Over the past decade, the growth of Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms has significantly impacted the distribution of films. These platforms provide an alternative to traditional distribution models, such as theatrical releases and home video, by allowing viewers to stream movies directly to their homes.
Let’s talk about how OTT has impacted not only our lives but the distribution of films -
Increased Access to Films - One of the primary benefits of OTT platforms is that they have increased access to films. With the rise of digital streaming, viewers can now access a vast array of movies from anywhere and at any time. This has opened up new opportunities for independent filmmakers and smaller studios to reach wider audiences, who may not have had the chance to see their films otherwise.
Disrupting the Traditional Release Window - OTT platforms have also disrupted the traditional release window for films. The release window is the period between a movie's theatrical release and its availability on home video. Typically, this window has been around 90 days, but with the growth of OTT, the gap between theatrical release and home video availability has narrowed or even disappeared. This has allowed films to reach audiences more quickly and has given viewers more options for where and when they can watch movies.
Changing the Business Model - OTT platforms have also changed the business model for film distribution. Previously, studios relied on box office revenue and DVD sales to make money. With the growth of OTT, studios are now able to sell the rights to their films to streaming services, which in turn pays them for the rights to stream their films. This has created a new revenue stream for studios and has changed the way they think about distribution.
Impact on Theatrical Distribution - The rise of OTT has also impacted the theatrical distribution of films. With more people choosing to stay at home and watch movies, theaters have seen a decline in attendance. This has led to some studios experimenting with simultaneous theatrical and OTT releases. For example, Warner Bros. recently announced that all of its 2021 films would be released on HBO Max on the same day as their theatrical release.
Increased Competition - Finally, the growth of OTT platforms has increased competition in the film distribution market. Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ are all vying for subscribers, which has led to increased investment in content creation. This has created more opportunities for filmmakers to get their projects made and has led to an increase in the number of films being produced.
