“We’re In A Post Movie Star Era”: Joe Russo And Cinetic Media’s John Sloss Talk Streamers & Modern Stardom — Sands Film Festival
deadline.comThe topic of streaming loomed large over the keynote industry session of the Sands Film Festival’s second edition, featuring Joe Russo and Cinetic Media founder John Sloss.
The pair were joined on stage by British writer-director Adura Onashile (Girl), with Deadline’s Mike Fleming on hosting duties, and he launched the panel by asking the group whether they believe it is now easier to cut through as a new filmmaker following the explosion of the streaming market. “It was easier 15 years ago,” said indie veteran Sloss, whose credits include Boyhood, Boys Don’t Cry, and Green Book. “Even though there is more money than ever for content, because of the pandemic and the interruption of all rights distribution, most of that money comes from the streamers, and they aren’t looking to discover new voices.
They love it if they have a full proof chance of that, but that’s not their business.” Russo, who has worked with Apple and Netflix, and is readying a new series for Prime Video, challenged Sloss, saying he believes streamers have increased the range of stories and filmmakers audiences are exposed to. “I believe streamers have done more for diversity in five years than the theatrical business has done in 100 because they intend to be global, and so they are using regional voices to attract viewers in those markets,” he said. “For example, Squid Game, that show wouldn’t work ten years ago.
It only works on Netflix, where 200 million people watch it. And it helps, in my opinion, to break down the barrier of subtitles.
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