Video on Demand: From Netflix to Disney Plus

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Video on Demand: From Netflix to Disney Plus (FLM353)

Synopsis

FLM353 Video on Demand: From Netflix to Disney Plus looks at what happens to film in an era when audiences are watching movies through streaming services, on their laptops, or even on their phones. How does the movie experience change when filmmakers have access to a wide range of digital technologies to tell new and innovative stories? This course invites students to engage with these questions. Students will learn about the political, economic, social, and technological changes that are rapidly changing the movie industry as we know it. The course begins by defining digital delivery and offering a description of how digital tools are creating more fragmented and individualised viewing experiences. Students will also engage with the role of 3D cinema in expanding studio control over film distribution. In addition, the course will focus on the role of advertising discourse and social media in shaping the reception of Hollywood films. The role of digital cinema in fostering independent and documentary filmmaking will also be considered. The course concludes with an exploration of emerging trends in digital cinema.

Level: 3
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: Every July

Topics

Introduction to Media Industries, Accelerated Movie Cultures, and Platform Mobility
Coming Soon to a Computer Near You
Restricting and Resistant Mobilities
Make Any Room Your TV Room
Breaking Through the Screen: 3D, Avatar, and the Future of Moviegoing
Redbox vs. Red Envelope, or Closing the Window on the Bricks-and-Mortar Video Store
The Twitter Effect
Indie 2.0: Digital Delivery, Crowdsourcing, and Crowdfunding
Reinventing Festivals

Learning Outcome

Demonstrate a keen awareness of some of the social, economic, and political factors that are driving changes and/or trends in the streaming industry.
Analyse key case studies of distribution, exhibition, and promotional practices in streaming.
Examine the role of social media and advertising discourse in shaping perceptions of streaming.
Formulate cohesive evaluations of different models of streaming.
Prepare an informed response on the role of digital technologies in reshaping the film and television industry.
Use relevant information from multiple sources to write a considered response on streaming.