Tori Kent
MSS495
The Future of Film Lies in your Handheld Devices
In the last century movies
have transitioned from the silver screen to the big screen TV, and most
recently nearly any handheld device with a screen. Drive-in theaters were once
a popular destination to park and watch movies on projectors whereas now movies
are projected from inside the car on the headrest. While movie theaters are
still standing, their streaming competitors are slowly edging them out. The
rise of streaming is changing the film industry and with it converting
moviegoers to homebodies.
Going to the movies used to
be an experience. The theater acted as a retreat for couples young and old,
families big or small, and anyone who wanted to unwind for a couple hours. For
some, the movie theater is the place where they had their first sweaty hand
hold with a crush or saw their first R-rated movie. Today, however, all of this can be done from
the comfort of one’s home. In fact, the monthly subscription rate for Netflix
is less than a movie ticket on most nights of the week. With ticket prices at
an all time high (unless it’s super Tuesday) there is less incentive to go to
the theater. An exception might be an occasion such as Star Wars: the Force
Awakens, or anything where anticipation and fandom trump costs. However, in
most cases Netflix is the new movie theater and film festivals like Sundance
are a prime example of this in action.
Fukunaga explains why Netflix was the best home for "Beasts of No Nation"
Well, companies like Netflix and Amazon are eager
to step into the shoes once filled by traditional distribution companies. Netflix
and Amazon were some of the top buyers at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival and
filmmakers, once hesitant of streaming companies, realize the potential to
reach a wider audience. Sian Heder of the film “Tallulah”, which sold to
Netflix for $5 million told The New York
Times, “You always want your film to be shown on a big
screen with perfect sound and the best projection, but that’s not always the reality
anymore. The way that people consume media is changing” (Barnes). As a result
the media that is being consumed is changing, too. Online movies no longer have
to cater to everyone; people are watching movies alone and therefore films can
be geared to different fanbases. Further, phones are developing new film
capabilities, such as Google’s 360-degree movie. This allows the viewer to
click on the screen and have a fully immersive experience (Wagner).
And while Netflix and Amazon were busy
splurging at Sundance the traditional distributors were holding onto their
wallets. As this Variety quote puts
best, “Ten years ago, there were two
options for filmmakers: a theatrical release or a straight to video debut,
which was the kiss of death. Now, distribution platforms are ever expanding and
the myriad of options available mirrors shopping at Costco. There’s VOD
services, streaming launches and some hodgepodge combination of theatrical
release and a simultaneous launch across home entertainment platforms. More
confusing still, Netflix grabbed worldwide streaming rights to some of the
buzziest projects at the festival — “Tallulah,” “The Fundamentals of Caring”
and “Under the Shadow” — before most corporate jets had touched down in Utah”
(Setoodeh, Lang).
Certainly the stigma of video
release has been lifted and sVOD has become a trend with the success of
streaming. According to Netflix’s Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos a third of all
content watched on Netflix is film and they are more entertainment based than
cinematic. Perhaps this is why there is such a big push to acquire films, just
as any traditional distributor would. The impact of streaming could mean that
Netflix, Amazon, Hulu etc. are the traditional distributors of the future. Further,
as of 2015 Netflix proved itself award worthy with 45 Emmy, 10 Golden Globe and
two Academy Award nominations since the company first launched original
programming in 2012 (Schwab). Netflix is certainly proving itself as a force of
the film industry and a platform of the future.
So, think about the last movie you watched. How
and where did the viewing take place? The future of film seems to be in the
palms of our hands, on our phones and tablets and in our laptop screens. One
day we might all be watching films through virtual reality headsets, but
hopefully they won’t replace movie theaters anytime soon.
Works Cited:
Barnes, Brooks. “So Far, Netflix and Amazon are
Sundance’s Top Buyers.” The
New York Times. 25 Jan. 2016. Web. 19 Mar. 2016
Lyttelton, Oliver. “Disruptors: How Netflix &
Amazon are Creating Greater Tumult
in the
Independent Film Industry” Indiewire. 9 Feb. 2016. Web. 18 Mar. 2016
Wagner,
Fred. “From Netflix to full immersion: how the future of cinema lies in
our handhelds.” The Guardian. 18
June 2015. Web. 20 Mar. 2016.
Chris La Bella
ReplyDeleteTo answer your question in the last paragraph of your post, my last viewing of a film took place in a theater. In fact, the last couple of movies I have watched have all been in theaters. Interestingly though, I’d say a large reason why I choose to physically go to the movies is because of the lackluster variety of films I can watch on platforms like Netflix. Obviously, there are unique independent films and beloved classics within the streaming service that are great. But, the prime reason I physically go to theaters is due to the fact that new blockbuster films that intrigue me hardly ever find their way onto Netflix from their initial release. Essentially, I use Netflix to watch movies that I have already seen and enjoyed for the most part. This is why I do not think that streaming services like Netflix currently rival the traditional movie experience.
I look at Netflix and traditional distributors in different manners. On one hand we have a streaming platform, which consists of dated popular (and unpopular) movies and newly released independent films. And then we have traditional distributors, which bring us the large variety of hit or miss blockbuster movies we know and love (or hate). With this said, each side offers the viewer something different. While the trend towards movie streaming may be on the rise in general, I do not think it will lead to revolutionary change any time soon because the big name movies just aren’t there yet. For example, until we see Marvel and Disney movies premiering on Netflix, the traditional movie experience will not be phased. Very admired and overwhelmingly nominated Sundance films on Netflix just don’t have the overpowering allure to win over traditional audiences of major film studios to lead to a major transformation in film viewing.
Maybe what will happen is that the majority of small and lesser-known film studios will flock to Netflix and thrive within the streaming platform, while the film studios with a major grip over the industry remain traditional. Perhaps, this is the best way to go about it, especially considering analyst Doug Creutz’s statement that the industry “appears to be condensing into fewer, but bigger, hits” (Bond). The film industry is so top-heavy that independent filmmakers should be the primary individuals that take advantage of the success of Netflix movie streaming. I believe a split between the two sides would lead to a greater chance of success for both because movie viewers would form different expectations and habits of viewing for both sides. Therefore, I believe that the experience of watching a movie will not go fully digital anytime soon. Until major films begin to routinely premiere on Netflix, or major studios create a streaming platform of their own, the experience of reclining in a squeaky armchair with a 50-foot screen in front of you will not diminish just yet. And, if you are not convinced that traditional movie viewing will remain stable moving forward, remember these words by Ted Sarandos of Netflix: “There’s nothing about any of my positions or any of my thinking that is anti-theaters at all — it’s just pro-movies” (Schwab).
Works Cited
Bond, Paul. "Hit-Driven Film Business Getting "Very Ugly," Wall Street Analyst Says." The Hollywood Reporter. N.p., 4 Mar. 2016. Web. 21 Mar. 2016. .
Schwab, Katharine. "Netflix Continues Push into Documentary and Independent Film - Peninsula Press." Peninsula Press. Stanford University, 13 Mar. 2015. Web. 21 Mar. 2016. .
ReplyDeleteI think it is actually crazy to think about how fast technology is evolving. As Tori mentioned in her blog, people used to go to drive in theaters to watch movies and now they have the ability to watch it on their phones on a small screen. It makes it hard to believe that movie theaters are still around however, I think one of the biggest points that Tori mentioned is about how going to the movies used to be something nice you did with friends or family, and now with the ability to watch movies right from the comfort of your own home people choose to do so. I know I am an example of this. When I was in middle school we used to go to the movies every Friday night with friends. We used to have the best time buying popcorn and soda, now I could not even tell you when the last time I went to the movie was. If I want to watch a movie I just turn on my apple tv invite some friends over throw some popcorn in the microwave and that is it. It is so easy and convenient, and most of all cost effective.
As Tori explained, the monthly subscription rate for Netflix is less than a movie ticket, and I think this is one of the main reasons why people are not turned on by the idea of going to see a movie and spending so much. I do agree though that there are exceptions because I know that when the Star Wars movies come out, even though I have never even seen any of them, many people rush to the theater. Some even go to the midnight premiers. Besides Netflix offering classic films and tv shows, old and current, they have started to create Netflix Original’s which have been very successful thus far. A good example of this would be the Netflix Original Show, Orange Is The New Black. As said in Netflix Continues Push into Documentary and independent film, “Netflix is continuing its push into original programming with independent and documentary films — like “Virunga,” which was up for an Oscar on Feb. 22 — and is receiving accolades alongside original television series like “House of Cards” and “Orange is the New Black” (Schwab).
The way people consume media nowadays has changed drastically and many companies have to keep up with it. Yes, watching a movie on a big screen in high quality with good sound and in a nice theater is amazing, but it is not always convenient. I am not surprised that Netflix and Amazon were the two biggest spenders the Sundance Film Festival. To answer Tori’s final question, the last movie I watched was on Netflix, and I was in the car on the way to the cruise ship port for spring break, and I watched it on my laptop. I do not think streaming films will replace theaters any time soon especially if they keep up with our needs.
For example, movie theaters need to come up with new way to reach and attract an audience, by doing or having things that Netflix, or the comfort of your own home will not provide. Just like the Cinemarks director said, “ The industry is going more and more towards making the customer’s experience something that they can’t get by staying home” (Jeffries). I know when I first heard about this new theater I told my friends we had to go check it out. I not sure if I am going to want to go every weekend like in the past but it is definitely something different. Having foot rests and alcohol available is something new and will definitely bring people in. This was a great move on their part to try and keep with the people and their fast evolving technology, your phone or laptop does not have a foot rest and full service bar. Cinemark will definitely be seeing me soon.
Schwab, Katharine. “Netflix continues push into documentary and
Independent film.” Peninsula Press. 13 Mar. 2015. Web. 19 Mar. 2016
Turmelle, Luther. "Out with the Old, in with the New Cinemark Movie Theater in North Haven." New Haven Register. New Haven Register, 23 July 2015. Web. 21 Mar. 2015.
Gina Albano
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of movie theaters, but they have become somewhat of a novelty. When I was in middle school and high school, my mother and I would go see a new movie almost every week. Now, I prefer to watch movies on my laptop. It’s a different age now. We want convenience and comfort that movie theaters don’t seem to offer. Netflix has done a seamless job of creating content that people, critics and homebodies alike, seem to love. Their original content has earned them a number of Emmy’s. In the article from Peninsula Press, Schwab stated that Netflix’s original documentary “Virunga” was nominated at the Oscar’s.
With such success in their original programming, it only makes sense for Netflix to spend more money and further push into different industries. “In 2015, Netflix will triple the hours of original programming it released in 2014 and will spend a projected $3 billion on content licensing” (Schwab). The article later states, with a quote from the Communications Officer at Netflix, that they are increasing the access to new films. This push into accessing more films is further perpetuating the idea that you no longer needed to go to the movie theaters to see a movie. Those with enough money will soon be able to watch world premiere’s from their home.
Producer and director J.J. Abrams is supporting the new plan of making new released available on VOD the same day they hit cinemas. In an article for the Hollywood Reporter, he stated that it tapped into a whole new audience that don’t usually go to the movies. This idea targets a whole new segment as well as giving movie goers the opportunity to just stay home. But not everyone is entirely convinced. Like Tori mentioned there is still a stigma with releasing movies on VOD and Streaming Services. There is also the issue of money. Are theater owners going to want to work with Screening Room and potentially lose their customers and not make as much money on new releases. Peter Jackson, the first filmmaker to confirm he is advising Screening Room, said “Screening Room will expand the audience for a movie — not shift it from cinema to living room. It does not play off studio against theater owner” (Ford, McClintock). This idea doesn’t diminish movie theaters, but rather opens more opportunities for film.
Overall, VOD and streaming sites are just another medium for the film industry to utilize. With it’s fast paced growth sites like Amazon, Hulu, and Netflix are fads. They are making an impact in the way we enjoy television, and if they keep expanding they will be able to impact the film industry as well. While we can still enjoy the ticket stubs and popcorn, now we have the opportunity and choice to stay home in our PJs. I don’t see them replacing movie theaters anytime soon, but I do see them making their place in the film industry.
Work cited.
Ford, Rebecca, and Pamela McClintock. "J.J. Abrams: Proposed $50 Home Movie Service "Beneficial" to Movie Theaters." The Hollywood Reporter. The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2016. Web.
Schwab, Katherine. "Netflix Continues Push into Documentary and Independent
Film - Peninsula Press." Peninsula Press. Peninsula Press, 13 Mar. 2015. Web.
This is a really interesting topic that you have chosen to further explore. I agree with your statement that the rise of streaming is really changing the film industry and is also promoting a more sedentary lifestyle. With the rise of streaming we have now become more accustomed to watching things in our homes whereas in the past going to a movie theater was a total experience. As you say I really think that the price of tickets has turned a lot of people off to going to a theater. Aside from the really anticipated films, most people do have less incentive to see a movie they can probably get in a short while anyway. Similarly, many companies have seen this trend and are making content more accessible by way of streaming sites such as Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu. Films that would normally not do well in theaters are being moved to streaming sites to allow for more of an outreach and allow for the filmmakers, cast, and crew to make some additional money.
ReplyDeleteSites like Netflix have had such an incredible impact on the film industry that many companies have to scramble to update a slightly archaic system. While the movie-going experience might always have a sort of novelty to it, there is now some competition and a need to revamp. Patti McClintock writes about this very issue in her article, “Box Office’s New Normal in 2015: “You Can’t Cheat an Opening Weekend Anymore.” She says that “only a few years ago, a $15 million debut was considered poor for a major studio—but now, $5 million or less is possible (McClintock). There is now huge discrepancy in how much a film makes, some are in the billions while others hope to make at least a few million.
This is especially relevant when looking at exclusive content because these movies and TV shows are doing quite well with awards and in viewership. Even high-profile directors such as J.J. Abrams see this shift and he is just one of other directors and producers who “support a controversial plan to make new feature films available in the home for $50 the same day they hit cinemas” (Ford, McClintock). Personally, although I see where they are coming from, it would kind of be a shame if all films were made available at home the same day they are released. While I see the large wave toward going to streaming sites, I also believe that many theaters are trying to combat this. Many have introduced dine-in options as well as bars and comfier sofa-like seating. Although this is a change from the normal experience, I think that many of these companies see the shift and are trying to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. So while this plan is tailored more toward “capturing consumers who don’t otherwise go to the movies, versus catering to the typical filmgoer” I still think that things might change if people know that they can stay home to watch something. There is a largely social aspect when going to the theater, people once dressed up and made a day of it, one because it was cheaper, but also because it was a different time. Now we seem to be more about comfort and convenience rather than the experience, but hopefully in the future we will manage to change this a bit and become more willing to venture out to the movies once again.
Works Cited:
McClintock, Pamela. "Box Office's New Normal in 2015: "You Can't Cheat an Opening Weekend Anymore"" The Hollywood Reporter. N.p., 17 Dec. 2015. Web. 22 Mar. 2016.
Ford, Rebecca and Pamela McClintock. "J.J. Abrams: Proposed $50 Home Movie Service "Beneficial" to Movie Theaters." The Hollywood Reporter. N.p., 14 Mar. 2016. Web. 22 Mar. 2016.
Lea Herlihy
ReplyDeleteDr. Burns
MSS495
Tori, this post is so accurate it’s sad. Having lived through the transition from going to the movies on the weekends to binge watching Netflix in bed for hours on end, I relate to this post a little too much. I remember being so excited to go out to the movies (still am), but there is a certain je no say qua to watching movies in the comfort of your own home. Thinking about it now, my mom refuses to go to the theater as she’d much prefer to watch in her pajamas.
An interesting thing about movie theaters is how their presence appears to be growing internationally. For example, China beat out the U.S. with their box office numbers. China, “has experienced year-over-year growth in the last two years of 27 and 36 percent” (LeBeck). Another concerning fact for American theaters is that, “the record Chinese month at the movies occurred mainly without the boost of Hollywood blockbusters” (LeBeck). The reason for China’s growth in the box office could be contributed to the number of movie screens that are being added every day. According to an article by Jeff LeBeck, “China is currently experiencing explosive growth in the construction of movie theaters, with 15 new screens being added every day” (LeBeck). This kind of growth is sure to lead to increased sales in the box office because areas that may have never known the joy of going to see a movie on the big screen are now having the chance.
As far as drive-in movie theaters are concerned, I believe that because of our “hipster” generation they will begin to make a comeback. There is still something special about making the effort to go out and see a movie on the big screen. Being surrounded by darkness with only one thing to keep your attention allows you to get engrossed in the story, and so you feel as if you’re a part of the story rather than just watching it. The only down side to this experience is that movie theaters are now capitalizing on the idea. Movie tickets have reached a price that would make your grandparents cringe. I still remember (wow I sound old) when I paid $4.50 for a movie ticket, and more recently I’ve paid close to $16. These exorbitant prices may have led to the decline in attendance. Apparently, “attendance hit a two-decade low, with roughly 1.27 billion going to the movies, compared to 1.34 billion in 2013” (Ford).
Regardless of what may be happening with online streaming, I know that I will still make an effort to enjoy a movie out in theaters. This is especially relevant for movies that I have been anticipating for quite some time. I still have all of my movie theater ticket stubs, and I plan to continue growing my collection.
Works Cited:
Ford, Rebecca. “Box Office Winners and Losers of 2014.” The Hollywood Reporter. 2 Jan. 2015. Web.
LeBeck, Jeff. “China Monthly Box Office Tops U.S. For First Time.” Entertainment Weekly. 2 March. 2015. Web.
Super Tuesdays is considered a typical summer night out for my family. We call it FMN (family movie night) and it consists of our “family” meaning my immediate family and anyone and everyone who would like to join us. This has become a summer tradition for as long as I can remember, and it has made my appreciation for the movie theatre grow over the years. I cannot imagine a world where going to the movies does not exist anymore or is considered a second option for viewing a movie for the first time. Sitting in front of a massive screen and feeling the vibrations of the sound coming from the movie is a much better experience, in my opinion, to see a film. “Star Wars: The Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams is the latest Hollywood filmmaker to explain why he supports a controversial plan to make new feature films available in the home for $50 the same day they hit cinemas.”(Ford, McClintock) When first reading this line without understanding the benefits towards the actual cinemas, I was angry. This is just another step in the direction away from movie going and towards VOD. Not that I don't like VOD, I find it very useful and entertaining, but anything looking to replace the experience of going to a good old movie theatre is not good in my eyes. Being able to pay $50 to see a film the same day it hits theatres in your own home is creating less of an entertainment experience for movies.
ReplyDelete“Netflix’s Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said that Netflix’s role is as a new type of distributor, even though the company will release at least one feature-length film in theaters this year. “There’s nothing about any of my positions or any of my thinking that is anti-theaters at all — it’s just pro-movies,” he said. (Schwab) I think this statement by Sarandos is to ease the people still go to the movies on a regular basis. Netflix obviously is doing very well and is on the upward ladder to success, and it is nice to see that even though the world is turning to VOD, Netflix still acknowledges the movie theatre experience. Netflix is also awarding opportunities to filmmakers who want their movies to be seen by a larger audience. This is helping the movie industry create broader content for a more diverse audience that probably would have not been financed to make it to the big screen. I also think VOD services like Netflix are helping those who physically may not be able to make it to a movie theater anymore. I had an aunt who was disabled and unable to go to the movies, so an opportunity to catch a movie the same day as it releases in theatres in the comfort of her own home is a big success in this instance. As much as I want to see the downsides of VOD in relation to taking away successes of the theatre, I am able to see the positives. As long as movie theatres don't become the next Blockbuster, I am okay with the shift.
Works Cited:
Ford, Rebecca, and Pamela McClintock. "J.J. Abrams: Proposed $50 Home Movie Service "Beneficial" to Movie Theaters." The Hollywood Reporter. The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2016. Web.
Schwab, Katherine. "Netflix Continues Push into Documentary and Independent Film - Peninsula Press." Peninsula Press. Peninsula Press, 13 Mar. 2015. Web.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who loves the movie theater I’m perpetually upset by the fact that technology is making it a novelty. I am so sad that movie theaters are struggling because they brought an amazing aspect to the movie industry.
ReplyDeleteI feel like streaming services, like Netflix and Hulu, are taking away the hype surrounding movies. They take away the novelty of sitting and making an effort to watch a movie. Going to the movie store, remember VHS? It was an experience! SO many people have forgotten how far technology has come in the last decade or two. This has all changed the movie watching experience as a whole. An article in the New Haven register talks about the new Cinemark built in North Haven. The article states, “Dallas-based Cinemark spent in excess of $16 million tearing down the former Rave Cinemas location on Universal Drive and replacing it with a lavish new 57,000 square foot, 14-screen multiplex that pulls out all the stops in an effort to lure the movie going public out of their homes” (Turmelle). I’ve been to the movie theater and it's phenomenal. What they’re trying to do is make the movie theater an experience again, not just going to watch a movie. Going to the movie theater used to be the only way to see a new release as Tori touched upon in her article, but now we can see new releases so easily in other places. Making it a new kind of experience is like giving it a new edge. The fact that they have to do that makes me sad. The movie theater experience was better when it was all about the newest release. It’s changed now.
The Hollywood Reporter wrote an article about how the Box Office has changed. The new normal for the Box Office reflects the changes in the industry. The article says, “Only a few years ago, a $15 million debut was considered poor for a major studio film — but now, $5 million or less is possible. ‘There is no bottom anymore,’ says Chris Aronson, domestic distribution president at Fox, whose Victor Frankenstein suffered the worst start to date for a film opening in 2,500 or more theaters ($2.5 million)” (McClintock). The industry expects lower numbers than ever in the box office because of the changes happening with technology. I’m with you Tori, I don’t want movie theaters to leave us! I think they’ve given so much to the industry and people shouldn’t forget that. I do love streaming services and I understand their progression leading to their ultimate takeover in our media world but am I still entitled to say that I wish it wouldn’t happen without seeming ignorant? I really dislike that people are taking convenience over experience – it goes to show the general progression of our society as a whole. People would rather watch a new movie when it comes out on a streaming site months after its original release date. They would rather stay in their home than drive to the theater. Luckily movie theaters are holding onto their niche of experience, making it more luxurious, but will people eventually forget about the experience entirely? Forget about the theaters and leave us without them, making them just a thing of the past. Ultimately, choosing convenience over experience. Well, it’s not a crazy thought now is it?
McClintock, Pamela. “Box Office's New Normal in 2015: "You Can't Cheat an Opening Weekend Anymore"” The Hollywood Reporter. The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec 2015. Web. 21 Mar 2015.
Turmelle, Luther. "Out with the Old, in with the New Cinemark Movie Theater in North Haven." New Haven Register. New Haven Register, 23 July 2015. Web. 21 Mar. 2015.