Netflix Premier’s New Travis Scott Documentary

One of Netflix’s latest original documentaries zeroes in on rapper and performer Travis Scott. It is a perspective look on his recent accomplishments, his roots, and his lifestyle. The release of Astroworld, which is the artists’ latest and Grammy nominated album, was the turning point in his career, and the documentary revolves around its’ creation and legacy. His high energy and talent is another highlight in the film, and it is shown through his enthusiasm while recording and performing. The most shocking part to me was the intensity of the shows they portrayed in the documentary, and the fact he was charged with inciting a riot at one of them. Interviews with fans showed their passion for the artist, as well as the extreme conditions of the concerts which sometimes induce injury from mosh pits. 

Parts of the documentary also delve into Scott’s personal life, including his upbringing in his hometown of Missouri City, Texas, and his role as a father in the present day. Travis, who’s real name is Jacques, and nickname from family members is “Jack”, has shown exceptional musical talent from the time he was a young child. The documentary shows his father’s role and influence in Scott’s early and present life, and is the reason he was involved in music at such a young age. He played the drums, and enjoyed rapping. Fastfowarding many years later, Scott is shown during his humble beginnings as an artist, pulling a crowd of only about 15 people. The support of his family has always played a role in his motivation, as his dad proudly watched him perform at the 2019 Super Bowl. Scott himself is portrayed as a very attentive father, as toddler daughter Stormi accompanies her father on tours, and is seen playing and interacting with her father. 

 The film shows his highs, like the birth of his first child, his legendary performances, and fame, and his lows, including not winning a Grammy, and his arrest. Scott believes his calling is to be an inspiration for the youth that listens to his music, and he has many talking points about never giving up, and focusing on the future. His involvement with other artists in his Cactus Jack label is integral, and he includes the Houston talent in the documentary. Astroworld and Scott’s influence has even inspired the mayor of Houston to restore an amusement park in the city in his honor, and he has even coined his own holiday in his hometown. The film has interesting visual components, including the production of graphics in the intro, and the opening interview being filmed on a rollercoaster ride. All in all, the documentary is an interesting and inspiring form of media that emphasizes the modern life, accomplishments, and music career of Travis Scott, one of today’s hottest performers in the media and music sectors.The article practically summarizes all of the highlights of the film. Both interested me because I enjoy his music, and am interested in having a career in the music industry. 

https://www.complex.com/music/2019/08/travis-scott-netflix-documentary-look-mom-i-can-fly-takeaways

A Box Office Bummer Summer and Netflix’s Impact

This summer has been anything but extraordinary for the film industry, as box office hits aren’t making the same numbers as in pervious summers. The summertime is supposed to be a buzzing time for the movie scene, as it normally accounts for almost 40 percent of the total years ticket sales, but there has been a 2 percent drop from this summer to last. The New York Times also reported that there has been a 5 percent drop in overall attendance versus last year. While the box office has seen successes in movies such as “Avengers: Endgame”, which made over $2.8 billion worldwide, there is a lack in ability to get audiences in all year round.

I personally still enjoy going to theaters and seeing movies, I find it to be a fun activity to do with friends and family, also there is something special about watching film on the big screen. That doesn’t appeal to everyone though, as the price many people can’t be justified and why leave the house when you can stream unlimited options at home. That is where streaming services like Netflix and Hulu come in.

Netflix and other services are able to score major films for their platforms just months or even weeks after these movies leave theaters and many consumers are able to wait it out rather than take the trip to the cinema. But this isn’t the only impact Netflix has on film, with the abundant high quality original content these services put out, now movies don’t need theaters to have success.

While researching this topic I found out Netflix will be releasing an original called Between Two Ferns: The Movie, a movie adaptation of the hit web series with Zach Galifianakis and I immediately watched the trailer. The movie is jam packed with well known actors and musicians ranging from Matthew McConaughey and Will Ferrell to David Letterman and Chance the Rapper. Bigger name stars are now working on original content with streaming services, so you can see a movie that is strictly on Netflix have your favorite actors.

I think this is where a lot of the movie theater appeal is lost for some people, now you can pay a monthly fee and get unlimited access to movies both old and new, so why spend $30+ on just one.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/01/business/media/summer-box-office-movies.html

https://www.engadget.com/2019/09/03/netflix-between-two-ferns-movie-trailer/

What’s the Real Deal with Netflix?

As a Netflix consumer and customer, I believe that Netflix is at a dangerous spot. This article discusses the challenges and effects that could take into play on how Netflix will do in the upcoming years. What caught my attention about this article is the fact that Disney+ could become a big competitor with Netflix. When I first heard of the new Disney+ streaming service, I believed that it was an absurd idea. Why? I grew up with having to watch Disney Channel on cable TV, thinking about Disney having a streaming services kills the idea of Disney Channel continuing to exist on television. Now that I am aware of what it has to offer, I think Netflix is going to need to take a Netflix chill pill. Disney+ is incorporating media from National Geographic, Marvel, Pixar, and even Star Wars. These companies have a wide audience do to their movies, streaming all of the options is a gamechanger.

As stated in the CNN article, not only was 13 Reasons Why a topic of discussion but another show called Friends (2003) caused some bickering. Netflix decided to keep Friends on their platform for $100 million. Some people were happy that this was their strategy, others found it a waste of money. Personally, I could be included in the group of people who believed that it was a waste of time and money to keep Friends on for another year. There are plenty of other shows that consumers Tweet about having on Netflix, but its always up to Netflix to decide.

Ultimately, I can agree that Netflix has some deep competition with Disney+. With the number of fandoms and audiences that Disney+ targets towards, I can already feel the intense amount of fiery that Netflix will sense once they see how many people have #Disney+ trending!

“Netflix could face trouble ahead. Here’s why” by Brian Lowry, CNN.

https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/20/media/netflix-challenges/index.html

“Netflix Reportedly Paid $100 Million to Keep Friends for Another Year After Fan Uproar” by Aurelie Corinthios, People Magazine.

https://people.com/tv/netflix-paid-100-million-to-keep-friends/