What started strictly as a streaming phenomenon, Netflix rapidly moved into television and film production. As of writing, Netflix now has over 100 original TV series and movies available on its streaming platform. Several of these original shows have received Emmy Awards, and the new movie The Meyerowitz Stories starring Adam Sandler has even been getting Oscar buzz this year.
Netflix is pulling more high-profile directors, and actors each year to work on original ideas. So, what is the appeal of working for Netflix? According to Okja director Bong Joon Ho, the answer is quite simple: “Netflix guaranteed my complete freedom in terms of putting together my team and the final cut privilege, which only godlike filmmakers such as Spielberg get.”
For an artist, that must be really appealing. It’s hard to get established in Hollywood, and streaming offers a perfect avenue for directors to show niche work, and be able to show their films to millions of subscribers at once. This could very well be the future of cinema.
Okja is set to arrive on Netflix on June 28th and will also receive a limited one day release in the States. Read our review here.
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Originally published May 30, 2017. Updated November 25, 2019.
