Film distribution by video streaming platforms across Southeast Asia during COVID-19

Abstract

The pandemic of COVID-19, which forced cinema theaters to close and left exhibitors without revenue over a long period, may have dramatically changed the film business and its future. This paper seeks to examine the changing dynamic of film distribution through video streaming in the Southeast Asia region as a result of the impact of the pandemic. Some films may be chosen for video streaming media platforms as their alternative option for release into theatrical distribution. This pandemic also has changed film-viewing habits and behaviors among audiences. Several news reports have substantiated that Southeast Asian viewers are streaming more online video content due to COVID-19. As a result of the pandemic it appears that there is an accelerated shift to streaming media platforms across Southeast Asia countries. Local streaming platforms feed users their unique and culturally distinctive locally produced content which could be distinguished from that offered by global players. In 2020, some new streaming media platforms were launched for distributing film content to their targeted markets locally and internationally. Through the use of a review of trade and business press as well as interview, this paper attempts to identify and present areas of regional change and regional players which deserve systematic discussion and analysis.