In an attempt to bolster YouTube, Google is trying to reach a deal with the new owners of Miramax about gaining access to the movie company's archives of more than 700 films, such as "Pulp Fiction," "Chicago," "Shakespeare in Love," and "No Country for Old Men," the New York Post reported.
Google wants the film rights to "bolster its efforts to turn YouTube into a Web destination for longer form content, although Google may have to do battle with Netflix, which has also shown an interest in Miramax's film library."
In September, Google hired VP of Content Partnerships Robert Kyncl, formerly of Netflix, to land TV and movie rights deals such as this one.
"We're always talking to the studios about different things and Disney remains a valuable YouTube partner," said a Google spokesman. "Outside of that, we don't comment on rumor or speculation."
Filmyard Holdings is buying Miramax from Walt Disney Co. for $664 million, a deal announced in July, and slowed due to the buyers having difficulty with financing.
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