Change is the only constant and this was long coming for all of us. The entertainment industry is going through some major changes, some of which have proven to be in a favourable direction for both viewers and performers. This article looks at this evolution from various angles.

OTT is revolutionising jobs and entertainment

Over-the-top (OTT) platforms, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu, have revolutionised the way we consume entertainment. These platforms have not only changed the way we watch TV and movies, but they have also had a significant impact on the acting industry. They have led to an explosion of interest in the industry, not only from audiences, but from aspirants, too, who are buying affordable acting courses for beginners like they’re hot cakes.

The emergence of OTT is bringing up four major shifts

1.  Creating opportunities

One of the biggest ways in which OTT platforms are changing the acting industry is by providing more opportunities for actors. With the increasing number of original series and movies being produced by these platforms, actors now have access to a wider range of roles and projects. This has led to a surge in demand for actors, both established and new, and has created more opportunities for actors to showcase their talent and build their careers. And with the advent of acting lessons online, the industry has been galvanised into action on a larger scale.

2.  Inclusive and diverse

Another way in which OTT platforms are changing the acting industry is by providing more diverse and inclusive representation. OTT platforms are often not bound by the same constraints as traditional TV and film, which means that they are able to provide representation for underrepresented groups, such as people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities. This has led to a more inclusive and diverse acting industry, and has allowed actors from these groups to have more opportunities to tell their stories.

3.  Adaptable remunerations

OTT platforms have also changed the way in which actors are paid. Traditional TV and film often pay actors based on their star power, but OTT platforms often pay actors based on the number of episodes or seasons they are in. This means that actors who may not have had the same level of fame or star power in the past can now be paid just as much as established actors.

4.  Evolving entertainment

Lastly, OTT platforms have also changed the way audiences consume entertainment. With the ability to binge-watch entire series, audiences are now able to consume a lot more content in a shorter period of time. This has led to a change in the way in which stories are told, with more emphasis on longer, more complex storylines, and character development. This has also led to a change in the way in which actors prepare for their roles, with a greater emphasis on character development and emotional depth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, OTT platforms have had a significant impact on the acting industry. They have provided more opportunities for actors, more diverse and inclusive representation, changed the way actors are paid, and changed the way in which stories are told and consumed. The acting industry is now more inclusive, diverse and provides more opportunities for actors than ever before. Married to the explosion of acting lessons online, this is a positive shift in the direction of the profession’s democratization.

Ekalavya: Act, Create, Communicate

India’s best online acting and theatre training platform, an initiative of Drama School Mumbai (DSM). DSM is one of the best acting and theatre schools in India. At Ekalavya, all the courses are designed and delivered by highly trained DSM faculty and industry professionals. Currently available courses are Breaking Open Characters, Mastering Monologues, Expressive Voice and Speech, Art of Auditioning, Expressive Body, and Art of Storytelling.