The Impact of Streaming Services on the Film and TV Industry

erikabassovisionfa
Jun 5
3 min read

Author: Erika Basso

The world of cinema has undergone a radical transformation in the last decade with the emergence of streaming platforms. Services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and HBO Max have changed not only the way we consume cinema, but also how it is produced, distributed and funded.

In addition to the availability of movies on pay TV, streaming platforms have gained popularity in recent years. Services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ offer a wide selection of movies, TV series and children’s content right at your fingertips.

This convenience, combined with the ability to choose what to watch at any time and on any device, has shifted viewers' attention towards the experience of viewing from home.

This phenomenon has had a deep and multifaceted impact on the film industry, which deserves to be explored in detail.

Access and Diversity

Streaming platforms have democratized access to the cinema. With a simple monthly subscription, viewers can access an extensive catalogue of films, documentaries and TV series from all over the world.

This has enabled many viewers to discover lesser-known films and appreciate cultural diversity. In addition, streaming platforms have given space to independent films and productions that would hardly have found distribution in traditional cinemas.

New opportunities for creators

Streaming platforms have opened up new opportunities for content creators. Directors, screenwriters and producers can now count on additional distribution channels for their works.

This has led to an increase in the production of original content, with platforms like Netflix investing billions of dollars each year in new productions. In addition, the TV series have reached a level of cinematic quality, attracting prominent talent both in front and behind the camera.

Changes in business models

The advent of streaming has also changed business models in the film industry. Mainstream cinemas have had to adapt to the competition from streaming platforms, which offer the convenience of watching movies at home.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, this trend has further accelerated, with many major productions being released directly on streaming platforms. This has raised debates about the balance between film distribution and streaming, and how the two modes can coexist.

The impact of streaming platforms on cinema is undeniable and complex. They have revolutionised the way to make films, also the distribution and expenditure, offering new opportunities and challenges for the film industry.

This new landscape, it is essential to find a balance that enhances both the innovation of streaming and the magic of the traditional cinematic experience.

The triumph of streaming

That the big streaming platforms have also become producers of hit movies and series is now a fact. If this kind of service represented a niche until ten years ago, today the numbers tell a different reality.

Last year, Netflix had 222 million subscribers worldwide, with a library of over 6,000 shows and movies. Its turnover in 2021 was 29.7 billion dollars. The scepter of the streaming kingdom is stable in the hands of the American company, but the competitors are no less. Among the leading:

- Amazon Prime (172 million subscribers);

- Disney Plus (118 million);

- Hbo Max (72.8 million);

- Apple TV Plus (estimated 40 million).

Numbers that translate into billions of dollars in subscriptions and billions of dollars in capital earned on the markets. Some of these are reinvested in original productions.

Training opportunities for young graduates

In order to successfully enter the digital entertainment industry, it is essential to follow up up to date and specialized training paths. Universities and institutes offer a range of post-graduate training opportunities focused on specific digital skills.

Immersive viewing is changing the paradigms of play and entertainment.

Training in Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) prepares students to create and manage interactive experiences, offering tools for working in creative agencies, video game development studios and entertainment marketing.

Conclusion

The digital revolution has profoundly transformed the entertainment industry, creating new opportunities for young graduates. By following specific training paths and pursuing innovative careers, young professionals can make the most of the potential offered by digital technology, meeting a future rich in possibilities and professional growth.