Part 10/13:
Compounding the challenges is the growth of streaming platforms. A recent survey by Just Watch Media reveals that only 25% of people preferred to wait for home viewing a few weeks ago, but that figure has now surged to over 36%. This shift hits mid-sized films hardest, as audiences increasingly see little point in rushing to theaters for films that will soon be available on streaming services.
Studio strategies are also evolving. Disney’s recent experiments with early VOD releases—sometimes merely weeks after theatrical debut—have been met with mixed results. The shorter window discourages some viewers from attending theaters altogether, leading to a vicious cycle of delayed or reduced in-theater attendance.