On a global scale, cinema lives in our thoughts as it always has done, captivating audiences in a dark room amidst the flicker of images. But with the advent of streaming platforms and global cinema, we’re faced with a new reality. The 'cinematic experience' as we know has been altered significantly, morphing to catch on to the pace of progress. Now, with the comfort of home, one can watch movies or TV shows from any corner of the world thanks to popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and Hulu.
Covid-19 and the shuttering of theater houses worldwide have provided these platforms with even more leverage. While some consider this the end of the theater age, plenty of film enthusiasts view this as an opportunity for diversity, allowing indie filmmakers and storytellers from different cultures to share their unique narratives on a worldwide stage.
Netflix's breakout hit, 'The Queen's Gambit' is emblematic of the 'new normal' in terms of entertainment content. The drama mini-series that takes the audience through the life of an orphaned chess prodigy confirmed the potential of streaming platforms to not only favor blockbusters but also to invest in quality content that is off the beaten path. 'The Queen's Gambit' became the largest scripted limited mini-series on Netflix within a month of its release, ensuring that this is the path the industry is all set to walk down.
Disney+ has also ridden the streaming wave effectively. Expanding on their highly popular franchises, they've produced content exclusively for their platform, like the 'Star Wars' spinoff 'The Mandalorian' and the Marvel TV-Series 'WandaVision'. Both have performed exceedingly well in terms of viewership and critical reception, further consolidating Disney+'s position as a digital entertainment giant.
However, the rise of these streaming platforms isn't the death knell for theaters. It's an evolution of how cinematic content gets served – from wide release exclusively in cinemas to simultaneous release in theaters and on platforms. The intended effect of this approach could create a sort of cinema renaissance where viewers can decide their preferred mode of consumption, whether it be the traditional theater or a couch at home. While the future of cinema is in flux, what's undeniable is that it will continue to exist in the age of streaming platforms. The industry has rebounded from numerous obstacles before and it's more than capable of doing so again. The screen might have changed, but our love for cinema remains the same.
Movie Industry's New Normal: Streaming Platforms Rising Star
