Netflix's playback speed test feature invites backlash from Hollywood filmmakers

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Press Trust of India Los Angeles
Last Updated : Oct 29 2019 | 1:45 PM IST

Prominent Hollywood filmmakers, including Judd Apatow and Brad Bird, are against Netflix's new test feature on its platform that enables the user to alter the playback speed of films and series.

Many Android phones users have noticed the feature on their Netflix app that allows them to rush through a film or a series. It provides the playback speeds of 0.5x, 0.75x, 1.0x, 1.25x and 1.5x.

Apatow reacted angrily to the news of the new feature and tweeted a threat to the streamer.

"Don't make me have to call every director and show creator on Earth to fight you on this. Save me the time. I will win but it will take a ton of time. Don't f**k with our timing. We give you nice things. Leave them as they were intended to be seen," the filmmaker said.

Bird, best known for directing "The Incredibles", said Netflix's new move goes against its principles of supporting filmmakers.

"Whelp, another spectacularly bad idea, and another cut to the already bleeding-out cinema experience. Why support & finance filmmakers visions on one hand and then work to destroy the presentation of those films on the other???" he said.

"Ant-Man and the Wasp" director Peyton Reed tweeted: "This is a terrible idea, and I and every director I know will fight against it."

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First Published: Oct 29 2019 | 1:45 PM IST

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