The advent of streaming platforms, a revolutionary development in the realm of entertainment, has brought about a seismic and undeniable shift in the film industry. As a movie director who is deeply immersed in this industry, I have experienced firsthand the profound and far-reaching effects of this evolution. It is an evolution that continues to redefine our understanding of what it means to make and share films.

1. The Ongoing and Transformative Impact
of Streaming Platforms on the Movie
Industry
The advent of streaming platforms, a revolutionary development in the realm of entertainment,
has brought about a seismic and undeniable shift in the film industry. As a movie director who is
deeply immersed in this industry, I have experienced firsthand the profound and far-reaching
effects of this evolution. It is an evolution that continues to redefine our understanding of what it
means to make and share films.
Traditional Film Distribution
Traditionally, the standard and most accepted route for a film to reach its intended audience was
by premiering it in movie theatres. There was a certain thrill and charm to watching a story
unfold on the big screen. The communal experience of sharing emotions with a crowd of
strangers, the ritual of purchasing a ticket, settling into your seat with a tub of popcorn, and
waiting for the lights to dim held a magic that was unique and intrinsic to the medium of cinema.
However, the emergence and subsequent rise of streaming platforms have entirely disrupted
and revolutionised this well-established model.
New Method of Distribution
Services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ have introduced a new method of
distribution that offers unprecedented levels of accessibility and convenience to viewers from all
walks of life. This change is not just a shift in platform, but a complete overhaul of how we
consume movies and shows.

2. Impact on Filmmaking and Consumption
The impact of this change is manifold and multifaceted. On one hand, it has democratised the
movie-watching experience to an extent previously unimaginable. People across the globe,
irrespective of their geographical location or socio-economic status, can now access a diverse
array of films and shows at their convenience. It has also given independent filmmakers a
robust platform to showcase their work to a global audience, overcoming the logistical and
financial hurdles that were previously insurmountable.
Increased Competition and New Metrics for Success
On the other hand, the migration to digital distribution has resulted in fierce and unrelenting
competition for viewers' attention. The sheer volume of content available at the click of a button
means that films now have a significantly smaller window to make an impact before they are
replaced by a constant influx of new releases. In addition, the traditional metric for evaluating a
film's success, the coveted box office numbers has become less relevant and reliable. Instead,
metrics like viewer retention and watch time have emerged as critical indicators of success. This
shift has profound implications for how films are conceptualised and produced, with an
increasing emphasis being placed on crafting narratives that keep viewers engaged for the
duration of a series or longer-form content.
Conclusion
The rise and proliferation of streaming platforms have dramatically altered and continue to
shape the landscape of the movie industry. As filmmakers, we must adapt, innovate, and evolve
with these changes. The challenge, and indeed the opportunity, lies in balancing the
convenience and ubiquity of digital platforms with the artistry, tradition, and communal
experience of cinema as we know it.
Written by Mark Murphy Director