WSJ: Netflix wants to raise prices when actors and writers’ strike ends

Netflix is ​​reportedly planning to increase the prices of commercial-free streaming subscriptions after the current actors and writers strikes in Hollywood end. It is not likely that this alleged price increase will also take effect immediately in the Benelux.

Report those involved to The Wall Street Journal that the streaming giant will probably first implement a price increase in the United States and Canada. This must happen when the current strikes by Hollywood actors and writers end; that is not expected to last long. The Writers Guild of America signed a tentative agreement with the major film studios last week, while the Screen Actors Guild recently resumed negotiations with the studios.

The two unions want higher wages and a fairer distribution of income. The requirements also explicitly mention streaming services and artificial intelligence. For example, streaming services should make agreements about training AI on performances and screenplays. Netflix previously signed a deal with the SAG about the period that actors must wait before it is announced whether there will be a new season of a series.

Netflix may be anticipating increased costs for future film and series productions by raising prices, assuming that both writers and actors want to earn more because of the strikes. Apart from this likely cost increase, the streaming service has been making price changes more often lately; Competition in the streaming market has increased significantly in recent years.