Jack Ma wants to build a Netflix for China — before someone else does.
The Alibaba chief, poised to execute one of the biggest tech IPOs in history, has been visiting Hollywood studios to discuss a host of subscription content initiatives.
China is projected to tally a billion digital TV households by the end of 2014, according to Digital TV Research.
Pay TV, however, is still in its infancy.
The Alibaba model for streaming video in China would run the gamut from HBO-like super-premium services to channels for YouTube stars with fees beginning more in the $1 range, a source said.
“They’re masters of micro-payments,” said one source.
On Monday, Alibaba Group announced a joint venture to create Lionsgate Entertainment World with the US studio that houses movies such as “Hunger Games” and “Twilight,” as well as the TV show “Mad Men.”
The new service begins in August and will be available via Alibaba’s own set-top boxes.
“They’re not just talking to Lionsgate,” the source said.
“Alibaba’s ambitions are a lot bigger than people think, they’ve got lots of cash,” one source familiar with the talks told The Post.
“It’s a very logical step for Alibaba. It’s what they should be doing, otherwise, other people like Tencent are going to,” Michael J. Wolf, managing director of consulting firm Activate, told The Post.
Wolf said the majority of video viewing in China will be over-the-top.
China may prove a major new market for US video entertainment makers that are limited in the number of movies they can release theatrically.
Alibaba reps declined comment. Lionsgate didn’t return a call for comment.