So lets talk about cinema and the small screen. Where are we at? I wonder what your choice of entertainment source is. Cinema and the small screen, though both forms of storytelling, both forms of entertainment on the screen medium, are actually quite different in the ways that they approach and entertain the viewer. They also seem to compete against each other when it comes to gaining the viewers attention.
So the case doesn’t seem great for movies. The reality is, why would you bother going to the movies to see something you are unsure about? Why spend the money, leave your comfy couch, spend exorbitant amounts of money on food, with the potential to be disappointed? Variety has an excellent article about why the movie industry is in trouble. It pins it down to two factors. The rise of the small screen, and the drying up of the industries typical sources of funds. Basically, investors are scared that traditional movies aren’t “new” enough. They want to invest in growth. Which brings us to the small screen.
Netflix is an incredibly interesting business when it comes to the way it operates. In Neil Landaus book, TV Outside the Box: Trailblazing in the New Golden Age of Television, Neil interviews Theodore Sarandos, the chief content officer of Netflix. Theodore discusses how shows and movies that are accepted for Netflix exclusive release are payed the same rate up front, regardless of how succesful they end up being. This encourages the new and experimental, the smaller and low budget films, while also encouraging big time film directors to use Netflix as a platform allowing more creative freedom. Netflix’s business model is interesting since at this time, it is not focused on profit. The standard of their content is going up, since they aren’t afraid in investing in what will make their service better for their viewers. This is an ability that is possible due to the constant rate that customers pay monthly.
So Netflix can be original. This is one of the biggest differences that we can see between Netflix and Hollywood. Blake Morgan, from Forbes, talks about how Netflix will be bigger than Disney, discussing how the movie industry, for the most part, is focusing on surefire profit generators. Investing in franchises such as Marvel and Star Wars seems to be the only way to be sure of substantial return of investment. Since Netflix is already sure of it’s revenue, it is able to experiment.
Does this mean going to the cinema will be no more? Most don’t think so. Christopher Nolan says in an interview that he believes the larger than life experience and awe of cinema will not die, claiming it is its own entity, seperate of the small screen. In Neil’s afore mentioned interview, Theodore Sarandos mentions the potential of bringing Netflix exclusives to the silver screen, helping make films “cultural signposts” with greater significance. I think cinema is unlikely to die, and look forward to what I perceive to be the slight shift of cinema. What do you think? What makes the cinema so special? I guess it comes down to each of us and what we want, since after all, entertainment is for you.
Header image found at http://www.denofgeek.com/us/254562/us-cinema-chain-considering-phone-friendly-screenings
SAUCE MEDIA 