can't wait to get started."
New insider statements suggest Dish Network could be on the cusp of competing with Netflix, albeit only in the U.S. The company may bow a Blockbuster-branded streaming service as soon as October.
No announcements have been made by Netflix regarding an all-but-confirmed European expansion.
