Netflix, Warner Music strike multi‑year deal for artist documentaries

March 20 (Reuters) - Netflix NFLX.O and Warner Music Group WMG.O have signed an exclusive multi‑year deal to produce documentary series and films exploring the lives, music and legacies of the label's storied artist roster.

The partnership, announced on Friday, hands Netflix access to one of the most formidable vaults in music history. WMG represents legends like David Bowie, Cher, Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin and Joni Mitchell, alongside contemporary superstars such as Charli XCX, Coldplay and Bruno Mars.

The deal marks the latest front in an intensifying race between music‑rights owners and streaming platforms eager to turn deep catalogues into premium visual content and subscriber growth.

Music documentaries have increasingly become a vehicle for fan‑driven and culturally resonant programming, a trend underscored by Taylor Swift's "Eras Tour" film grossing over $260 million globally.

Under the agreement, WMG will work with Unigram — the production company aligned with the label — which will serve as the studio for its long‑form projects. Each title will be developed in collaboration with the artists themselves or their estates.

The partnership bolsters Netflix's growing slate of music-driven programming, where it has already built a reputation as a heavyweight in the genre with titles such as "Homecoming: A Film by Beyonce" and "Quincy" among its highest-profile releases.

Rival platforms have also been aggressively investing in music storytelling. Disney+ hosts a range of high‑profile releases including "The Beach Boys", while Max has drawn attention with documentaries such as "Stax: Soulsville U.S.A.", showcasing historic labels and influential artists.

Apple Music, meanwhile, has pushed into original music video content, producing documentaries and livestreaming concerts through its Apple Music Live series, which has featured artists such as Harry Styles and Billie Eilish.