NBCUniversal Gets TV Rights for Harry Potter Franchise

[JoeCamel]

I don't know what this means for the franchise but Comcast has acquired the TV broadcast rights to the 8 HP films from Warner Brothers and for the coming Fantastic Beasts movies

NBCUniversal Places Big Bet on ‘Harry Potter,’ ‘Fantastic Beasts’ - WSJ

 

[quinnmac000]

The deal also provides for “exclusive content and events” for Universal’s theme parks, which have had success with their Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions. They can include fan events, movie screenings and promotional activities tied to the Potter franchise and Fantastic Beasts film series. The companies plan to to collaborate on digital initiatives with J.K. Rowling’s Pottermore, which includes the author’s original writing.

 

[Nick]

Basically it just means Potter won't be shown on Disney's Freeform anymore and instead a Comcast/NBC channel.

 

[DK745]

Basically it just means Potter won't be shown on Disney's Freeform anymore and instead a Comcast/NBC channel.

Hopefully with less commercials. A few weeks ago they had a HP marathon. One night Chamber of Secrets (a 161 minute film) was on for 255 minutes. The next morning they showed it again, this time it was on for 270 minutes. Over 100 minutes of ads and literally 15 more minutes of ads than the night before.

 

[JoeCamel]

Here is a better link to the story for those without a WSJ sub

‘Harry Potter,’ ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Movies Set TV Deal at NBCUniversal | Variety

 

[sparky]

The deal also provides for “exclusive content and events” for Universal’s theme parks, which have had success with their Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions. They can include fan events, movie screenings and promotional activities tied to the Potter franchise and Fantastic Beasts film series. The companies plan to to collaborate on digital initiatives with J.K. Rowling’s Pottermore, which includes the author’s original writing.

I think the more important part is the fan events, and promotional activities. When new movies are released Uni now has the exclusive rights to the promo parties. I can see them capitalizing on that with release parties in the parks.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Basically it just means Potter won't be shown on Disney's Freeform anymore and instead a Comcast/NBC channel.

Yes that's the biggest benefit, but it does include advertising events at the parks and other exclusive content which the ABC deal did not. One rumor has always been turning he books into HBO style miniseries and I wonder if this deal could cover that.

 

[Galaxy Defender]

Oddly enough, the article I read mentions a similar deal for Star Wars that NBC Universal is bidding on. :shrug:

 

[Brian G.]

Here's the official release

NBCUniversal Acquires Exclusive Broadcast and Cable TV Rights in U.S. to Potter & Wizarding World Franchise « Orlando United

 

[UNIrd]

Synergy at it's best. It makes sense that you'd see WWOHP commercials during airings of the HP movies. Instead, guests are probably getting WDW ads during commercial breaks, maybe even on purpose.

 

[Galaxy Defender]

Synergy at it's best. It makes sense that you'd see WWOHP commercials during airings of the HP movies. Instead, guests are probably getting WDW ads during commercial breaks, maybe even on purpose.

Now I have no sympathy when guests ask for the Harry Potter rides in WDW.