The producers likely have distribution agreements on a by-country basis. So, for example WB cannot distribute &lt;movie&gt; in Germany because GEMA has the rights. But GEMA didn&#x27;t buy the rights for the English subtitles. I imagine technically WB could then sell subtitles rights for &lt;movie&gt; in Germany but it would be a pain because maybe those subtitles were done by &lt;subcompany&gt; for licence in America and Oceania... etc.