The battle between heroes and villains on the big screen pales in comparison to the battle for supremacy behind the scenes between streaming services like Netflix and movie theaters, as each platform battles to win over moviegoers and claim a bigger share of the revenue generated by movies.
Traditionally, in the US, cinemas were allowed to show a film for three months after its release, before it would be released on streaming services and DVD. This rule allowed theatres to make money before everyone else could claim their share. However, the rise of Netflix originals threatens the future of cinema and entertainment on the small screen. Netflix originals are not bound by the three-month rule – they premiere on our computer screens immediately after release, ruining everything for cinemas.
Another streaming service, Amazon Studios, is pushing to release its films in theaters only 8 weeks after release, and then they start showing on Amazon Prime. Some celebrities are supporting Amazon's push, which, if passed, could destroy movie theaters.
As movie theaters struggle to cope with intense competition from streaming services, the coronavirus pandemic has brought the film industry to a standstill. Filmmakers are now stuck at home due to the quarantine. Guess where they are getting their movies? From digital TV! Those in quarantine are using Raspberry Pi 4 to turn streaming devices and digital TVs into DIY projects, which automatically makes moviegoers fall in love with streaming. Online consumption is now more ingrained in people's habits than ever. So, as much as film professionals want to fight it, the internet could also permanently change the way people are entertained and the film industry as a whole.
But how exactly has streaming changed the film industry?
- Reduced theater attendance
Let’s face it: Watching movies on Netflix in the comfort of your own home is very appealing. You only need an internet connection to watch movies, you don’t need to buy a ticket, there is a wide variety of movies on the platform to choose from, your food and drink options are always better at home, and everything is cheaper and more convenient. The movie theater experience can’t match such high levels of comfort. Besides, users can now download movies from torrent sites and save them on their smartphone. You just need to discover the best torrent sites for proper downloading.
2. Streaming gives low-budget films a chance
Blockbuster movies are very popular in American in-house theaters, perhaps because of what they are. Marvel, for example, record huge attendance numbers with each new release. Low-budget independent films, on the other hand, are rejected by theaters and studios for their low returns. Streaming services like Netflix are coming to break these stereotypes and give audiences the opportunity to watch a film that is not a blockbuster. Up-and-coming actors have found a chance of a lifetime thanks to streaming platforms. Also, big stars, such as Eddie Murphy, Meryl Streep, Martin Scorsese and Sandra Bullock, are abandoning studio-backed films in favor of streaming platforms.
3. Promotion changes
Promoting upcoming film productions through advertisements (magazines, newspapers, television commercials, and posters) is not as effective today as it was before the dominance of the internet. Digital advertising of movie trailers dominates the cinema. Curating promotional material that will beat or at least compete with streaming services is the biggest challenge faced by theaters. With online marketing, movie lovers gain a better user experience and more active engagement.
4. Changes in production
Online video production tools have allowed anyone to edit, produce, and distribute films across multiple platforms. It has given aspiring filmmakers a platform to showcase their talents and claim a share of the lucrative film market. With most of them currently producing poor quality material, they are destroying the very concept of professional production. As a result, the status of filmmaking as a skilled profession, a status that has survived for decades, is seriously under threat.
Conclusion
Streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video will continue to influence the future of film production and distribution. With more and more entertainment companies entering the movie streaming space, there is no doubt that the theatrical film industry is under serious threat. Their only option is to reinvent their production and marketing policies.
Author: Andin Bicknell
Andin Bicknell is a Data Science graduate from Georgetown University. He is passionate about Internet security and privacy. In his free time, he enjoys writing about technology-related topics.
