Key Takeaways
• Once again Netflix dominates award season. Brands interested in aligning with award-winning content can count on streaming partners.
• The Weeknd proves the impact an artist can create outside traditional release avenues with exclusive cross platform experience.
• Disney+ subscribers grow again showing streaming is the most magical place on earth for brands to reach engaged non-ad-supported audiences.
• Streaming giants continue to invest in foreign language content due to its success in the U.S. and beyond.
• The Recording Academy expands DE&I efforts, opening more opportunity for brands to align with musicians that are shaping culture.
Netflix, Apple, Disney Emerge Stronger From Oscar Nominations
The big winner in this year’s Oscar race is Netflix, whose drama “The Power Of The Dog” dominated the competition with 12 nominations including Best Picture. Netflix’s releases “Don’t Look Up”, ”The Lost Daughter”, and “Tick, Tick…BOOM!” also scored nominations in the major categories. Most of the nominee titles received a limited theatrical release or had lighter box office performances proving that cross-platform engagement and the power of streaming has made its presence felt in the award nomination process. Brands looking to align with award-nominated content can count on streaming partners going forward. — READ MORE
The Weeknd Releasing Immersive Music Special On Prime Video
Titled The Weeknd X The Dawn FM Experience after his most recent album release. The special will expand his album Dawn FM ”into a mesmerizing visual, creating a theatrical performance event that will envelope audiences in its unnerving and moody world. This will be available exclusively to Prime members in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Artists continue to boost their album’s popularity with exclusive video releases and immersive experiences, which greatly expand the life of an album’s release and provide additional revenue streams. Brands that partner with musicians will also benefit from these additional content channels as more fans engage with their favorite artists across all platforms. — READ MORE
Disney+ Hits 130 Million Subscribers, Beating Expectations
Disney+ added 11.8 million subscribers worldwide in its most recent quarter reaching 129.8 million. As analysts track month-to-month subscriber numbers of streaming platforms and question if it will ever plateau, the numbers prove the power of streaming. The NY Times reports “Streaming remains the greatest opportunity for growth in the entertainment business”. Brands looking to reach these consumers as they enjoy ad-free content need to get inside the content with product placement. — READ MORE
Netflix To Invest $45 Million Annually In French, European Movies
Netflix has signed a three-year agreement with French film guilds to invest a minimum of $45 Million in the financing of French & European movies which will be released in French theatres. Foreign language content has found great success with U.S. audiences in 2021. Studios and producers are looking to capitalize on this audience excitement and bring more content from overseas to U.S. consumers. Brands getting inside this content during production can reach audiences in every market where it gains popularity. — READ MORE
The Recording Academy Donated $150K & Struck GLAAD Partnership
This follows similar recent partnerships supporting inclusion and diversity in the Recording Academy. The music industry offers the most powerful options for bringing cultural conversations to the forefront. Brands have an opportunity to be a real and meaningful part of this conversation by partnering with artist who are changing and shaping culture. — READ MORE
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