Netflix is shutting the doors on Red Envelope, the theatrical distribution and production banner it had started almost 3 years ago.
In its tenure, the company released 100 films, producing titles like ‘This Film is Not Yet Rated,’ and distributing films like ‘2 Days in Paris.’
Execs cited the headaches involved in running Red Envelope, negotiating DVD and streamed content, and fighting competitor Blockbuster. As well as changes in technology.
I see this as a sad blow for some of the possibilities for Indie distribution. I saw Red Envelope as a brand new avenue for possible distribution, and I felt like this was a huge step in the right direction. But, then again, I’m a lowly blogger, not on the board of a publicly traded company.