Upfront week is getting a significant last-minute change.
Netflix’s first upfront week occasion, initially slated for Might 17 at 5 p.m. at New York’s Paris Theater, is switching from an in-person to a digital presentation, Adweek has realized.
The streamer knowledgeable attendees of the change in a be aware on Wednesday night time, including, “We sit up for sharing our progress on adverts and upcoming slate with you. We’ll share a hyperlink and extra particulars subsequent week.”
The brand new occasion might be “produced to stream,” Netflix instructed Adweek solely, Nonetheless, it’s going to now not happen on the Paris Theater, and there’ll now not be a reception following the occasion.
The streamer additionally confirmed to Adweek that it “made the choice to have no expertise on the presentation as nicely.”
Netflix made waves in upfront week in January, asserting it will be taking Paramount’s vacated Wednesday night slot for its first-ever look on the annual promoting showcase.
The Paris Theater was a pure spot for Netflix’s presentation, because the streamer has referred to as the enduring film corridor residence since 2019. Nonetheless, the selection of a smaller venue additionally offered some challenges for entrepreneurs.
The presentation was probably the most sought-after for upfront week attendees, with many excited to see the traditionally ad-averse streamer’s debut within the promoting showcase, however the Paris Theater’s restricted seating made tickets tough to come back by, Adweek realized after speaking with a number of consumers.
UPDATE: Netflix shifted to a digital occasion after the Writers Guild of America—which is on strike—instructed the New York Police Division it will disrupt Netflix’s upfront occasion, which sparked NYPD considerations about pedestrian security, in line with a supply aware of the matter.
Whereas Netflix didn’t give an official cause for the change, the dearth of community expertise for Netflix’s first occasion—which one would have anticipated to be star-studded—is a probable indication that celebrities have been cautious of crossing WGA picket strains.
The strike, which is getting into its second week, already induced disruptions throughout NewFronts displays, with picketers semi-blocking the doorway to Peacock’s occasion at Center415 in New York.
