So, what’s your hobby? That’s one question I hate and love at the same time. In most cases, my answer is simple. I watch movies as a hobby. My fellow avid movie viewers get it, but for the rest, this might be an odd hobby.
Honestly, I am not Leonard Maltin, so don’t expect me to review movies and get published on the IMDB. However, when it comes to the entertainment industry, celebrity gossip, or trends within the industry – count me in. Within the entertainment industry, storytelling plays an important (or at least that is what most people expect). H
owever, we have noticed that Hollywood has failed to tell an exceptional story in the last few years. On the contrary, the entertainment industry has outshined in one of the most important aspects i.e. technology. From the way we consume content, to its presentation and overall effects, the use of tech has changed everything.
If you are also interested in exploring some of the ways the entertainment industry has transformed, and some of the tech trends that will dominate the industry – keep on reading.
Attention Over Stardom
For a long time, Hollywood was seen as a business of stardom. People from different ethnicities, races, and religions tried getting into the business just for stardom. However, as the internet became affordable and accessible for all, the idea of stardom changed.
More users can now afford residential internet with much better upload and download speeds. As a US citizen, if you are currently looking for affordable internet that doesn’t compromise on speed or reliability, you can check Cox Internet Plans. Today, anyone can become famous and earn money through online platforms.
Social media influencers, YouTubers, content creators, and digital stars are now earning the same as Hollywood megastars. Moreover, becoming a digital influencer also helps them build connections and get into the media industry. Digital influencers today have easier access to mainstream media like the movie industry, TV shows, etc.
Streaming Over Cable
The war of streaming vs. cable is old, but it seems that things are finally settling down. While the older generation is still hooked on to the cord, the new generation has voted in favor of Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms. It is expected that this will be the last generation to know about cable and its channel lineups. Instead, more people will opt for a customized channel lineup in the future, or simply abandon the idea of cable TV altogether.
AI Will Be Everywhere
In the last few years, we have seen Artificial Intelligence creating havoc in every industry. From medicine to finance and even business, every sector has experienced a shockwave, all thanks to the intervention of AI. Now we are also noticing the entertainment industry going through a change due to AI.
Currently, AI is being used to replicate and recreate creative work done by famous singers and actors. However, in the future, it is expected that AI will offer personalization effects. By using this technology, viewers can suggest a plotline to the AI and it can easily draft a story, create roles, and make a movie.
This seems like a far-fetched idea, but different production houses and OTT platforms at a basic level are testing this theme. It is claimed that in a few years, viewer interaction will become a very strong part of the entertainment industry.
Podcast Is Radio
We have all seen random guys sharing their outrageous opinions while casually sitting in front of the mic. I know, we are all tired of podcasts bros. I believe that buying a podcast setup should have some kind of criteria. With that being said, we can all agree that no matter how much we hate podcasts, it has become our guilty pleasure.
From celebrity gossip to financial literacy and relationship advice, we can find a podcast on any possible topic. In the last few years, podcasts have replaced radio. Today, live radio is more focused on music while the educational, informational, and entertainment role has been delegated to podcasts.
Podcast hosts offer full control to their listeners so they can suggest guests, ask questions, and change the format of the show. Moreover, brands can reach out directly to the hosts to offer sponsorship, which offers more creative liberty to the host.
Hyper-Personalized Content
Don’t you want to jump and throw punches at the villain of your favorite show? Well, as a viewer we have all been there. I know it can be frustrating, but there is nothing you can do about it. Well, hyper-personalized content or Interactive Specials offer a solution to your frustration. How? The answer is simple, now as a viewer, you can choose how the story will proceed.
Do you want the protagonist to end up with their love interest or the second lead? Do you want the female lead to give a second chance to the hero or just break up? Interactive Specials allow you to steer the story scene by scene. For instance, Choose Love premiered in August 2023 on Netflix. The movie had nearly six possible endings depending on the way the viewer steered the story.
Although Netflix later removed the movie in 2024, the platform has since released multiple movies and series following the same format. The above-mentioned trends are just the tip of the iceberg, there is a lot more to uncover here. You can share some of the trends that you expect to change the entertainment industry for good down in the comments.