Warner Music in talks with Netflix for artist-focused films

The collaboration would represent a strategic move for Warner Music, which is seeking to revive its presence in film and television following the closure of its in-house production division earlier this year. The company has recently shifted its focus towards external partnerships to expand the reach of its extensive music catalogue.

Speaking at the Bloomberg Screentime conference in Los Angeles, Warner Music CEO Robert Kyncl said the label’s catalogue includes songs from global icons such as Fleetwood Mac, Madonna and Prince. While Kyncl declined to comment on the reported Netflix deal, he said, “The stories we have are incredible, and they haven’t been told. It makes a lot of sense for us to partner with a company that can bring them alive all around the world.”

The potential partnership comes amid a broader industry trend of music documentaries, biopics and concert films gaining commercial success and cultural impact. Such productions have proven valuable in promoting legacy catalogues and engaging new audiences.

The discussions follow Warner Music’s restructuring earlier this year, which included job cuts aimed at reducing costs by up to $300 million. The company also announced a partnership with Bain Capital to invest as much as $1.2 billion in iconic music catalogues.

The reported talks with Netflix come as Warner Music continues to undergo executive changes, including the departures of Warner Music UK CEO Tony Harlow and Chief Operating Officer Isabel Garvey.

If finalised, the Netflix partnership could mark a new phase in Warner Music’s strategy to extend its artists’ influence beyond the recording industry into global visual storytelling.