Sep. 4, 2009 (United Press International) -- Google Inc.'s (NASDAQ:GOOG) video Web site YouTube is trying to hammer out a deal with Sony (NYSE:SNE) Pictures, Warner Bros. and Lionsgate (NYSE:LGF) to stream films as they're released on DVD.

The Los Angeles Times, which reported the negotiations, said the move represents a shift in the stance of the studios, which have been reluctant to allow their products to be offered digitally online for fear this would hurt their relationships with retailers or cut into DVD sales.

By talking to YouTube about allowing their products to be streamed, dowloaded or rented, the companies are acknowledging the growing popularity of watching video online, the Times noted.

A potential wide-ranging partnership between YouTube and Hollywood could also mean a spike in profits for the Web site, which features both professional- and amateur-produced content, the newspaper said.