The Rise Of Original Movies: Why Streaming Platforms Are Investing Big

    When streaming platforms started popping up left, right, and centre, originally all they had to offer was someone else’s content. However, in recent years this has changed, with them now focused on creating original content exclusive to their platform alongside everything else. If you’re curious to learn why they’re doing this and the impact it has had, make sure to keep reading.


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    The Shift Towards Original Content

    We’ve all heard of the big streaming platforms, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. These platforms offered a wide selection of movies and shows, however, since their content at times overlapped, they were in active competition with each other. Before creating original content, the only differing aspect was their price point.

    This is not unlike other industries where they might offer similar services or products but at a different cost or even the ability to earn different amounts from the same options, such as the online casino industry. For instance, one can find that every platform offers different casino jackpots for their games. This means that the ultimate prize will differ depending on where you play a specific game, even if they’re from the same provider.

    Now, these streaming platforms are no longer relying on simply getting exclusive rights to another studio’s content. Thus, the transition to creating original movies has made it possible to avoid lowering prices and increase their profits along with differentiating themselves from other competitors. This has allowed them to attract and retain users, as they can’t find the same movies elsewhere. As a viewer, this shift has benefited us greatly as there is more and more fresh content for us to enjoy and access.

    Top Streaming Platforms Producing Original Films

    Since we’ve addressed the shift to original movies, let’s take a look at the best streaming platforms that offer this. Starting with the streaming platform that jumpstarted this trend, Netflix. While they launched their streaming services in 2007, it was only in 2010 that they started filming their own content, starting with House of Cards which was released in 2013. However, their first movie, Beasts of No Nation, only came out in 2015 starring and produced by big names like Idris Elba.

    Next up we have Amazon Prime video, which launched in 2006. They started distributing original content in 2013, starting with the premiere of the TV series, Alpha House and Betas. This was all done through the Amazon MGM Studios founded in 2010. When it comes to movies, Pass Over was their first original one, and it came out in 2018.

    Finally, we have to mention Disney+. While it is one of the most recent streaming platforms, launched in 2019, thanks to its already well-established studio, it had no problem competing with the aforementioned companies. Since it already had a host of movies and TV shows, the majority of its titles are original content. What’s interesting about them is their acquisitions, absorbing into themselves other major platforms such as Hulu.


    Source: Unsplash

    As consumers, we’ve never had as many easily accessible options as today. However, this does mean that some companies may be left behind or get absorbed by others as the creation of original movies is a costly endeavor. For now, only time will tell who will survive the race, all we can do for now is enjoy everything they offer.

     

    Travis Hopson
    Travis Hopson has been reviewing movies before he even knew there was such a thing. Having grown up on a combination of bad '80s movies, pro wrestling, comic books, and hip-hop, Travis is uniquely positioned to geek out on just about everything under the sun. A vampire who walks during the day and refuses to sleep, Travis is the co-creator and lead writer for Punch Drunk Critics. He is also a contributor to Good Morning Washington, WBAL Morning News, and WETA Around Town. In the five minutes a day he's not working, Travis is also a voice actor, podcaster, and Twitch gamer. Travis is a voting member of the Critics Choice Association (CCA), Washington DC Area Film Critics Association (WAFCA), and Late Night programmer for the Lakefront Film Festival.