Russian video streaming platforms remain in talks with major Hollywood studios about restoring their movie libraries for the first time because Russia invaded Ukraine, the RBC news outlet reported Wednesday, citing market sources.The situation has altered rather in recent days, stated Artyom Sargsyan, head of PR at Russias leading video-on-demand service Okko.Weve resumed interaction with some of the [studios] that had actually not previously contacted us, which suggests a modification in their categorical position.He appeared to reference United States President Donald Trumps pursuit of direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which the Kremlin framed as a possible primary step towards bring back bilateral ties.But it is prematurely to discuss the return of [film] brochures, premieres and specifically the timing of this return given that everything depends on the political scenario, Sargsyan informed RBC.He did not name the studios, but Disney, Sony, Universal, Warner Bros.
and Paramount all withdrew from the Russian market in 2022 in reaction to Moscows major invasion of Ukraine.The Moscow Times called those business for comment.The loss of Hollywood material triggered Russian platforms like Okko and Kinopoisk to see their libraries shrink by between 5% and 42% by the end of 2022.
The reported conversations come amid more comprehensive efforts by Russian organizations to encourage the return of Western firms.
Earlier this week, state media reported that a company representing hundreds of shopping center had prompted worldwide style sellers Uniqlo, H&M and Inditex to reopen their stores in the country.Payment concerns remain the greatest challenge to resuming partnerships with Hollywood, RBC pointed out an anonymous source near to an unknown streaming service as saying.
Another source indicated Russias tightening censorship laws, including a restriction on public displays of LGBTQ+ symbols or lifestyles, as a prospective roadblock.Despite the Hollywood exits, Western films continue to appear in Russian movie theaters, though they deal with delays compared to their worldwide theatrical releases.