Netflix proves my streaming criticism 100% correct, here is evidence
By Drew Dietsch | publishing
Recently, I wrote my response to Josh Brolin and his complaints about streaming. He didn’t mention Netflix’s name, but I’m willing to relate the Gargantuan streaming service to what Brolin proposed. Specifically, I talked about how Netflix and other major streaming services don’t inspire a new generation of filmmakers as recognizable talents.
And you don’t know that Netflix decided to provide me with exact evidence to prove my point of view. Thanks to the names of some movies Steve.
Netflix’s Netflix movie Steve
I managed to come across this poster and made a movie called Steve Starring Cillian Murphy (I think) Steve. I don’t know what Steve It really doesn’t matter about this conversation. This is not an analysis or critical assessment of hell Steve yes. This may be the most magical movie ever, or it may be a crime in the form of film. Don’t know, don’t care. What I care about is the poster.
In the poster Steveyou will notice above the title Steve It’s talking about “Netflix movies” rather than emphasizing the film’s director Tim Mielants. Now, I know it all boils down to boring things like contract negotiations between agents, producers, lawyers, etc. I said a lot when I talked about the crazy routine of actor names ordered in frustrating ways on movie posters.
But this particular Netflix standout (besides the burning red logo appears on the poster) does add fuel to my fiery assumption: streamers like Netflix don’t want these projects to be seen as creator-driven. They want them to be considered branded products first.
Audiences don’t want brands, they want artists
I’m going to be totally conspiring and say I think this will fit into the larger creative ownership culture of other streaming media like Netflix or Prime Video or Paramount+. In fact, they can’t give filmmakers a compelling culture because they are not a culture that cultivates filmmakers. They need content creators, not artists to make art. So, why don’t they brand Steveabout Steve, is it a “Netflix movie” and not someone like Tim Mielants? Tim Mielants is an artist, but Netflix is a content brand, which really matters.
It may seem like a tiny or even trivial thing, but allowing culturally noble purposes like Netflix and all these streaming companies to devalue the position of artists who make art is part of the overall problem we see in the creative world. The lawsuit hopes to earn all credit for all ideas and if they can eliminate the workers who promote them, they will seize the opportunity.
Unfortunately, audiences continue to prove that they want artists to be at the forefront of art. Creators like Ryan Coogler and Zach Cregger have gained a following for their unique vision. Maybe Netflix will sharpen and help the platform grow the next filmmaker to develop its followers. Maybe Netflix will continue to do it Steves did not properly celebrate who actually did it.
