Netflix Makes Push Into Documentaries

NEW YORK (AP) — Netflix is making a push into documentaries, with the subscription service announcing deals to premiere four new films in the next few months.

Netflix has always made non-fiction films available to subscribers, but until recently they have been projects initially made for theatrical release or on television networks. Netflix said Thursday it now wants filmmakers to make their work specifically for the service, or use Netflix to offer the first wide distribution.

The first of the four new films to be released will be “Battered Bastards of Baseball,” about a defunct minor league baseball team. It will premiere on Netflix on July 11.

Other films in the works are about human rights workers, a marine biologist and 3-D printing.