HBO Max Needs More Cash for Global Hits

What’s Happening Sarah Aubrey, the head of HBO Max Originals, recently dropped some truth bombs at Content London. She highlighted a significant hurdle for the streaming giant: a dire need for more development money for international original productions. Aubrey didn’t pull any punches, stating that rushing projects at the development stage almost always “ends in heartbreak.” This suggests a careful, deliberate approach is necessary for quality content, but financial constraints are making that difficult. ## Why This Matters This isn’t just corporate speak; it directly impacts what you see on your screens. A lack of development funds means fewer ambitious, high-quality international series might make it past the initial concept phase. Rushing development, as Aubrey warns, often leads to projects that don’t quite hit the mark. This could result in less compelling storytelling or series that fail to resonate with audiences, ultimately affecting subscriber satisfaction. - Fewer diverse international stories might get the green light.

• Quality could suffer if projects are pushed through too quickly.
• HBO Max’s reputation for premium content could be at stake. ## The Bottom Line HBO Max is at a crossroads, balancing its ambition for global content with the practicalities of budget. The message from the top is clear: investing in careful development is crucial for future success, even if it means slowing down. Will Warner Bros. Discovery loosen the purse strings to prevent future “heartbreak” and ensure a steady stream of top-tier international originals?