The phrase references a theoretical shift in Netflix’s strategic direction. It describes a potential transformation of the company from primarily a distributor of licensed content to a creator and owner of intellectual property, thereby achieving greater control over its future and profitability. One could envision the company increasingly investing in original productions to compete more effectively with traditional studios and emerging streaming platforms.
This transformation is strategically significant for several reasons. Greater ownership of content reduces reliance on external licensing agreements, which are subject to renegotiation and can be costly. Owning intellectual property allows for long-term revenue generation through various channels, including licensing, merchandising, and spin-offs. Historically, the company followed a path of aggregation, but increasing competition pushes for differentiation through proprietary content.