March 20 (Reuters) - Netflix ( NFLX ) and Warner Music

Group ( WMG ) have signed an exclusive multi-year deal to

produce documentary series and films exploring the lives, music

and legacies of the label's storied artist roster.

The partnership, announced on Friday, hands Netflix ( NFLX ) access

to one of the most formidable vaults in music history. WMG

represents legends like David Bowie, Cher, Fleetwood Mac, Aretha

Franklin and Joni Mitchell, alongside contemporary superstars

such as Charli XCX, Coldplay and Bruno Mars.

The deal marks the latest front in an intensifying race

between music-rights owners and streaming platforms eager to

turn deep catalogues into premium visual content and subscriber

growth.

Music documentaries have increasingly become a vehicle for

fan-driven and culturally resonant programming, a trend

underscored by Taylor Swift's "Eras Tour" film grossing over

$260 million globally.

Under the agreement, WMG will work with Unigram - the

production company aligned with the label - which will serve as

the studio for its long-form projects. Each title will be

developed in collaboration with the artists themselves or their

estates.

The partnership bolsters Netflix's ( NFLX ) growing slate of

music-driven programming, where it has already built a

reputation as a heavyweight in the genre with titles such as

"Homecoming: A Film by Beyonce" and "Quincy" among its

highest-profile releases.

Rival platforms have also been aggressively investing in

music storytelling. Disney+ hosts a range of high-profile

releases including "The Beach Boys", while Max has drawn

attention with documentaries such as "Stax: Soulsville U.S.A.",

showcasing historic labels and influential artists.

Apple Music, meanwhile, has pushed into original music video

content, producing documentaries and livestreaming concerts

through its Apple Music Live series, which has featured artists

such as Harry Styles and Billie Eilish.