To what extent is digital distribution vital to the media area you have
studied?
In
films, digital distribution is very important to the success and longevity of
products released within the industry. Digital releases ensure that the film
continues to make studios some type of revenue even after the film is released.
The use of digital streaming services also help keep the film in the public
consciousness, and allow the studio to retain some type of relevance.
Film studios like disney, especially
in today’s time, are more than aware of how pivotal digital distribution is to
their films. With movies like beauty and the beast, the movies are released a
couple of months after release to bring in even more money with an additional
release. They then released the movie on Netflix, and moved it later on to
their own streaming service, which shows the importance of digital distribution
to them. This allows them to keep the public wanting to see more from them, and
allows them to continuously bring in revenue long after the movie is pulled
from theaters. Several other studios do the same thing, like Universal with the
fast and the furious, and several other franchises.
In today’s time, having quick and
fast access to products is what ultimately defines whether something is
successful or not. With what seems like endless streaming sites, digital
distribution is more important that it has ever been. I know from my own
experience, I often find myself watching more films at home through Netflix,
Hulu, etc. than I do at movie theatres. Perhaps the film industry will have to
adjust to this change and focus more on the digital, and streaming side of the
business, and focus less on theatrical releases. However, I believe that would
lead to the loss of what makes movies great in the first place. The experience,
going to a theatre has been a custom in our culture for a century, and it seems
we are very close to losing it.
Digital distribution is extremely
important, and holds great prospects of revenue. It allows businesses to stay
relevant. However, it may one day become more important than theatrical releases,
killing off a great aspect of the industry.
