The film division, called Warner Max, will have a target of releasing eight to 10 mid-budget movies per year.
Warner Bros and HBO Max have announced the launch of a new film division called Warner Max that will serve as the feature production arm of the streaming service set to launch in May.
The production budgets are expected to range from $30mn to $60mn, according to people familiar with the matter. Warner Max will be overseen by HBO Max’s Chief Content Officer Kevin Reilly and Warner Bros Chairman Toby Emmerich.
The first Warner Max titles are scheduled to premiere on the service this year. Warner Bros will be responsible for the distribution of these titles in all other media and territories beyond the HBO Max SVOD platform.
In addition to HBO’s series and Warner Max movies, HBO Max will feature shows such as Looney Tunes cartoons, DC Super Hero High, Grease: Rydell High and Dune: The Sisterhood.
Commenting on the launch, Kevin Reilly said: “We are going to deliver a collaborative and lean process for talent, make a range of quality films, and provide a platform for each of them to have cultural impact. Now, HBO Max will be home to a robust collection of the legendary Warner Bros film library and a new slate of original Warner Max films.”
Sarah Aubrey, head of original content, HBO Max, remarked: “Warner Max gives us a special opportunity to continue cultivating this style of rich and diverse storytelling and it couldn’t be in better hands than with our head of features, Jessie Henderson, who’s built her career in this space.”
