The “Netflix versus theatrical experience” debate is boiling over into all facets of filmmaking. Not only do we have the debate about what should be considered a “TV Movie” versus “cinema,” but also what the future of film distribution entails. Ben Affleck has entered the ring with his own thoughts, and the star of the upcoming Netflix film “Triple Frontier” (which was saved by the streaming service after toiling around in developmental hell for years) defends the streaming service, going so far as to say Netflix is the “future.”
“It’s very exciting because you get the sense that you’re defining where the future of cinema and distribution is going,” he said in an interview with the AP.
He continued, “It’s fun to be part of what Netflix is doing because they’re heavily invested in telling stories, they want a lot of stuff out there. And there’s a thrill, a rush, an excitement to that.”
While also promoting “Triple Frontier” on NBC’s “Today,” the actor was once again asked about the recent news about Spielberg versus Netflix. And this time, he presented a more nuanced answer, that explains what he means by the future of cinema.
“And really, it’s not so much a debate about one company or another as like how long should a movie be in theaters to be considered ‘a movie’ versus television,” said Affleck. “And those lines are getting blurred because people are consuming [films] on their phones and on the Internet and on the TV. So the business is changing.
The actor goes on to say, “People are working to try to define how that will be. For me and Charlie [Hunnam, co-star in ‘Triple Frontier’], to do a movie for Netflix is no different from doing a movie anywhere else. We’re just trying to do our job.”
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Obviously, it wouldn’t make sense for Affleck to bash Netflix while promoting his Netflix film, but it’s also very telling just how different filmmakers feel about the same issue. Some are all about the future with streaming services, while others are worried about the changing paradigm.
“Triple Frontier” hits Netflix on March 13.