WarnerMedia’s CEO explained how Warner Bros. is adjusting to the HBO Max platform. As a part of CES 2021, Ann Sarnoff gave her read of the evolving entertainment landscape. (credit to The Verge’s Julia Alexander for the transcription.) HBO Max has been a massive priority for the company since before it’s launch. Interestingly enough, the coronavirus pandemic has only amplified the need for a direct to consumer streaming platform. Both Warner and Disney have to be thanking their lucky stars that these apps got off the ground before the entertainment industry ground to a halt last summer. For Sarnoff, there is an added dimension of chaos because of all the theatrical movement in the wake of COVID-19. Big projects like The Suicide Squad and Wonder Woman 1984 had to have their releases tweaked. Fun films like Birds of Prey got their theatrical runtime shortened thanks to the virus. So, there’s a ton of urgency to get everyone back on the right track.
