• Art and culture -> Film and Television

• 0 Comment

How have streaming services influenced the film and television industry as a whole?

Buster Lafrentz

Streaming services have been a game-changer in the film and television industry, changing the way we consume content forever. With services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, we can now watch any program we want at any time we want it. The impact of streaming services on the industry as a whole has been profound, spurring the creation of new and innovative content while putting traditional cable TV on the defensive.

Firstly, streaming services have completely changed the way we watch TV. New content is being released straight to streaming platforms, bypassing traditional broadcast networks. This new approach to content delivery means that streaming services have become the destination of choice for many viewers, allowing them to watch original and exclusive content anytime, anywhere. This shift in viewer behaviour has forced TV broadcast networks to become more competitive, in order to remain relevant and attract viewers.

Another impact of streaming services has been on the production of content itself. Platforms like Netflix and Amazon have not only changed the way we watch content, but also the way content is produced. The traditional broadcast model of releasing a new episode each week has been replaced by binge-watching entire seasons of a show in one sitting. This has opened up more possibilities for narrative storytelling, as showrunners no longer need to break up the drama into individual episodes or be constrained by network programming schedules. This shift in approach has allowed for new and unconventional storytelling methods to emerge, giving rise to some of the most popular and critically acclaimed shows of recent years.

Alongside this explosion of new, original content is the rise of the "streaming wars": an ongoing battle between the major providers to win over viewers with exclusive content. Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, and other streaming services are all competing fiercely to secure deals with big-name creators and actors. The competition has led to a boom in TV production, as creatives are drawn to the possibility of cutting-edge and unique content, leading to an influx of new talent and more diverse programs.

Finally, streaming services have revolutionized the film industry by becoming legitimate distribution channels for independent films and documentaries. Up-and-coming filmmakers have a new platform to showcase their work, no longer needing to rely on the theatrical release schedule where box office numbers are the only measure of success. This shift has led to the emergence of a new wave of independent cinema, and opened up doors for diverse voices and perspectives that may not have been heard under traditional distribution models.

In conclusion, the rise of streaming services has revolutionized both the film and television industry. It has changed the way we watch content, how we produce content, and who has the opportunity to create that content. We are living in a time when more diverse voices and perspectives can reach audiences than ever before, and that is a win for the industry and for viewers alike.