In 2016, Netflix released an estimated 126 original series or films, more than any network or cable
channel.[159] In April 2016, Hastings stated that the company planned to expand its in-house, Los
Angeles-based Netflix Studios to grow its output; Hastings ruled out any potential acquisitions of existing
studios.[160]
In February 2017, Netflix signed a music publishing deal with BMG Rights Management, whereby BMG
will oversee rights outside of the United States for music associated with Netflix original content. Netflix
continues to handle these tasks in-house in the United States.[161] On April 25, 2017, Netflix signed a
licensing deal with IQiyi, a Chinese video streaming platform owned by Baidu, to allow selected Netflix
original content to be distributed in China on the platform.[162][163]
On August 7, 2017, Netflix acquired Millarworld, the creator-owned publishing company of comic book
writer Mark Millar. The purchase marked the first corporate acquisition to have been made by Netflix.
[164] On August 14, 2017, Netflix entered into an exclusive development deal with Shonda Rhimes and
her production company Shondaland.[165]
In September 2017, Netflix announced it would offer its low-broadband mobile technology to airlines to
provide better in-flight Wi-Fi so that passengers can watch movies on Netflix while on planes.[166]
In September 2017, Minister of Heritage Mélanie Joly announced that Netflix had agreed to make a
CA$500 million (US$400 million) investment over the next five years in producing content in Canada.
The company denied that the deal was intended to result in a tax break.[167][168] Netflix realized this
goal by December 2018.[169]
In October 2017, Netflix iterated a goal of having half of its library consist of original content by 2019,
announcing a plan to invest $8 billion on original content in 2018.[170] In October 2017, Netflix
introduced the "Skip Intro" feature which allows customers to skip the intros to shows on its platform
through a variety of techniques including manual reviewing, audio tagging, and machine learning.[171]
[172]
In November 2017, Netflix signed an exclusive multi-year deal with Orange Is the New Black creator Jenji
Kohan.[173] In November 2017, Netflix withdrew from co-hosting a party at the 75th Golden Globe
Awards with The Weinstein Company due to the Harvey Weinstein sexual abuse cases.[174]
Expansion into international productions and new productions (2017–2020)
See also: International expansion of Netflix
