10 Reasons Netflix Is and Is Not the Future of Films

There is no question that on-demand services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and others have changed the way we consume content. Whether its a TV series, movies or news, these services have irretrievably altered what we watch, when and how. So is Netflix the future of films? Some think so, others do not.

Steven Spielberg does not think so!

In an interview, Spielberg told a news channel that Netflix original movies would not be eligible for the Oscars. Christopher Nolan of Dunkirk fame also has a rather low opinion of Netflix and feels that the medium is not able to adequately deliver the theatrical experience.

Netflix originals cannot compete at Cannes

According to Theirry Fremaux, head of the festival, streaming services such as Netflix would not be eligible for winning prizes at Cannes. The reason for this is the fact that Netflix refuses theatrical release of its films; choosing to debut them via their own streaming service.

Netflix bypasses the theater!

Content goes straight from the producer to the consumer. Some would say this is like cutting out the middle-man and a huge cost cutting measure as well; the benefit of which passes on to the consumer. However, some feel that this impoverishes the whole movie-viewing experience and that the whole streaming juggernaut is a threat to moviemaking as we know it.

Netflix is everywhere!

Well, almost! Now that Netflix has expanded operations, there are very few countries that don’t actually have access to Netflix. With the ability to watch fave shows and movies wherever and whenever, has come a dedicated brand loyalty.

The sheer variety!

If you’ve used streaming you know that one is spoilt for choice. The sheer variety of on-demand content available is staggering. Most of the time we don’t even know what all is available. And because of FOMO (the fear of missing out) we spend a lot of time searching for stuff; particularly stuff that is recommended by others.

It’s addictive!

Netflix is addictive. Once a show or movie is released, it can be watched anytime. So before you know it, you’ve literally wasted hours watching streaming content!

Binge watching!

If you get hooked on to a show, it can distract you from your work, from sleep and even from meaningful social interactions with others.

Bad for kids

With kids getting access to on-demand content, parents worry about their school performances going down. With children already very much into electronics, Netflix is yet another way for kids to remain hooked on to electronics.

Face of the future

Regardless of the reservations moviemakers and parents may have, Netflix is certainly the way more and more of us are going to consume content in times to come: in the comfort and privacy of our homes, as and when we want and as many times as we want at affordable rates. Access to old favourties, brand new content without the hassle of ads; there is much to recommend the Netflix model of entertainment; more and more are buying into it!

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