The impact of streaming platforms on movie distribution : a local study

Abstract

This research looks at how streaming services are changing traditional movie theatres and how films are distributed, with a particular emphasis on Malta's local market dynamics. The study set out to evaluate the ways in which the emergence of digital streaming services has affected movie-going behaviours, box office attendance, and the larger economic structure of the film industry. Through the use of quantitative methods, mainly surveys, the study gathered information on consumer preferences, behaviours, and the financial effects of streaming video as opposed to going to the movies. The results show a substantial change in the ways that people watch films, with traditional movie theatre attendance sharply declining as more people choose the variety and ease of streaming services. This change is mostly attributable to the accessibility and abundance of content offered by streaming services, which not only upend the conventional windowing system of film releases but also create a new arena of competition for viewer attention and income. The study comes to the conclusion that streaming services have a significant effect on conventional theatres, with financial ramifications that go beyond decreased ticket sales and change the industry's strategic frameworks. In order to set themselves apart from home viewing options, cinemas must innovate and adapt, providing distinctive and immersive viewing experiences. In a world that is becoming more and more digital, this adaptation is essential for existence and relevance. The findings' ramifications point to the need for additional study on regionalized consumer behaviour as well as an analysis of how movie theatres around the globe are handling these difficulties.