Hollywood Directors Comment On The Popularity of Netflix

Hollywood Directors Comment On The Popularity of Netflix

This content has been archived. It may no longer be relevant

There is no denying how Netflix has gained new heights in the last few years. It has been so popular that the word “Netflix” has already made it to today’s lexicon – “Netflix and chill” as the youngins’ would say. According to statistics, 100 million people from across the globe use Netflix regularly. It has amassed $11 billion in revenue in 2017, almost triple what they made in 2015 – clocking in at $4 billion. The company, which used to be monthly subscription home delivery type of entertainment service, has produced award-winning shows and movies. These titles have won 20 Emmys and a very controversial Oscar early this year.

Despite Netflix’ popularity and success, not everyone is supportive of what the company is doing for the entertainment industry. In fact, following Netflix’ Icarus Oscar win, Hollywood big shot directors have sounded off on what they feel about the service.

In an interview with ITV news, Steven Spielberg, famous for directing iconic films like Jaws, Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, and Ready Player One, explained that it doesn’t make sense for him how Netflix series can win an Oscar. For the director, a good television movie deserves an award – that is the Emmy:

“Once you commit to a television format, you’re a TV movie. You certainly, if it’s a good show, deserve an Emmy, but not an Oscar. I don’t believe films that are just given token qualifications in a couple of theaters for less than a week should qualify for the Academy Award nomination.”

This is not the first time a prominent director has sounded off about Netflix. Last year, Christopher Nolan, famous for directing the Dark Knight series, revealed his feelings about the streaming service in an interview with Variety. He explained that there isn’t really anything new about the idea of Netflix. He likened it to making straight-to-video movies – something which directors used to dread:

“My entire adult life they have released straight-to-video films. As a filmmaker, when I was starting out in the ’90s, your nightmare was the straight-to-video release. There’s nothing new about it — what’s different and new about it is selling it to Wall Street as innovation or disruption. The idea that the film business should forget that and just throw everything together at the same time makes no sense. It’s not good business, and people will realize that eventually.”

Nolan has since apologized for his comments. He laments how rude and quick he was to dismiss the company:

“I should have been more polite. I said what I believe, but I was undiplomatic in the way I expressed it. I wasn’t giving any context to the frankly revolutionary nature of what Netflix has done. It’s extraordinary. They need appropriate respect for that, which I have” quipped Nolan.

Netflix has yet to issue a statement regarding the comments Hollywood directors have had for the service that they provide. Nevertheless, considering the popularity of Netflix, there is no denying that it is here to stay.

Share

Written by:

0 Posts

View All Posts
Follow Me :
Geekfeed