Netflix extends its Indie ties

Netflix’s streaming service just got friendlier to independent filmmakers. The company today announced deals with several distributors, including The Criterion Collection, Gravitas Ventures, Kino Lorber, Music Box Films, Oscilloscope Laboratories and Regent Releasing.   

All totaled, the agreements add another 300 indie films to the Watch Instantly service. Last November, Netflix struck a similar deal with IFC Entertainment – giving it access to 53 titles.

Among the films added to the streaming options with today’s deals are "Departures," the 2009 Academy Award  winner for best foreign language film, "Wendy and Lucy" (which stars Michelle Williams). "A Nos Amours," "Au Revoir Les Enfants" and 2004 Oscar nominee "As It Is in Heaven”.

The “Watch Instantly” service instantly streams over 17,000 films and TV shows to a growing number of platforms, including PCs, all major video game consoles, Tivos and Internet-enabled TVs from and Blu-Ray DVD players from several manufacturers.

It has quickly become a popular service for the company – and one that has helped it dramatically increase its member base. During its most recent fiscal quarter, 48 percent of Netflix’s customers watched at least 15 minutes of streaming video, more than double the level a year ago.