Waniata, R. (2014, October 14). Can Netflix change how movies are released and distributed? Ted Sarandos thinks so. Retrieved January 27, 2015, from http://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/netflix-change-antiquated-way-movies-released/
Digitaltrends.com is a hub of information regarding just what it advertises: trends in digital media, which now often coincides with converging media. Many entertainment industries are currently undergoing changes along with improvements in technology, but a notable Digital Trend in the film distribution game has been the highly acclaimed streaming source "Netflix." This company has taken America by storm, with its simple "click and watch" efficient approach to media consumption, particularly in film and Television. Most recently, Netflix has been planning new platforms in order to dominate the film industry. It has become such a popular and addicting form of viewing film and television that now, it is more common to see people gathered around the TV with a bowl of popcorn watching Netflix than actually taking the 'old school' approach and going to the movie theaters.
Important Quotes Explained...
- "Far more than just a simple website that allows users to stream TV shows and movies, Netflix has focused on becoming a global disruptor, upending the status quo, and changing the way we think about entertainment, and even online information "
- In a world of constantly converging media, with distribution dominators seemingly monopolizing the film markets, Netflix has completely upped its game and changed modern conventions of production and distribution. In no time at all, this streaming site has taken over as a source of entertainment that is constantly improving to meet the needs of consumers and evolving based on the newest innovations within the industry.
- "And innovating movie production and distribution is just the tip of the iceberg for Netflix as it continues its quest for world domination. "
- Not only has the Netflix enterprise taken America by storm, but it is quickly expanding to become an international powerhouse of entertainment production and distribution, through the most efficient streaming technologies that circumvent all notions of piracy. Now, many regions of Europe are beginning to catch on to the Netflix craze, and this expansion towards foreign markets is only expected to increase as the company widens its scope.
- "With a firm grasp over American audiences, award winning, and critically acclaimed original TV series’, and an eye towards changing the entire movie distribution paradigm, Netflix isn’t exactly thinking small. And just as the company no doubt planned, we’ll all be watching with anticipation to see what Netflix will do next."
- With award winning original Television productions produced by Netflix, a new plan that involves streaming distribution while simultaneously putting the movie in theaters, and now "straight to Netflix" films sponsored by and starring big name actors, the public must wonder what this company will be up to next! It seems like Netflix is continuing to amaze us with new, consumer friendly entertainment distribution strategies, and I cannot wait to see the effects that these will have on the film industry as a whole. Moreover, I am curious to see the discrepancies in producer and consumer reactions regarding how the dominating force Netflix holds in the industry will affect film media in general.
This is a short clip, featuring a CNN interview with Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, that pretty much says it all. More importantly, it foreshadows the recent turns that Netflix has been making in entertainment innovation as a production and distribution dominator.
To keep it simple...
So what exactly are the next steps Netflix plans to take in its quest toward worldwide domination in entertainment? From what it seems like, there are two major changes in the works for the insanely popular streaming company. First, Netflix plans to change the way consumers receive media content by accelerating the release time for movies. Essentially, Netflix is trying to serve the current population spoiled by "On Demand" services by providing "click and watch" content to consumers who aren't willing to wait the duration of time that film distribution used to require. In a world of improving technology, media must also converge in order to meet the growing needs of the public, which Netflix seems to understand perfectly. Netflix is always two steps ahead of its 'competitors,' who are so busy trying to catch up with the streaming site's innovative platform. It is almost impossible to compete with Netflix, because no other streaming distribution service has been able to match it so far in providing such efficient and comprehensive services that are constantly evolving and improving based on consumer demand and satisfaction. For example, Netflix has announced that the sequel to "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" will be distributed on the company's streaming sites the same day it is set to be released in IMAX theaters. This business distribution models is appalling for many movie theater distributors, taken aback by this new kind of platform. It will be interesting to see how this new kind of distribution tactic will contribute to the film's popularity. Also in the works are four "straight to Netflix" film productions starring Adam Sandler, which is a bold move on the established actor's part. However, maybe this decision will spark a new trend in the way that actors decide to release their films.
So what is phase 2 in Netflix's master plan?...worldwide influence. Netflix is quickly expanding to the European section of the globe, gaining markets in places such as Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, and especially France. However, this newfound foreign influence is only the beginning as Netflix begins its trek in international entertainment domination. By 2020, it is expected that Netflix will garner 100 million international subscribers; an unprecedented number that will influence a whole new region of entertainment consumers.
Netflix is one of the biggest players in film production and distribution, completely altering the way that media is consumed. Only time will tell the effects that this innovative company will have on the film industry as a whole, especially in regards to convergence of media related to distribution. However, I think it is safe to say that the American public is caught in a Netflix daze, and many people can't wait to see what the company has in store for consumers, both domestically and internationally.
Stay tuned for the next posting which will be a basic "101" on how movies can now easily be streamed or downloaded.
I love Netflix ! I think it is so cool that you are discussing how this trend is affecting marketing distribution. I think it will replace normal tv in the future. In fact, I don't really watch television I just watch Netflix. I appreciate that you addressed this.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you; I think Netflix's success stems from the fact that is accessible to such a large variety of audiences for low monthly rates. Although Netflix may not always have the latest and newest releases available to their viewership, they have such a large portion of the population hooked on in-home watching that consumers are willing to wait and/or settle for lesser-known shows and movies.
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