DEBATE: With the Oscars success of Roma, has Netflix broken the dominance of the traditional film studios?
With the Oscars success of Roma, has Netflix broken the dominance of the traditional film studios?
Abbie Llewelyn, freelance writer and commentator, says YES.
Just six years after Netflix started producing original content, it has scored 15 nominations and three wins at the Oscars. This is a huge breakthrough for streaming platforms, as up until now the Academy has seemingly turned up its nose at made-for-TV films, despite consumer popularity and critical acclaim.
Netflix has upset the traditional system of a 90-day cinematic window by choosing to debut its films in cinemas (for less than a few weeks) and online at the same time, or with a much smaller gap. This has sparked tension between Netflix and theatre chains, with some refusing to play its films at all.
Many filmmakers are still charmed by the prestige of the silver screen and have so far been put off working with online platforms by their apparent inability to win awards. This awards season appears to have ended this cold streak, meaning that some of the world’s best filmmakers will likely be less reticent to work with them.
I’m not here to Netflix and shill, but streaming has revolutionised how we watch TV. Now it’s the film industry’s turn.
Kevin Craig, chief executive of communications and campaign agency PLMR, says NO.
Netflix has broken nothing yet. In fact, the Oscars this year are a clear example of the establishment digging in its heels in the face of technological disruption.
Despite Netflix’s best efforts, the tech giant failed to scoop the coveted Best Picture award that it so desperately wanted. It was still a good night for Netflix, but streaming services are yet to translate their huge popularity among consumers to critical acclaim at the very highest level.
This matters. Although Roma only cost around $15m to make, Netflix invested double that (a record) in its Oscars campaign. From billboards to promotional parties, this huge lobbying effort fell short, and proves that Netflix is yet to break the studios’ iron grip.
Of all the sectors that have been subject to disruption over the years, the film industry is one that is showing great resilience. There is no doubt that Netflix will be back for another go next year; bigger and better. The question is, how long can the Hollywood establishment hold its nerve?