This past year, COVID-19 has changed numerous aspects of our daily lives, including entertainment and collective media. Although the entertainment industry has had rapid changes throughout the past couple of decades, 2020 has presented many new problems. Movie theaters have been closed over the year, delaying the release of new films and movies such as “A Quiet Place Part 2” and “Wonder Woman 1984.” Rather, in-home entertainment options thrived, such as Netflix streaming. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros announced that “they will be releasing their 2021 films on HBO at the same they are released in theaters next year.” Although shocking to the entertainment industry, this may be the best way to release films and keep the public engaged.
The marketplace for movie streaming and television has grown by 37 percent, especially from Disney plus, Netflix, and Hulu. As Screen Rant stated, “theatrical releases simultaneous with the release of new movies on streaming platforms are likely to become the new normal.” In addition to this, streaming platforms seem to be more attractive to audiences as platforms add new perks and build on their packages. For instance, Amazon prime includes its prime videos along with other prime benefits such as free shipping, exclusive shopping deals, and unlimited reading.
Also, musicians haven’t been able to perform live as tours and venues across the world were canceled. Artists developed different methods to connect with their audiences through online or Zoom concerts. According to the Variety, “even once the pandemic ends, the virtual engagement between artists and fans will continue.” As connecting via virtual platforms like social media have increased during the pandemic, it’s likely that creators and artists will continue to do so in 2021 and beyond.
Along with these entertainment industry changes, we’ll most importantly begin to see more innovation in merging digital and physical worlds. As it will take a while till grand public events can be held, we’ll turn to digital platforms and social media to get our message across. LSTN Sound Co says, “Leaders can prepare for this by thinking of how they can improve their experience when it can’t be shown in real life.” Even in 2021, there will be an increasing need for digital-first solutions since COVID-19 has changed the way we engage and interact. Digital may be the new way to keep us all connected.
The Roar 