Google is actively looking to begin an unlimited streaming subscription service, one that will rival Netflix and Amazon, and may launch it first in the UK.
The search giant has been in talks with the major studios for months but may begin in Europe first where there is much less competition.
Netflix does not currently offer services in Europe but Amazon, following their purchase of LoveFilm last month, has a strong foothold.
For now, Google has put aside $100 million for content deals with the studios.
The NYPost says the plan is being lead by executive Robert Kyncl, who left Netflix last September.
Result for: content deal
Netflix has expanded its Watch Instantly streaming catalog today, striking a major content deal with Relativity Media.
The deal will allow Netflix to compete more directly with premium TV channels such as HBO and Starz, as Relativity Media films will be “licensed directly and exclusively to Netflix for streaming to its subscribers during the “pay TV window.”‘
Many of the blockbuster films will hit Netflix months after they become available on DVD, just like they hit premium stations.
Netflix says “it will be the first time that studio quality theatrical feature films will be streamed via subscription by Netflix instead of being broadcast by the traditional pay providers, and it opens up a new revenue stream for such movies.”
Some of the first movies available under the new deal are “The Fighter,” and “Skyline,” both of which are set for a 2010 release date in theaters and set for a Netflix streaming launch in early 2011.
Relativity has completely financed or co-financed over 200 features, including new films such as “Robin Hood,” “Get Him to the Greek” and “Grown Ups.”
Result for: content deal
Google has announced that the most popular video sharing site on the planet, YouTube, will now offer full-length, current episodes of WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) programming.
The new deal will include current episodes of Friday Night Smackdown, WWE NXT, WWE Superstars, and ECW.
Additionally, there will be more footage from Monday Night Raw, classic matches, and interview videos with “WWE Superstars and Divas like John Cena, Chris Jericho and Alicia Fox.”
The WWE’s official YouTube channel is here: http://www.youtube.com/user/WWEFanNation
YouTube’s new deal should help it compete with “catch-up” programming services like Hulu, since the WWE will be making brand new episodes available within 24 hours of its broadcast day.
