“Parasite’s” Recent Box Office Feat Proves On-Demand Culture Will Not Kill the Movie Industry

Now it can no longer be said that Netflix and other streaming platforms like Amazon TV Prime, Apple, Comcast, Disney+ and Warner Bros are killing the movie industry. After “Parasite” was handed the “Best Film” in the 92nd Film Academy Awards, the movie spurred a surge of ticket sales by as much as 234%; marking the biggest post-Oscar boost in cinema viewership since the past decade.

“Parasite” contributed as much as 20% to the domestic box office tally when the movie hauled in $8.8 million in just seven days. That is despite its availability for on-demand streaming and on-demand rental or purchase via DVD or Blu-Ray, since January 2020 at Amazon TV Prime and Apple iTunes.

The incredible turnout manifested that a large portion of the moviegoing public still prefers the cinema-viewing experience, especially when it comes to highly-acclaimed quality films.

Movie Industry Leaders are Confident the On-Demand Culture is Not Detrimental to Their Business Growth

Actually, the feats of the non-English dark comedy written and directed by South Korea’s Bong Jun-ho, gave credence to the views of movie industry leaders.

In the recent “State of the Industry” meet, the CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), Charles Rivkin, said:

”Netflix is not killing movie theaters. ..

, whilst quoting a line quipped by the co-founder of B&B Theaters, the late Sterling Bagby:

”Everyone has a kitchen, yet everyone still goes out to eat,”

The MPAA CEO added that since success relates to growth and evolution, the film industry as a whole must adapt and provide what consumers demand. Rather than be worried over how each new innovations in entertainment will kill the movie industry, the addition of streaming platforms including that of Netflix, should be seen as another way of working together.

Rivkin also shared three important lessons he learned in his first year as CEO of MPAA:

1.  The audience is hungry for content

2.  They appreciate seeing themselves portrayed on screen

3.  Diversity and creativity can enhance the audience’s viewing experience; citing how the American romantic comedy “Crazy Rich Asians” reigned at the box office in 2018 because the film industry applied diversity and creativity.

Cinema Operators Must Do Their Part

On their part, cinema operators must contribute by sustaining the audience’s enthusiasm for creative and quality content, as has been recently manifested by “Parasite” after its historic Oscar win.

However, they have to keep the price of tickets competitive by not splurging on over-the-top innovations.

In Boca Grande, Florida for example, theaters receive favorable reviews despite their small seating arrangements. There are Boca Grande theaters that enhance movie-viewing experience by way of simple amenities; such as serving popcorns on a bowl whilst providing comfort by handing out clean blankets and pillows.

More importantly, theater operators must keep the mess at bay by not relying solely on their cleaning crew. They should also hire a team professionals to do the carpet cleaning boca grande style, which utilizes steam equipment and cleaning solutions that not only remove stains on carpets and upholstered seats but the sticky feel as well.

That way, the cinema audiences’ experience will almost be akin to watching a movie right in the comfort of their own living room.