How Streaming Completely Changed Indie Films
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The rise of streaming services has completely changed the entertainment industry, restructuring the way viewers consume media. Its impact is largely evident in independent films. Indie films have traditionally been spread through film festivals and theatrical distributors. Now, streaming services have helped globalize the movie’s outreach.
Streaming platforms have helped independent films globalize, now, viewers everywhere can access these films, enjoying unique and diverse content. Additionally, filmmakers are able to share their messages and artistic talents with new audiences through these platforms. Indie films become more mainstream, garnering popularity from fans worldwide, allowing them to be recognized for their work and nominated for awards. The 2022 film “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is a movie directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. Thanks to its distributor A24, the film had an expansive reach through the streaming services. In 2023, it received 7 Oscars, recognizing the film and its talented actors.
Big streaming platforms have access to large budgets, which provide financial support for independent films. Covering the cost of marketing, production, and distribution allows filmmakers to push boundaries and explore unique narratives without the burden of funding constraints. Additionally, streaming services are increasingly investing in independent filmmakers in order to cater to audiences that resonate with voices that might otherwise go unheard.
Independent films face challenges when trying to stand out on big streaming platforms, having to compete against multimillion-dollar productions. Big-budget films typically receive special attention, helped by the streaming service’s aggressive promotional tactics, leaving independent films at risk of being overshadowed. To counteract this, filmmakers can leverage social media to directly connect with audiences. For instance, the movie “Spring Breakers,” directed by Harmony Korine, gained popularity online through social media. The directors posted “behind the scenes” images on Facebook, which quickly went viral, leading audiences to rush to theaters to watch the movie. While streaming platforms hold power over what content gains visibility, social media can help lesser known films break through the crowd and reach wider audiences.
The growing demand for diversity in the entertainment industry has opened many doors for filmmakers, allowing them to cater to specific demographics and tell underrepresented stories. Streaming platforms push for diversity for popularity with wider audiences, and independent filmmakers are the perfect candidates for producing desired content. “The Half of It,” directed by Alice Wu, is a Netflix original that brings to light the struggles of immigrants and LGBTQ individuals. This film was a hit with viewers due to its unique story, winning the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival's Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature.
Independent films are a worldwide phenomenon, bringing a storm to the entertainment industry and representing many issues and community stores. Their spread has been aided by big streaming services, allowing a new way for viewers to enjoy these impactful films. Indie movies are not without their struggles, battling against big-budgeted films to spread their message and the emotional stories of underrepresented communities.
