Oh, my. We might have just entered a very well-funded new phase inSteven Soderbergh’s filmmaking career. Netflix has picked up the global rights to Soderbergh’s sports dramaHigh Flying Bird, marking the first collaboration between the pioneering filmmaker and the streaming giant.
The film starsCastle RockstarAndre Holland(who previously worked with Soderbergh on the unjustly short-lived Cinemax seriesThe Knick) as an NBA agent who pitches his rookie basketball client (Melvin Gregg) on a controversial business opportunity during a pro basketball lockout.
High Flying Birdalso starsAtlantaandDeadpool 2breakoutZazie BeetzalongsideSonja Sohn(The Chi),Zachary Quinto(Star Trek: Beyond),Kyle MacLachlan(Twin Peaks) andBill Duke(Predator).
“We had several strong options for distributingHigh Flying Bird, but to borrow the patois of the movie itself, this deal felt like a slam dunk and the perfect way for me to begin my relationship with Netflix as a director,” Soderbergh said.
Getting into business with Netflix is a natural move for the filmmaker, who’s built a career dancing around and sometimes through the studio system. As an example,High Flying Birdwas produced quickly on the heels of Soderbergh’s iPhone-shot psychological horrorUnsane— in fact, Soderbergh had his first cut of the film locked a matter of mere hours after he wrapped filming, and weeks beforeUnsanearrived in theaters. A platform like Netflix could give Soderbergh the opportunity to make the films he wants his way (Netflix earns nothing but praise from creators for the immense creative freedom) and have them reach a much bigger audience than usual. WhenUnsanedid finally hit theaters, it last only a few brief weeks before being pushed out in favor of bigger titles.
What do you guys think? Are you excited to see Soderbergh getting in the Netflix game? Worried that you won’t be able to see his films in theaters anymore? Sound off in the comments.
