News: Netflix, Anchor Bay and Blu-ray Disc Association in Hall of Fame

The Variety Home Entertainment Hall of Fame (formerly Video Business Video Hall of Fame) will induct Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos, Anchor Bay Entertainment president Bill Clark and the Blu-ray Disc Association on Dec. 6, 2010.

The induction of Sarandos’ Netflix comes as the movie rental company reported a surge in new customers, boosting third-quarter sales and profit. The news helped Netflix’s stock reach a new record high of $172.69 on Oct. 21.

Sarandos has led content acquisition for Netflix since 2000, helping to increase the company’s DVD library from 2,000 titles to more than 100,000 and its streaming library to more than 17,000 movies and TV episodes.

Anchor Bay is a leading independent distributor of DVD and Blu-ray titles and launched its theatrical division, Anchor Bay Films, in 2008. Among some of its recent and upcoming releases are horror movie And Soon the Darkness, drama Dear Mr. Gacy and thriller Frozen.

A 25-year veteran of the home entertainment industry, Clark oversees worldwide sales, marketing, acquisitions and product development strategy for Anchor Bay. He previously worked for Universal Studios, Spelling Entertainment and the Walt Disney Studios.

Industry consortium Blu-ray Disc Association has played a key role in establishing the new high-definition format through setting technology standards and promotion.

The three will be inducted into the Variety Home Entertainment Hall of Fame at a gala dinner at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Dec. 6. The event will benefit the Entertainment AIDS Alliance, a volunteer group that was formed in 1989 to raise funds for AIDS service organizations nationwide. Tickets for the dinner can be bought by calling Maggie Moe at 310.308.1457 or emailing maggie.moe@reedbusiness.com.

About S. Clark

Sam Clark is the former Managing Editor/Online Editor of Video Business magazine. With 19 years experience in journalism, 12 in the home entertainment industry, Sam has been hooked on movies on since she saw E.T. then stared into the sky waiting to meet her own friendly alien. Thanks to her husband’s shared love of movies, Sam reviews Blu-ray discs in a true home theater, with a 118-inch screen, projector and cushy recliners with cup holders.