“Bueller? Bueller?” If you’ve seen Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, that one line probably conjures up memories of Oh yeah, chicka chicka, Ferraris, playing hooky, and dating in high school — all of which feature heavily in the hit coming-of-age film.
How Netflix’s Content Strategy Is Reshaping Movie Culture
Are people not getting your references? Blame streaming platforms.
August 31, 2017
Summary.
Movies like The Usual Suspects, The Godfather, and Nosferatu have burned their way into the American consciousness. They have something else in common, too: They can’t be streamed on Netflix. The streaming service faces a strategic decision. Should it compete by having a wide selection of movies? Or by focusing on exclusive content that you can’t find anywhere else? Netflix previously used the former strategy, but lately it has been going all-in on original content. But what happens to our shared culture memories when the movies we love can’t be seen on the leading streaming platform? Platforms have to think about these kind of trade-offs. They don’t just satisfy demand — they influence what is demanded through network effects.
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Strategy Planning and Execution Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Strategy Planning and Execution. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
How to develop a winning strategy—and put it to work.