Netflix's chief content officer has assured audiences the streamer's content won't be affected by coronavirus shutdowns until later this year. The coronavirus pandemic has led to people all over the globe retreating inside their homes and self-quarantining, either because of governmental restrictions or their own desire to help "flatten the curve." As a result, streaming services have seen their numbers go way up as people seek out new ways to entertain themselves. This has led to some wondering if streaming will pose an even bigger threat to the typical theatrical experience once the pandemic is over.
Netflix has always been the reigning streaming service, and many people are relying on it now more than ever. However, some are concerned about Netflix's ability to keep its output up now that most of its productions are shutdown. Netflix pulled the plug on several shows like Stranger Things, Grace and Frankie, and The Witcher, and it's currently unclear when they'll be able to resume work. When it comes to Stranger Things, production was initially supposed to be shut down for only two weeks, but Netflix has yet to give the all-clear to begin again.
However, it looks like those shutdowns won't affect the streamer for a while. Netflix's CCO, Ted Sarandos, said that because Netflix plans its productions way ahead of schedule, there won't be an immediate delay. According to IndieWire, Sarandos explained, "What’s happening now is we work pretty far ahead with delivering all the episodes of our shows at once. So there will be no disruption over the next few months, maybe later in the year as physical production is not operational." Proof of this can already be seen through The Umbrella Academy, which was always considered to be on track for a 2020 release and is still proceeding as normal in post-production.
IndieWire then went on to say that while most physical production is shut down, some productions have managed to find ways to keep on working. For example, the animated series Big Mouth held a table read over video chat. Sarandos' goal is to keep things moving as much as possible, so that when the time comes to resume, everyone is ready to jump right into action. As Sarandos said, "People are getting geared up for a time they can get back to work."
While it might be a while before some of Netflix's more anticipated shows return because of the shut down, Netflix will still be able to supply plenty of new content for those cooped up at home. One of its recent releases, Tiger King, has sparked a great deal of interest, proving that people are eager to watch everything Netflix has to offer. As it is unclear how long people will be dealing with this pandemic, it's hard to say if subscribers will ever truly be without new content. For the time being, however, they don't have to worry.
Source: IndieWire