Movies on the Internet are more diverse in their representation of minorities than in theaters
A study published Thursday showed that films released by streaming platforms are more diverse in terms of minority representation than those made for theatres.
The Hollywood Devest Report said films destined for the small screen almost completely reflect the diversity of the US population.
The report indicated that a third of the films broadcast by the platforms had a representative from minorities in the title role last year, compared to only 22 percent of the films shown by the halls.
Women and men have roughly equal shares of lead roles in broadcast films, as opposed to a closer 40-60 percent split in favor of men in cinemas.
And Agence France-Presse quoted the authors of the report that studios must pay attention to the demographic changes of these audiences if they want to keep viewers turning to their shows on the big screens.
The report says research shows that diverse cinema audiences increasingly prefer more diverse films.
He adds that films in cinemas and streaming platforms with more than 30 per cent minority actors have outperformed others in the box office and viewership ratings. “The pandemic has normalized diversity on screen, not only in the halls but also in homes,” said study co-author Michael Tran.
And he warned that “if Hollywood reverses the course of diversity in cinemas, it will lose audiences to broadcast platforms and international shows.”
