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Netflix Signs Lease On New York Cinema To Show Its Own Movies

Netflix Signs Lease On New York Cinema To Show Its Own Movies

The streaming giant will screen its original movies at the venue

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

Netflix is set to open its very first cinema in New York where it will screen its original movie releases.

The streaming giant has signed up for a lease with the historic Paris cinema in Manhattan, where it will be able to hold special events and theatrical screenings. Fancy.

Its new flick Marriage Story, starring Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson, is currently screening at the Paris. The movie is tipped for Oscar success, as is another of Netflix's original movie offerings The Irishmen.

The Paris, which opened in 1948, officially closed its doors in August. However, the folks at Netflix leased it earlier this month to screen Marriage Story - and have seemingly liked it there so much they've decided to stay on.

Netflix's chief content officer Ted Sarandos said: "After 71 years, the Paris Theatre has an enduring legacy, and remains the destination for a one-of-a kind movie-going experience.

"We are incredibly proud to preserve this historic New York institution so it can continue to be a cinematic home for film lovers."

On Twitter, Netflix said: "After closing earlier this year, The Paris - New York's last single-screen theatre - reopened for a limited run of Marriage Story. Now, the iconic theatre will be kept open and become a home for special Netflix events, screenings, and theatrical releases.

"Marriage Story will continue its run at the historic theatre. The next time someone tells you LA 'has more space,' just tell them New York has the latest Noah Baumbach at the Paris."

The 581-seat, single-screen cinema looks pretty swish inside, with blue velvet seats and a balcony area.

Netflix

According to Deadline, Netflix has signed on the dotted line for a 10-year-long lease.

In the past, Netflix has been criticised by those who prefer traditional cinema.

Famously, director Steven Spielberg said in 2018 that Netflix's movies shouldn't be considered for Oscar nominations.

He told ITV News: "Once you commit to a television format, you're a TV movie. You certainly, if it's a good show, deserve an Emmy, but not an Oscar.

"I don't believe films that are just given token qualifications in a couple of theatres for less than a week should qualify for the Academy Award nomination."

Official rules for the Oscar's Best Picture gong state that the movie must open in a commercial cinema and run for at least seven days - something Netflix has done with previous releases including Roma and The Irishman.

Featured Image Credit: Netflix

Topics: TV and Film, US News, Netflix