Streaming Services: The New Normal
One of the most notable changes in the entertainment industry is the increase in popularity of streaming services. With people spending more time at home, streaming services have seen a surge in subscribers. According to a report by Variety, Netflix gained more than 26 million subscribers in the first half of 2020 alone. The popularity of streaming services has only continued to grow, and many studios have opted to release their films directly on these platforms.
Streaming services have also become the go-to option for new releases. With theaters closed or operating at limited capacity, studios have had to find new ways to release their films. The success of films like Hamilton and Borat Subsequent Moviefilm on streaming services has only reinforced the appeal of these platforms.
Virtual Events: Bringing Entertainment Home
Virtual events have also become a popular way to experience live entertainment. With concerts and live performances canceled, artists have turned to virtual events to reach their audiences. These events have ranged from live streams of concerts to virtual reality experiences.
In 2020, the virtual concert platform, Wave, raised $30 million in funding, highlighting the growing demand for virtual events. Many other platforms have also emerged, allowing people to experience live entertainment from the comfort of their own homes. While virtual events may not be able to replicate the experience of a live performance, they have provided a way for artists to connect with their audiences and for people to experience entertainment during these difficult times.
Diversity and Inclusion: A Call to Action
The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of diversity and representation in the entertainment industry. With the Black Lives Matter movement and the #MeToo movement, there has been a push for more diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. Many studios and production companies have made pledges to increase diversity in their projects, and there has been a growing demand for more representation in films and television shows.
The importance of diversity and representation in the entertainment industry goes beyond simply reflecting the diversity of our society. It also plays a role in shaping the way we perceive different groups of people. When we see diverse and nuanced representations of different cultures and communities on screen, it can help to break down stereotypes and prejudices.
Moving Forward: A New Era of Entertainment
The pandemic has forced the entertainment industry to adapt and innovate in new ways. Streaming services and virtual events have become the new normal, and diversity and representation have become an increasingly important issue. As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how the industry adapts to these changes and what new innovations will emerge.
The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of community and connection. While we may not be able to gather in person for concerts or movies, we can still connect through virtual events and streaming services. As we navigate these difficult times, it is important to remember the power of entertainment to bring people together and to uplift our spirits.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the entertainment industry in many ways. Streaming services have become more popular than ever, virtual events have become the norm, and there has been a push for more diversity and representation in the industry. As we move forward, it is important to continue to support the entertainment industry and to demand more diversity and inclusion in the media we consume.
