Warner Music Group & Netflix Form Creative Partnership for Docs

Photo Credit: Warner Music Group x Netflix

WMG and Netflix strike a creative partnership with an exclusive multi-year deal that sees the streamer making documentaries about Warner artists.

Warner Music Group (WMG) and Netflix have formed a creative partnership under an exclusive multi-year first-look deal that will see the streamer create documentary series and films exploring the lives and music of WMG’s legendary and contemporary artists and songwriters.

WMG is partnering with Unigram, run by Amanda Ghost and Gregor Cameron, to serve as the production arm for WMG’s long-form programming. WMG and Unigram will work to develop each project in collaboration with the artist or their estates.

“The combination of Warner Music Group’s IP with Netflix’s global reach is an incredible opportunity to introduce new fans to our artists and songwriters all around the world,” said Robert Kyncl, CEO of Warner Music Group.

“We’ve seen how music inspired incredible fandom on Netflix so we’re excited to partner with Warner Music Group and the best-in-class artists they work with to bring even more indelible music storytelling to our members,” added Adam Del Deo, VP, Documentary Films & Series.

It’s the latest significant move as music rights holders and streamers aim to find new ways to turn catalogs into subscriber growth through exclusive new content. Interest in music documentaries has grown exponentially, thanks in no small part to the success of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour film, which grossed over $260 million worldwide.

For Netflix, it buoys an already impressive slate of music-based programming, including Beyonce’s concert film, the Quincy Jones documentary, and the animated film Kpop Demon Hunters, which recently announced a sequel. The streamer also debuted Harry Styles’ Manchester concert earlier this month—the first live performance of his new album, Kiss All the Time, Disco, Occasionally.

Rival platforms like Disney+ have their own slate of major music-related releases, including the Beach Boys, while HBO Max has documentaries like “Stax: Soulsville USA,” showcasing legendary labels and artists.