Netflix came into Park City this year with all the bearings of a big spender, but the streaming giant never made the massive purchases that many analysts had expected it to. Instead, the company has picked up documentary Hot Girls Wanted as its first Sundance acquisition.
The film, directed by Jill Bauer and Ronna Gradus in collaboration with the Kinsey Institute for Sex Research, looks at the modern world of pornography and focuses on the young women who make a living in the lucrative industry. It critically examines how amateur performers are routinely exploited by their employers. Netflix will premiere the doc sometime this year.
Rashida Jones (TV’s Parks & Recreation, Celeste and Jesse Forever), who produced the pic, expressed support for the deal in an official statement:
“Netflix is the ideal partner for us; not only do they understand this film but they’re the perfect platform to reach the many people who need to see it.”
Bauer and Gradus added:
“Netflix shares our passion for sharing a story that no one wants to talk about but that needs to be discussed. We can’t imagine a more dynamic partner than Netflix.”
Netflix VP of Global Independent Content Erik Barmack released an official statement on the heels of the announcement, stating:
“Jill and Ronna have exposed a shocking world of hope and heartbreak. The filmmakers gained unprecedented access into a world never documented until now, and we are proud to bring their unflinching work to a global audience.”
In addition to picking up Hot Girls Wanted at Sundance, Netflix also premiered Nina Simone documentary What Happened, Miss Simone?, which received widespread acclaim. The streaming giant also snagged indie royalty Mark and Jay Duplass for a four-picture deal. That pact will see the pair work on four pics that will receive a token theatrical release before becoming available on Netflix.
