If you’re a fan of Netflix’s content, this news is for you: In 2018, Netflix will have 700 original TV shows, movies and specials on the service. The streaming service is looking to spend upwards of $8 billion on content in 2018. The huge amount of content is driving up Netflix’s subscriber base, said CFO David Wells, at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference. He said the 700-range includes 80 original productions from outside the U.S., like the psychological thriller Dark, from Germany. According to Variety, Wells said the company’s strategy continues to be “Let’s continue to add content — it’s working, it’s driving growth.” At the end of 2017, Netflix had 117.6 million streaming members worldwide. Wells also talked about Netflix boosting its marketing budget. Last month, the company told investors that it plans to increase marketing spending more than 50 percent in 2018. It would go from spending $1.3 billion last year to $2 billion this year. The company recently signed a five-year exclusive deal with producer Ryan Murphy, whose production company is behind 9-1-1, American Crime Story and American Horror Story. Netflix also signed a similarly massive deal with Shonda Rhimes, ABC’s most prominent producer, known for How to Get Away with Murder, Scandal and Grey’s Anatomy.
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