Netflix, Disney, Amazon plan streaming world domination, but meet resistance

U.S.-based streaming services are shaking up the entertainment industry’s world order.

Netflix Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Walt Disney Co. and AT&T Inc.’s HBO Max are chasing growth in overseas markets, investing billions of dollars to produce local-language television series and movies. That push is creating boom times—and competition—for writers, actors, producers and crew. It is also threatening established broadcast networks and distributors in other countries and prompting action from local lawmakers and producers over equal pay and content ownership.

In the past, long-established local players could easily contract top-tier talent in international markets such as Spain, Indonesia or Brazil.