In recent years, OTT platforms have become a buzzword in the entertainment industry. And the rapid rise of OTT subscriptions is due to the multidimensional convenience they provide over traditional media. In the midst of the pandemic, when theaters were closed, TV stations broadcast old shows, and journalists worked from home, viewers turned to OTT services for new and interesting content. Moreover, OTT has increased the accessibility and convenience of watching films for a larger audience. Anybody with a smartphone and a stable internet connection can watch a movie anytime, anywhere.
OTT Platform: The Future of Film Festivals
In terms of entertainment, movies have always been the most preferable choice. Can we imagine going out without seeing a good movie, whether it’s with friends or on a date with a partner? However, as the pandemic threatened the entire world, this source of entertainment began to fall apart.
However, this was the era when OTTs took over the entertainment industry. It’s not that OTT platforms didn’t exist before, but this was the first time they grew and gained a large number of subscribers.
Online Short Film Festivals offer filmmakers and film lovers priceless opportunities. Many people do not have the resources to make a feature film, but they can make a short film.
A filmmaker might be able to propel their careers forward if they get exposure and connections from the right online film festival.
The Evolution of Streaming
Even the OTT full form in cinema is still unknown to some people. No matter whether you’re new to OTT or a seasoned entertainer, educator, or entrepreneur, the OTT industry offers numerous opportunities. It can ultimately help you make better business decisions and stay updated on this ever-changing technology and its trends.
Now, let’s get into the most recent OTT statistics:
- By 2027, OTT streaming revenue is expected to grow at a rate of 11.60% per year.
- In the United States, 83% of OTT streaming is done through apps such as Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Video, Hulu, and Disney+.
- The revenue from OTT media is expected to exceed $210 billion by the end of 2026.
- OTT revenue is expected to exceed $476 billion by the end of 2027.
- The number of active users of OTT video downloads is expected to exceed 761 million by the end of 2027.
Short films are a way for millennials to learn and for experts to explore. OTT platforms have grown stronger than ever, owing to the freedom it gives filmmakers to explore global genres while avoiding the industry’s commercially burdensome processes. The audience is looking for new, woke, and informed content. The short film industry provides an extensive range of genres and ideas to connect with the audience and keep them engaged for twenty to forty minutes.
OTT Movie: The Entertainment Savior
OTT movies were the entertainment savior for all of us during the entire two-year pandemic. A savior from boredom, a savior from extra work pressure, and a savior from the constant negative ambience. There were no more film festivals.. But now that things are returning to normal, film festivals are reopening.
OTT vs. Film Festivals
Film festivals have a long history of appreciating the new talent and providing them with a platform to shine. They are nearly 200 years old. Because of their age and reputation, they have carved out a safe and honorable place for themselves. Although OTT platforms have made their way through the crowd of platforms and big screens, they admit that film festivals have a certain attraction. It is safe to say that the OTT platform movies are also eager to enter the best online film festivals to stand out.
Film festivals are no exception to the rule that evolution is a vital part of progress. As society changes and its mindset changes, online movie shows and festivals will follow. The jury members are also looking for something new and unique. The good news is that recognition from a list of streaming film festivals will be more valuable. Now is the right time for new independent filmmakers looking to promote their films.
We have already identified the best content available on the OTT platforms. In general, the content they send to these top film festivals already checks all the boxes for being a winner. However, if a filmmaker’s story is compelling and well-executed, the budget or grandeur doesn’t matter. The table will turn, and you may win the competition in the movie festival online.
How to Run a Successful Virtual Film Festival Online?
Planning a virtual online film festival is not that different from planning an in-person festival. The lack of a physical location makes management easier and less expensive. The main challenge is building the right team to ensure that the program runs smoothly and without hiccups. The solution is to invest in the right technology to run the event. However, there is one feature of in-person film festivals that online festivals can’t match.
People attend film festivals to have a good time. They do so to interact with other film enthusiasts and filmmakers and have a thrilling communal experience. In a virtual event, this aspect is missing. Can technology fill this missing gap? And yes! VR Technology is shaping the future. In the film industry, multiple people can now explore a film in a virtual social space.
The Bottom Line
Film festivals can be a great way to share your work with the larger film community and meet other people in the industry, so don’t wait for someone to ask to see your film.
Why wait? Find a good script, project it well on screen, and send it to the top short film festivals to increase your chances of winning awards, laurels, and acknowledgement.
Good luck with your shorts!
