durkhaima (शुभ्रा प्रकाश )

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck on Rogan taking about how Netflix has changed filmmaking. A major considerations is dealing with distracted viewers. To keep them tuned in, “you re-iterate the plot 3-4x in the dialogue because people are on their phones.” Then, in action films, you change the ordering of climatic fights. In traditional action films, you’d have “three set pieces” in every act (I, II, III) and each would “ramp up” (spend the big money on third set piece). But streaming has to hook viewers within 5 minute, so the incentive is to put a major battle or action sequence much earlier. Also, the directors have less incentive to make a film look great because so many people watch on laptops and phones. They do say that streaming allows for more bets on risky projects since the theatre economics are geared towards IP, sequels and super-heroes. Example: an independent film with a $25m budget would spend $25m on marketing (1:1 ratio). But since it splits box office with the theatre, the film needs to make $100m (1/2 of which is $50m) just to break even. They’re realistic about the state of film and call it a supply-demand issue. If the demand is for at-home viewing (eg. Netflix 300m+ subs), then filmmaking approach will change to feed the algo. When there’s demand for theatre, Damon will go team up with Christopher Nolan to make “The Odyssey”.