netflix introduction essay

Netflix - Free Essay Examples And Topic Ideas

Netflix, a renowned streaming service providing a vast library of films, television shows, and original content in various genres and languages, has significantly impacted the entertainment industry. Essays on Netflix could explore its business model, the evolution of streaming services, and its role in transforming how audiences consume media. Discussions might also delve into the impact of Netflix on traditional television and film industries, the cultural implications of streaming services, and the challenges and opportunities posed by digital distribution platforms. Additionally, analyzing the original programming produced by Netflix, the changing dynamics of global media consumption, and the future prospects of streaming services in the evolving media landscape can provide a comprehensive insight into the digital revolution in entertainment. A substantial compilation of free essay instances related to Netflix you can find at PapersOwl Website. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Strategic HR and CEO at Netflix

Abstract When the CEO of Netflix, Reed Hastings created the company in 1995, he a vision of more than just revolutionizing the way we watch entertainment. He also had a vision of running a company with a culture that exemplified freedom and responsibility. Netflix took the necessary time to restructure their Human Resources Management from a tradition approach to a strategic approach. Hastings and other leaders began to realize that treating their employees like adults by allowing them to act […]

The Purpose of this SWOT Analysis for Netflix

Background on Netflix "Netflix has been leading the way for digital content since 1997" (Netflix.com, 2018) Netflix is currently the world's leader in the realm of internet entertainment. Netflix has a whopping 125 million memberships in over 190 countries; members enjoy entertainment such as original content as well as an array of television series, documentaries feature films that are made available in multiple languages and genres. With the convenience of the internet members can stream and even download commercial free […]

Risk Management Section of your Company’s

Read the Risk Management section of your company's 10-K. Do not print the 10-K. In your own words, summarize the risk management strategy. Tie this into the Risk Factors that you wrote in Project 1. Netflix's risk management strategy includes the following: Retaining and expanding its customer base: Subscription fees are the major revenue source for Netflix. Its ability to produce and acquire quality content depends directly on retaining its current customers and attracting new ones. If Netflix cannot satisfy […]

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Spotify Hulu Bundle Vs. Netflix

In today's world, with competition being at an all-time high, marketing strategies are crucial for businesses in the industry. We live in a consumer-driven world where the drive for success, competitive advantage, and powerful relationships are the utter lifeline for companies. An important question that arises when analyzing companies' marketing strategies and reliance on strong relationships is how can newer or small companies rise to the level of the industry titans? Typically, the predictable response would be to do as […]

Netflix and its Effects on the Entertainment Industry

Abstract The disruptive primetime entertainment company Netflix was started as a DVD rental service focussing on logistics and delivery. Many analysts predicted the early downfall of the company due to rising competition and internet. But Netflix proved them wrong when this video-streaming service started in 2007 changed the way people watch TV and movies forever. Its subscriber based business model is very interesting as it is advertisement-free and attracts the customers through its personalised recommendation engine. The company's growth has […]

Are Subscription Plans Better off than TV Service?

Many people ask themselves this and usually answer with a yes. The reason subscriptions plan are better than TV service is because they can watch whatever they want, whenever they want. Over the last year," Netflix, one of the lead subscribers has chosen to raise the prices only by $1 or more on their most popular subscription plans" (2017, p. 1-2 ). Netflix is able to raise their prices only by a few bucks because "The service offers tremendous value […]

The Company Netflix Rental Service and Website

The company Netflix started in the year 1997 by the co-founders, Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in Los Gatos, California . The company started as a way to offer online movie rentals. As the years went by and as technology started to advance so did Netflix. In the year 2007, Netflix introduced the idea of streaming. To be able to play a movie or show as much as you want, anywhere, as long as you are connected to internet changed […]

Netflix is Television Now

Television can be described as a relationship. It asks for our time, dedication, and trust. This relationship is one-sided in many ways. The control largely remains in the hands of the viewer, and the show alone carries the burden of satisfaction. The beginning of a new television show is like a courtship. The new show makes its case and tries to grab our attention as the viewers. People who subscribe to cable companies must wait each week for the television […]

The Disney and Fox Merger

On December 14th, 2017 it was announced that the Walt Disney Company had purchased 21st Century Fox for $52.4 billion. Under this acquisition Disney will acquire all of the film and television properties that Fox owns, their various cable channels, stakes in Hulu, National Geographic, and other subsidiaries. Due to the massive nature of this merger it will not be finalized until summer 2019. That being said there are still major marketing implications that will be made by this deal. […]

Representation of Autism in the Netflix TV Show “Atypical”

In the first season of the TV show “Atypical”, the viewer meets the Gardner family, a seemingly normal family with an autistic teenage son, Sam, as the focus. This show failed initially to deviate from typical portrayals of autistic people on screens, as a white male, intellectually gifted, and seemingly unrelatable, although it seemed to try. Sam acts in ways that seem almost unbelievable for even someone with autism to, such as when he declares his love for someone else […]

Netflix is an Entertainment Corporation

Netflix is an entertainment corporation that streams movies and shows through a number of devices, among of which are Televisions, X-Box's, and PC's. It was founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph. The current CEO of Netflix is Reed Hastings. Netflix began as a company that placed its focus on DVD rentals and sales. The company began to be more notable during the mid 2000s when its business model shifted in 2007 to include streaming media. Netflix began […]

Netflix Inc: an Important Concept in Marketing

An important concept in marketing is the four P's, product, place, price, and promotion. Product is the first P of the four P's in marketing. You have to have a product before you can continue with the next steps. The product is important because you need to create something that satisfies people's needs. Netflix is an over the top media services provider. Its primary business is its subscription based streaming service which offers online streaming of movies and television programs […]

Overall Environmental Analysis of Netflix

Next, is the overall environmental analysis of Netflix, which includes economic, social, nature, and political output. First, is the economic view. On May 29th, 2002 the IPO was $15 per share, ending the first day at $16.75. By February 2004, Netflix was selling at over $70 per share. Unfortunately, the stock sputtered for the next 4 plus years and was trading at less than $19 per share in November 2008. In 2009, there was steady growth, followed by extreme growth […]

Final Executive Report on Netflix

Netflix is a streaming service which allows customers to watch a wide range of TV shows, movies, and documentaries. It was founded in 1997 by Marc Randolph and Reed Hastings in Scotts Valley California. Netflix originally began as a mail order DVD service, but after sellings its billionth DVD they expanded into the internet video on demand market. Although Netflix was very successful in recent years reaching its high of over 100 million subscribers there are still some problems that […]

One Potential Recommendation for Netflix

Recommendations One potential recommendation for Netflix is to develop strategic alliances or partnerships. With a subscriber base of 130 million subscribers they wouldn't necessarily need to focus on building but maintaining their subscriber base. Subscribers may not be willing to pay for multiple services, so these alliances would give them more content to choose from. For instance, Netflix's competitor Hulu is a joint venture between the Walt Disney Company's Disney/ABC TV Group, Twenty-First Century Fox's Fox Broadcasting Company and Comcast's […]

The Home Video War between Blockbuster and Netflix

Product Matrix By the end of 2006, the home video war was in full forward mode between Blockbusters and Netflix who were the significant competitors vying for the average consumer's entertainment business. Though Blockbuster boasted of having a store within 10 minutes of most consumer homes, an impressive 5,194 locations, its in-house stock was limited to new releases totaling 2,500 video options bringing their total video stock to about 12,985,000. At the same time, Netflix had built up its mail […]

Netflix Released an Animated Sitcom

In 2017, Netflix released an animated sitcom that has aggressively walked the line of controversial topics. Big Mouth, directed by Nick Kroll, Andrew Goldberg, Mark Levin, and Jennifer Flacket, addresses puberty in a raunchy yet comical way. The show is based off of Kroll and Goldberg's youth and journey through h the awkward years of puberty through their own animated characters and "hormone monsters". The show Big Mouth addresses identity and representation while looking through an intersectional lens in an […]

The Netflix Model of TV

Netflix was co-founded in 1997 by Marc Randolph and Reed Hastings. One year later, Netflix.com becomes an online rental service, delivering DVD's by mail. Netflix's rapid evolution is no mistake. In 1999, the service was revolutionized offering content from a large selection, for a monthly fee. By 2000, the site creates a recommendation system presenting accurate suggestions to members. In 2002, the company made a public offering of their securities. Three years later, membership increased from 600,000 to 4.2 million. […]

Netflix Converted itself from a DVD

Netflix converted itself from a DVD-by mail business 20 years prior to a $75 billion media monster with in excess of 100 million consumers around the globe faces issues it hasn't had to manage thus far in its rise (Evans, 2017). Netflix is the biggest supplier of paid-for streaming services in the U.S., achieving in excess of 54 million household supporters by the end of 2017 (Market Watch, 2018). Facing higher expenses and surging rivalry is precarious, which may be […]

Netflix’s Preliminary Strategy Audit

About 1997, Marc Randolph and Reed Hastings formed Netflix along with the company’s site; The website Netflix.com which was opened after a year. Netflix’s innovative business strategy involved the presentation of a rental service online for films on DVDs, in which the DVDs were mailed straight to the consumer’s home. Still, Netflix’s innovative strategy turned out to be a failure since the company imitated the then popular Blockbuster’s way to pay method, that implicated a fare for every rented film. […]

Benefits of Solving the Problem Netflix

PROJECT REPORT Netflix in India INSY-5375: Management of Information Technology GROUP WEEKEND WARRIORS: Aanchal Jain Hendy Ivander Janai Catrice Tyson Sabreen Zahid Steven Dickerson Fall 2018 Introduction Netflix began as a video rental by mail company in 1997 by Marc Randolph and Reed Hastings. Their resourcefulness in creating an unlimited rental, monthly subscription service not only quickly became a strong rival to traditional video rental stores, they virtually eliminated the competition. Netflix continued with their ingenuity and expanded their product […]

Netflix is the Revolutionary Streaming Service

Netflix is the revolutionary streaming service that allows users to watch a wide variety of movies, tv shows, and documentaries through internet-connected devices. It is currently the leader in creating original content. However, Netflix hasn't always been the company they are today. Netflix was started in 1997 as a way to offer online DVD rentals. In 1998 Netflix launched their website netflix.com where they could make rentals and sales. The following year, Netflix debuted their subscription service, where you can […]

Explained: Netflix Documentary Review

The Netflix documentary Explained, produced in collaboration with Vox and Netflix. The show goes in depth about modern issues and some random topics that can really spark a conversation. In the episode “Music” Vox explains the whole meaning of what music means in our society and how it came to be such a prominent part of our cultures, they also make an argument that without music humans wouldn’t be who they are today. Of course, music was such a good […]

Netflixonomics the Rise of Netflix Original Programming

Roger Ebert famously said, "No good movie is too long and no bad movie is short enough." Ebert, the famed movie critic, in this sense was referring to cinema?”the art of moving images. Movies have been a part of humanity's culture for over a century now and they have been constantly evolving and changing over that long timespan. One significant evolution of cinema has been the marvel of movie and television streaming. No longer do people need to travel outside […]

Exploring Philosophical Ideas in the Netflix Movie “13th”

The Netflix documentary "13th" catapults viewers into a realm where historical injustices collide with contemporary struggles, unraveling a narrative deeply intertwined with philosophical ideas. Directed by Ava DuVernay, the film delves into the complex legacy of the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution and its ramifications on the African American community. As the lens of the camera captures the harsh realities of systemic racism, mass incarceration, and the commodification of human lives, it prompts a reflection on philosophical concepts […]

The Enigmatic Character of Eleven in Stranger Things

In the world of modern television, few characters have captured the collective imagination like Eleven from Netflix's Stranger Things. Portrayed by Millie Bobby Brown, Eleven is a young girl with extraordinary abilities who becomes the cornerstone of the show's narrative. Her character is a fascinating blend of vulnerability, power, and mystery, making her one of the most compelling figures in contemporary pop culture. Eleven, whose real name is Jane Ives, starts as an enigma. She escapes from a secretive government […]

Understanding the Multi-Dimensional Impact: Netflix’s Influence on Modern Entertainment

In the dynamic tapestry of contemporary entertainment, few entities have wielded as profound an influence as Netflix. Transitioning from its modest origins as a DVD rental service to its present-day status as a global streaming juggernaut, Netflix has not only transformed how we consume media but has also reshaped the very fabric of modern entertainment in myriad ways. Delving into the multi-faceted impact of Netflix requires a nuanced exploration of its effects across a spectrum of cultural, technological, and societal […]

Streaming Showdown: Netflix and Hulu Face off in the Modern TV Landscape

In the ever-evolving world of streaming television, two giants stand out: Netflix and Hulu. Each platform offers unique features and content, making them go-to choices for millions of viewers. But how do they really compare? Let's dive into the details of what makes each service stand out and consider where they might be headed in the future. Netflix, the pioneer of streaming services, boasts a vast library of films, TV shows, and critically acclaimed original content. One of Netflix's main […]

Revisiting the Stars of ‘The Truman Show’: where are they Now?

"The Truman Show," a seminal film from 1998 directed by Peter Weir, brilliantly explored the themes of surveillance, freedom, and reality, captivating audiences with its prescient narrative. As the film nears its quarter-century anniversary, it's intriguing to revisit the careers of its stars and see where they are now. Jim Carrey, who played the unwitting protagonist, Truman Burbank, has had a diverse career trajectory following his role in the film. Known initially for his slapstick comedy in movies like "Ace […]

Unraveling the Enigma: Criminal Minds on Netflix

Are you a fan of mind-bending crime dramas that keep you on the edge of your seat? If so, Criminal Minds on Netflix is a must-watch series that delves into the intricacies of criminal psychology. With its unique approach and compelling storytelling, this show has garnered a massive following since its debut. Let's take a closer look at what makes Criminal Minds a binge-worthy experience on the streaming giant. Criminal Minds is not your typical crime procedural; it stands out […]

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History of Netflix- Founding, Model, Timeline, Milestones (2024 Updated)

March 26, 2024 /

Here at VdoCipher, we are in awe of how the history of Netflix has consistently innovated in video streaming. Over the history of Netflix, the company has maintained a content catalog that was earlier delivered via mail. When the technology infrastructure became available Netflix pioneered video technology, which revolutionized home-based video entertainment. The technical decisions that Netflix takes often serve as guides for VdoCipher’s course of action, while the long-term vision that the company has executed in its two decades has helped it stand out from the competition. Netflix offers a fantastic glimpse into how long-term strategy and decision-making ensured the company crested the wave of vastly increased internet connectivity in recent years.

• Introduction to the History of Netflix
• Netflix’s Subscription-based Business Model
• Competition with Blockbuster
• Netflix launches Streaming Video on Demand

Partnership with Hardware Platforms

• Shift to the cloud

First Major Content Licensing Deal

• Netflix and the Culture of Binge Watching
• Original Programming
• Separating DVD and Streaming Video

Domestic Growth in US and International Expansion

• Conclusion: From Dot Com Bubble to Baring its FANGs

How did Netflix Start?

Netflix was founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph as a DVD-by-mail service. The idea came after Hastings was charged a late fee for a movie rental. Customers could subscribe to receive DVDs by mail. The company later expanded to streaming and now has millions of subscribers.

History of Netflix

In this first edition of our multi-part blog series on the streaming video giant, we take you back to the history of Netflix & how Netflix has evolved over the two decades of its existence. Netflix started as a personalized web-based movie recommendation and rental system, transforming over the years into a streaming video giant. The management’s commitment to digital content has enabled Netflix to emerge as the biggest name in the streaming video industry, and more importantly, to stay at the top of its game as it expands globally and seeks to capture increasing audiences internationally .

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Founded in 1998 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph, the history of Netflix’s founding must be situated amidst the dot com bubble. This was a time when online businesses would sell consumer goods directly via their dot com domains. Amidst the excitement around internet-enabled delivery of services and goods, companies like Pets.com, WebVan and Kozmo.com offering to sell goods directly to consumers raised funding from venture capital firms. However owing to flawed business models which meant losses at each sale, these companies burned cash from the outset. The dot com bubble crashed in due time.

In September 1999 Reed Hastings implemented a subscription-based business model. Netflix, although unprofitable until the mid-2000s, survived the dot com bubble. The company offered DVDs via US Postal Service, and had put up their catalogue online. Relying on US Postal Service’s delivery meant that Netflix could focus on their core offerings of a curated and personalised catalogue.

Netflix’s unique offering was its web-based catalogue of films. Instead of having storefronts, the primary means by which customers could access the catalogue was online. This meant that every user in every part of the country could have access to the full library that Netflix possessed, rather than being limited to the titles the nearest stores carried. This also meant that users could shop around for the films they wanted to watch in the leisure of their homes.

Netflix’s Subscription-based Business Model

The company at the time struggled with two fundamental problems in their business model. One was that because the DVD was sent via mail, it would take anything between one day to 4 days for the shipment to reach the subscriber. Even though people were likely to try Netflix, conversion to repeat rentals was low. Secondly, people would far more inclined to rent out the latest releases. For the company to break even on the cost of purchasing a DVD to rent-out, they would have to generate 15-20 rentals for each DVD.

Two of the most important elements in the history of Netflix business model emerged out of their responses to the problems. The company shifted to a recurring-revenue model – the subscription model – which improved second-time movie rental rates considerable. Customers were locked in to the platform, and was therefore much more likely to try rentals again. The company also created a queue, one in which users would select the movies they would like to watch next. This speeded up the process for subscribers to receive another DVD once they returned their first one. This also eliminated the point of late fees charges – the motivation for returning DVDs was to get another DVD to watch by mail. Netflix business model of subscriptions was a response to the problem of retaining customers.

Secondly, to enable maximum utilisation of their DVD content catalogue, the company created their movie recommendation system. Through Cinematch, Netflix would recommend shows for their subscribers to watch. The point for this was to alleviate pressure for DVD rentals away from new releases, to a more uniform renting out of their content library. This solution has over the years become considerably sophisticated, and drives how customers experience Netflix and how the company makes decisions when acquiring new content.

Netflix’s response to these problems was reflective of how the management was focused on building a sustainable business model, as opposed to growing up too fast. Instead of focusing on building a huge content library the company instead optimised their DVD-on-mail solution for their existing library. This business decision was what helped the company survive the crash that followed the dot com bubble.

Barry McCarthy, CFO of Netflix from inception till 2010, spoke to the Unofficial Stanford Blog on Reed Hasting’s idea of the subscriber-based model in an industry where video rentals were centered around retail stores:

“It was Reed’s insight that the subscription model would resonate with consumers in a compelling way. He re-engineered the Web site and software to support a subscription model…we began to grow exponentially overnight. In 1998, I think the business did $1 million in revenue. In 1999, we did $5 million, then $35 million and then $75 million and $150 million and then almost $300 million…We were I think five years to $500 million and another three years to a $1 billion, all because of the subscription model.”

Netlfix’s business model of subscriptions was strengthened in February 2000 when Netflix started their Unlimited Movie Rental programme. This ‘All-You-Can-Watch’ subscription model, at a fee of $19.95 per month, offered customers unlimited movie rentals in a month, receiving upto 4 DVDs at a time. With a view towards maintain subscriber goodwill and loyalty, the company eliminated all per-movie, shipping and late-fee charges. Netflix, under the direction of technical head Neil Hunt, had by then also implemented their content recommendation system – Cinematch.

Netflix’s content curation was headed by Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer. Sarandos joined in 2000, and had prior experience in movie and television distribution. He has managed Netflix’s content offerings over the years, initially curating and providing inputs for the movie recommendation system, and is now a major cog in the wheel of the to the company’s original content – Netflix Originals – initiative.

History of Netflix: Competition with Blockbuster

In the history of Netflix, it’s business model and vision in the movie-rental industry was considerably different from that of their chief competitor – Blockbuster. The chief of retail video rental chain Blockbuster, John Antioco, on the other hand believed that video rental was a much more spontaneous process, and that receiving copies in-store and watching immediately was preferred by customers over waiting for days for the DVD on mail.

Amidst this new rental programme, Netflix was losing money. Reed Hastings met with Blockbuster CEO John Antioco in Dallas, proposing to sell a 49% stake in Netflix to Blockbuster for $50 million and in exchange for running Blockbuster’s brand online – Blockbuster.com, while complementing Blockbuster’s offline DVD rental business. However Blockbuster passed on the deal, believing that Netflix, which was not profitable at the time, did not add value to their own business. It was this inability to see the long-term view, which Netflix was committed to, that led to the contrasting fortunes the two companies faced.

Netflix presented a considerable disruption to the business model of retail video rental chains. DVDs would be sent through the US Postal Service. Unlike Blockbuster for which late-fee was often a significant portion of its revenues, Netflix completely eliminated the late fee, with the incentive for returning for the customer being access to another DVD. Netflix’s products key differences were their lack of stores, instead mailing DVDs ordered online, and secondly not charging late fees. It was Blockbuster’s inability to compete with Netflix on these two counts that ensured that the upstart beat the established company in the home-entertainment ecosystem.

Netflix offered their initial public offering (IPO) on March 24, 2002, bringing in $82.5 million. At the time the company was not profitable, making a loss of $4 million on $30.5 million of revenues. This was, however, an improvement over the history of Netflix compared to previous years figures of loss of $38.6 million on revenues of $75.9 million.

In 2004 Blockbuster finally entered into the online DVD rental space. They also removed their late fees charges. However these two changes increased costs and reduced revenues, leading to activist shareholders led by Carl Icahn pressuring the CEO against the strategy. Blockbuster’s online initiative lost momentum and the late-fees was reinstated.

Blockbuster’s growth came and market dominance came about in a period when 80% of the company’s shares were held by Viacom. In 2004 Blockbuster decided to make an outlay of $200 million on Blockbuster online, and waived their late-fees charges which would have led to revenue decline of about $200 more. However Viacom exited the company when this strategy was adopted, believing the new path as not being aligned to its own vision. The challenge that the market dominating company was facing was being unable to reinvent its business model in the face of technological shifts.

The agile startup Netflix on the other hand continued its growth, achieving growths in both revenues and subscribers, until finally in the 2010s the company expanded exponentially as streaming video technologies matured. John Antioco and executives at Blockbuster on the other hand faced resistance from the new shareholders after Viacom’s exit , who pressured the board to reinstate the late fees and drive down investment in the online business. It was the late entry to the online business, as well as the inability to get the backing of shareholders to implement a top-gear strategy for online video, that ultimately led to Blockbuster’s failure in the face of technological shifts.  

Netflix launches Video on Demand

Netflix put further pressure on competition when they announced the launch of their streaming service in January 2007, as Watch Now. At the time the streaming service was expected to be of use only for power users with broadband internet connections, which were not all that common at the time. Users were required to have a 1 mbps internet connection to be able to stream movies, with a 3mbps connection required for streaming DVD-quality films. Subscribers under the $17.99 plan had access to 18 hours of streaming content. Video delivery was through a special browser applet that subscribers would have to install. By 2008 however Netflix had given access to unlimited video streaming for subscribers to its biggest plan .

“We named our company Netflix in 1998 because we believed Internet-based movie rental represented the future, first as a means of improving service and selection, and then as a means of movie delivery,” CEO Reed Hastings said at the time, “While mainstream consumer adoption of online movie watching will take a number of years due to content and technology hurdles, the time is right for Netflix to take the first step.”

About 1,000 titles were available for streaming online, as opposed to 70,000 that Netflix offered in its DVD mail-to-order business. Although digital delivery was part of Reed Hastings’ strategy from inception, at the time of its launch the streaming service was provided as an add-on to the DVD subscriptions business. The primary motivation at the time was to slow down user churn. Q4 2006 results showed a net margin of 4.9%, with a net income of $12.7 million on $255 million of revenues compared to the history of Netflix. Although it needed to improve its margins, the company had also been seeing subscriber churn of more than 4% each quarter.

Helped by the launch of streaming video, 2007 was the first time in the history of Netflix that it generated upwards of $1 Billion in revenue. Over that year the company’s subscriber base grew 18%, revenues were up by 21% and net income was up by 36%, compared to the 2006 figures. The rise in revenue offset the increased costs from the online video initiative and strong competition helping the company generate higher profits.

Netflix’s approach to starting its streaming video service was a gradual process. Launched in January 2007, the company did not roll out its services for all its users at once, instead gradually scaling up the service offerings, completing it for all customers in June 2007. In hindsight, seeing Netflix’s experimentation with its video delivery infrastructure in terms of optimising for the cloud, this slow and steady approach definitely makes a lot more sense than offering a full fledged streaming service and then dealing with downtime and error rates.

Prioritising building a robust technical infrastructure has helped Netflix keep their first-mover advantage. Oftentimes the first-mover advantage is squandered by technology companies who have to make way for businesses that solve the problem more efficiently. Netflix, however, by relying on a solid content and technical team, has managed to keep its competitive advantage since the launch of its streaming video service.

Netflix uses DRM encryption to protect its content, NetFlix DRM is one of the most secured anti-piracy solutions for premium videos.

In terms of video codecs , H.264 high profile and VP9 are the current Netflix codec , used by them to reach to a large number of users for a smooth streaming experience.

As the company started working towards building a streaming video solution, they also started to develop solutions for streaming video through hardware platforms. In 2004/05 the company was considering working with contract manufacturers on DVD disc drives with a video processor, which could download video content over the internet, and then stream it on TV. This model was similar to TiVo, which enabled TV owners to record TV shows on a disc. This was however shelved as competition with Blockbuster intensified and Netflix had to put resources into engaging in a pricing war with the market leader.

In 2008 Netflix began work on a device for streaming videos. Netflix started to work on developing a video player to connect to television, through which streaming video can be played over the internet. However Reed Hastings was concerned that potential partnerships with consumer electronic platforms would be negatively impacted by having their own platform. Roku was subsequently spun out as a separate company .  

For much history of Netflix has had to face questions from cable TV providers whose content it would license, movie studios for movie licensing, as it presented a competition to their respective business models. Being perceived as a threat by the device manufacturers with which it was seeking to partner in the early stages of its streaming video business would hardly have severely limited its growth options. For this reason Netflix decided to spin out the Netflix Player team as a separate company.  

Netflix subsequently partnered with Microsoft for developing a streaming video app for their gaming console. They also later worked with Sony Playstation, developing

Shortly after the launch of Roku, Netflix announced partnership with Microsoft. As part of the partnership Netflix developed a native app for the game console Microsoft XBox 360. This gave access to XBox Live Gold Members access to Netflix on their television via their game console. For Netflix it meant that the market of 12 million XBox Live members was opened up, whereas for Microsoft could market their XBox for the million Netflix subscribers. The deal required Netflix to maintain the streaming video technology exclusively to XBox for an year. Subsequent to that Netflix would develop a Blu-ray disk based streaming video solution for Sony’s Playstation. The company would later go on to generalize the software platform they developed for DVD players to enable Netflix integration via Software Development Kits (SDKs). This also meant that as Smart TVs emerged and prevalence of streaming video over the internet developed over the years, Netflix was essentially prepared and could offer easy integrations.

History of Netflix: Shift to the Cloud

In August 2008 Netflix experienced a major database corruption, and could not ship out their DVDs for three days. This was the stimulus that led to Netflix opting to host their business logic on the cloud. This cloud migration would take place for the main part in the period of 2010-2011, and would only be completed in 2015, when the company finally setup its billing infrastructure, the most sensitive part of its business operation, on the cloud. The complete shift to the cloud was a pathbreaker in the tech industry. Throughout the history Netflix, it has built a highly robust cloud infrastructure, which has enabled the company to scale up seamlessly as it has seen exponential growth and as it has expanded to 190+ countries.

The history of Netflix saw a major change when in 2008 it  agreed a deal with Cable TV channel Starz to broadcast their content library for $30 million annually. Starz’s library of 2500 movies and TV shows, including movies Disney and Sony Pictures, became available for streaming on Netflix. The deal was a hugely important step in the history of Netflix, as its streaming video service could now offer a wide range of quality content to their video streaming subscribers. Starz on the other hand, probably expecting the streaming video industry to remain a niche segment, did not expect the deal to cannibalize their own PayTV offerings.

In 2011 Starz stopped its content licensing deal with Netflix, even after Netflix offers $300 million for licensing Starz’s library. Starz CEO went on record saying that he considered the deal a terrible mistake for Starz.

History of Netflix and the Culture of Binge Watching

Netflix soon started entering into content licensing deals with television studios. For television studios the income from Netflix’s streaming videos supplemented other geographical licensing deals. Television studios only make episodes of previous seasons available, in the belief that showing the episodes from the last aired/ currently airing season would through online video streaming services would lead to them losing users from the cable platforms, who were the primary monetisation channel for television studios. Netflix would later turn this monetisation scheme on its head when they started licensing original content, becoming a major revenue channel for television studios in their own right.

As more people began tuning into Netflix, content providers found that Netflix helped build audiences for their shows. Cable networks making past seasons and episodes of their television series available on Netflix enabled content discovery. Customers discovering quality cable content on Netflix helped would later tune into the currently airing episodes of the series. This helped boost ratings for television shows such as Breaking Bad and Mad Men, both produced by AMC. Ratings for Season 5 of Breaking Bad were more than double those of Season 1, and many times the ratings of Season 1, largely helped by the audience that Netflix generated for AMC. Netflix helped users catch up to currently broadcasting series, and enabled networks to focus on creating quality content with the knowledge that even a small initial following would convert soon enough to larger audiences.

Shortly before the final season of Breaking Bad aired, the shows’s creator Vince Gilligan reiterated his belief that Netflix helped generate an audience for the show : “Under the old paradigm – using the old technology of simply having first runs and then reruns on networks – I don’t know that we would’ve reached the critical mass that we reached.”

For television studios, apart from the first run of the series on television, revenues are generated from syndicating TV series to other networks after the end of the season or the series. In this environment Netflix comes in as an added source of revenue for TV studios, besides, as seen in the case of Breaking Bad and Mad Men, Netflix has also enabled broader audiences for quality content through what is labelled as “catch-up TV”.

One of the major issues for Netflix has been credential sharing, where users share their passwords with each other. Recently Netflix has been slowly rolling out a feature to tackle this. In Netflix password sharing crackdown , it has started to prompt messages to some users that it suspects are accessing or streaming on borrowed accounts

History of Netflix: Original Programming

In 2011, initiating its strategy to differentiate itself from other services. Netflix started outlaying budget for original programming, with their first original series House of Cards premiering in 2013. Netflix Originals became a critical component of the Netflix Business Model. The original content initiative would enable the company to become less dependent on movie and television studios, giving it leverage over its supply chain of content providers, while helping build a loyal audience. Netflix’s original initiatives would be copied by other OTT providers as well, with companies like Amazon Prime Instant Video and India based Hotstar all investing on originals to broaden their appeal.

Netflix’s decision as to which television shows to license is designed by their content recommendation systems. Their analytics team takes in various factors, including the popularity of the genre, how popular an actor/ director is, and even computing responses to similar content. Because Netflix’s business model does not rely on immediate ticket sales the criteria for a successful series is determined by whether the subscribers on Netflix platform watch the series, and whether the series can inspire a loyal following. The company’s first original license was for House of Cards. The story goes that Netflix ran data on the number of people who rented out the DVD for the UK Television series House of Cards and who watched political dramas such as The West Wing. They likewise computed the numbers who’d shown preference for the films of David Fincher, and who liked Kevin Spacey films.

After finding that a significant percentage of their subscribers are likely to watch such a show, Netflix commissioned two seasons of the series, at a total cost of $100 million. This gamble was spearheaded by content head Ted Sarandos, whose reasoning was that the network effects of Netflix would generate sufficient publicity and viewing figures if the show generated even a small loyal following. The idea of creating content for different interest groups, where interest is defined in a much broader and cross-category way, is what drives Netflix’s content strategy.

The company entered into a six-film deal with Adam Sandler in 2015. The first film under the deal, The Ridiculuous 8 received generally scathing reviews, and yet Sarandos contends that the film is valuable for Netflix’s subscribers as a large number of people are watching it on their platform. The streaming video provider has definitely seen some failures in recent years – Marco Polo and Get Down being two prominent series that could not achieve a critical mass of followers, and therefore being cancelled. The original content strategy is also important for the company as it expands globally, and as it seeks to penetrate international markets it needs to market content suitable for local tastes.

Spinning out DVD and Online Streaming

In 2011, in a move aimed at generating revenues for further investment into their video catalog, Netflix made major changes to their business model. The company separated memberships for DVD rental and online streaming businesses, getting users to buy different subscriptions. Buying both subscriptions would increase the cost for customer by $6 per month, from $10 for the single membership which included both DVD-on-mail and Streaming video, to $8 each for the two services. Netflix also proposed spinning off the DVD business as a separate entity named Qwikster. As a result of this abrupt price hike, 800,000 left the service, forcing Netflix to partially reverse the decision.

Although the price hike remained, Netflix did not spin off the DVD company as a separate entity. Reed Hastings reiterated his belief that the future of home entertainment was in streaming video online, but regretted the communication gap with their customers. Although the move was something of a PR disaster, it was eventually only a blip as the company kicked off its exponential growth. The price rise also helped boost the company’s revenues, putting it in a strong financial position.

Netflix Streaming versus DVDs subscription

There’s no question that Netflix is a powerful force in the entertainment world. The company has completely changed the way we watch movies and TV shows, and it shows no signs of slowing down. But what’s the difference between Netflix streaming and DVD?

Netflix streaming is the company’s primary focus these days. It’s a subscription service that gives you access to a library of movies and TV shows that you can watch on your computer, phone, tablet, or TV. There’s no need to wait for DVDs to arrive in the mail, and you can watch as much or as little as you want.

DVD, on the other hand, is a physical disc that you can rent from Netflix or any other store. You’ll need a DVD player to watch it, and you can only watch it on one device at a time. On a combined average, DVDs also tend to be more expensive than streaming, so you’ll have to factor that into your decision.

So, which is better? It really depends on your needs. If you want to watch TV shows and movies without any commercials, and you don’t mind waiting a few days for new releases, then DVD is probably a better option. But if you want to be able to watch anything you want, anytime you want, then streaming is the way to go.

The tech innovations in the history of Netflix have ensured that even though the company contributes to over 30% of peak traffic in North America, its impact on the broader internet infrastructure is minimal. Innovations in video encoding and content delivery have ensured that the company has managed to minimize its footprint, meaning that customers continue to get the best possible experience while not impacting other internet services.

In January 2016 Netflix accounted for 37.1% of traffic i n North America’s fixed networks. This share declined to 35.2% in June 2016, which can be attributed to encoding efficiencies that Netflix implemented. Per-title encoding optimisation replaced a more general encoding criteria. This ensured that lower bitrates were used for better quality video encoding. For some titles, these optimisations would yield a 20% reduction in bitrates, while achieving a better viewer experience.

The company has innovated in video delivery through the internet by tying up with ISPs to ensure minimal data transfer over the backbone of the internet, so that much of the traffic is routed internally through the ISPs only. Towards this the company’s Open Connect CDN connects through settlement-free peering with most ISPs. The company has also offered to locally cache content at ISPs, through their Open Connect Appliances, which would ensure that streaming traffic would only be local to the ISP.

The business logic of customer data and content catalogue would meanwhile be on the company’s cloud services which are installed on Amazon Web Services. Netflix’s cloud operations run out of three different AWS regions – Oregon (US-west-2), North Virginia (US-east-1) and North California (US-west-1), which ensures that the company’s services remain uninterrupted even when entire AWS regions go down. In the history of Netflix, the company achieved its targeted 99.99% uptime since its move to the AWS cloud.

In January 2016 Netflix launched across the globe. The company’s streaming video service is now accessible in 190 countries, with the only major exception being China, with their cloud solutions scaling up and responding to the demands of global internet requirements.

From Dot Com Bubble to baring FANGs

There has been much internet-enabled transformation in the world that has enabled Netflix’s emergence. The company is a part of the tech industry’s FANGs , an acronym coined by US finance expert Jim Cramer in 2013,  FANGs – Facebook, Amazon, Netflix and Google. Although a relative minnow when compared to FB, Amazon and Google (now Alphabet), the acronym reaffirms how over the two decades in the history of Netflix, it captured a significant mindshare amongst the internet population.

These tech companies have gained the most as the internet has taken an increasingly more significant role in our lives. Mobile phones have made internet access ubiquitous, meaning that for the youngest generations internet now informs global culture much more than other media. Technological behemoths such as Google and Amazon have enabled technical infrastructure in the form of Platform-as-a-service (PaaS) that anybody can use. By abstracting away the technological complexities and leaving more capabilities in the hands of software developers, these companies have enabled the development of technological infrastructure to develop consumer-facing products. This history of Netflix would have been considerably different were it not for the maturing technical infrastructure and internet popularity .

Amidst a decline in market sentiments around tech companies in 2016, Netflix was one of the very few companies to have a steady stock. This signifies the confidence that investors have over the revenue-model of Netflix. Throughout the history of Netflix the company has been a step ahead of market trends – their decisions towards online catalogue of films, then offering an unlimited movie subscription model, then inaugurating streaming video, and finally creating their niche by investing in original content have contributed to the dominant position the company finds themselves in.

In the early 2010s, at a point when its technology no longer served as an effective enough competitive advantage, Netflix took on the incumbent cable television industry by investing in high-quality content. As it reaches saturation in the US market, Netflix needs to expand internationally. Finding the right content formula for international audiences is the challenge facing Netflix.

With this we come to an end of this informational piece on history of Netflix. We hope you found it interesting to read.

How much does Netflix streaming cost?

Netflix offers a variety of subscription plans to fit your needs. The plan you choose will determine the number of devices you can stream Netflix on at the same time.

Can I watch Netflix shows offline?

Yes, Netflix shows can be watched offline, but only if you have downloaded them in advance on your device.

How long has Netflix been around or when the streaming revolution started?

Netflix was started in August of 1997 in Scotts Valley, California. Its co-founder, Reed Hastings, had the idea to start the company after he was charged $40 for a late movie rental.

When was Netflix launched in India?

Netflix first launched in India in 2016 and is now one of the most popular streaming services in the country. Netflix offers a wide variety of content in India, including Bollywood movies, Hollywood movies, TV shows, and documentaries. It is one of the few streaming services that offer 4K Ultra HD content in India.

Will Netflix stop mailing DVDs?

Currently, Netflix is offering both DVDs and Streaming services in many countries. Even though it has an inclination toward serving via streaming but the DVD business is not going to stop soon.

When did NetFlix start?

Netflix started on August 29, 1997, in Scotts Valley, California.

How old is NetFlix?

Netflix is 25 years old.

Who created Netflix?

Netflix was founded by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph.

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Essay Samples on Netflix

Netflix has revolutionized the entertainment industry by providing a streaming service that allows viewers to watch their favorite shows and movies from anywhere at any time. With its extensive library of content, it is no wonder that students are turning to Netflix for inspiration when writing their college essays.

A college essay about Netflix can take many forms. Some students may choose to write about how the streaming service has changed the way they consume media and its impact on their daily lives. Others may explore the role of binge-watching and how it has affected their productivity and study habits.

In an essay about Netflix, you can also delve into the cultural significance of the platform. You can analyze how it has changed the way we consume media and its impact on the entertainment industry. Additionally, you can explore how Netflix has created a platform for underrepresented voices, including people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and women.

When writing an essay on Netflix, it is essential to choose a specific angle or theme. You can focus on a particular show or movie that has had a significant impact on you or explore the history of the company and its business model. You can also discuss how Netflix has navigated controversies, such as the removal of certain shows or movies or its portrayal of certain communities.

In conclusion, a college essay about Netflix can be a unique and engaging topic that allows students to showcase their analytical and creative skills. By selecting a specific angle or theme and conducting thorough research, students can craft a compelling essay that captures the cultural significance of this iconic streaming service. You can check out this section on WritingBros to find your perfect Netflix essay.

Netflix as Fee-Based Streaming Service

Netflix, an American service provider, established in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph, headquarters at Los Gatos, California. Netflix is one of the pioneers in spilling and now brags of its own slate of acclaimed unique substance. It has got one of the biggest...

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Life and Career of Lori Petty, a Star of the TV Series Orange Is The New Black

Many people in entertainment joined the industry as a result of having one family member or the other in showbiz, but the likes of Lori Petty made a success out of an acting career without any previous connection to the world of entertainment. The records...

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Overview Of Global Disruptive Technologies

Could there be a better example of a disruptive technology, much less a company that is generally regarded as disruptive, than Amazon and its Kindle? For just about as long as books have been in print, in order for authors to get their written work...

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The Factors Of Consumers’ Preferences To Streamable TV Vs Using Cable Companies

In what is really becoming a competitive time of cord cutting and cord shaving. I thought I would delve into the market of cable television. For many years now, we have been at the mercy of Cable Companies when it came to watching the live...

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Comparison Of Apple Inc, Amazon Inc, And Netflix Inc

Apple’s competition varies depending on the product that is being compared. Apple has such a variety of products ranging from smartphones, watches, tv packages, desktops, laptops, tablets, their iPods and a plethora more, they have stiff competition along every product sold. Although their market cap...

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Netflix In The Borderline Between The Internet And Storytelling

Today all of us can observe the changes made with the help of the internet and especially an impact that it has on the storytelling. With the appearance of internet TV it has got possible to make own decisions concerning consumed content. We can decide...

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Female Stereotypes In Contemporary Western Society In Good Girls Series

Television network Netflix Original crime-comedy-drama series, Good Girls, is a show full of life lessons and hidden meanings. Most present-day shows are saturated with themes of alcohol, drugs, and violence; Good Girls is no exception. However, Good Girls focuses more on the woman’s point of...

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Sacred Games And Black Mirror: Crafted Dark Stories Opening Doors To Reality

The age of cliffhangers rewrites the style of stories being told “Kabhi kabhi lagta hai apun hi Bhagwan hai!” If this line rings a bell in your head, then you too, are probably among the majority whose minds that got influenced by Sacred Games. The...

Best topics on Netflix

1. Netflix as Fee-Based Streaming Service

2. Life and Career of Lori Petty, a Star of the TV Series Orange Is The New Black

3. Overview Of Global Disruptive Technologies

4. The Factors Of Consumers’ Preferences To Streamable TV Vs Using Cable Companies

5. Comparison Of Apple Inc, Amazon Inc, And Netflix Inc

6. Netflix In The Borderline Between The Internet And Storytelling

7. Female Stereotypes In Contemporary Western Society In Good Girls Series

8. Sacred Games And Black Mirror: Crafted Dark Stories Opening Doors To Reality

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129 Netflix Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Netflix has revolutionized the way we consume entertainment, offering a vast selection of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and original content at our fingertips. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide what to watch next. To help you narrow down your choices, we've compiled a list of 129 Netflix essay topic ideas and examples that you can explore and analyze in your next assignment.

• The impact of Netflix on traditional media consumption habits
• The rise of binge-watching culture and its implications on mental health
• Analyzing the success of Netflix's original content strategy
• The representation of race and diversity in Netflix shows and movies
• The role of Netflix in shaping contemporary popular culture
• Exploring the intersection of technology and entertainment through Netflix
• The economics of Netflix's subscription-based business model
• Examining the influence of Netflix on the film industry
• The portrayal of gender stereotypes in Netflix programming
• The ethics of Netflix's data collection and recommendation algorithms
• Analyzing the impact of Netflix on traditional television networks
• The role of Netflix in promoting international content and cross-cultural exchange
• Exploring the relationship between Netflix and social media
• The representation of mental health issues in Netflix shows and documentaries
• The role of nostalgia in Netflix's content selection and marketing strategies
• The environmental impact of streaming services like Netflix
• Analyzing the portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in Netflix programming
• The role of Netflix in promoting independent filmmakers and creators
• Exploring the future of streaming services and the competition in the market
• The portrayal of technology and artificial intelligence in Netflix shows and movies
• The impact of Netflix on the global entertainment industry
• Analyzing the role of Netflix in shaping political discourse and social movements
• The representation of disability in Netflix programming
• The relationship between Netflix and traditional advertising models
• Exploring the role of nostalgia in Netflix's content selection and marketing strategies
• The impact of Netflix on the mental health and well-being of its viewers
• The portrayal of women in leadership roles in Netflix shows and movies
• The representation of different social classes in Netflix programming
• Analyzing the portrayal of drug use and addiction in Netflix shows and documentaries
• The role of Netflix in promoting diverse voices and perspectives in entertainment
• Exploring the relationship between Netflix and the gaming industry
• The impact of Netflix on the music industry and music streaming services
• Analyzing the representation of Indigenous cultures in Netflix programming
• The relationship between Netflix and traditional television ratings and viewership
• The portrayal of social media and online culture in Netflix shows and movies

Whether you're interested in analyzing the impact of Netflix on traditional media consumption habits or exploring the representation of race and diversity in Netflix programming, there are countless essay topics to choose from. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and start exploring the world of Netflix through a critical lens.

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• Introduction

1997–2006: Video rental

2007–2012: streaming, 2013–2020s: original content, 2023–present: live programming, award-winning original content.

Netflix, Inc. is a media company based in Los Gatos, California , founded in 1997 by American entrepreneurs Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph. The company has been pushing the envelope as a content deliverer since its inception. Netflix first disrupted the Blockbuster video-rental model; it then took on video streaming and cable companies , then content creators, and, as of 2023, broadcasters.

Netflix was launched in 1997 as a DVD rental service that charged a per-rental fee. With tens of thousands of titles available, subscribers could select movies and TV shows through the website and receive the discs by mail. In 1999, Netflix offered an online subscription service; by the year 2000, this included flat-fee unlimited rentals with no due dates, late fees, or shipping fees.

In 2000, the company introduced a personalized movie recommendation system, using an algorithm to predict an individual’s movie preferences based on previous rental data. This system was improved after the Netflix Prize contest in 2006 challenged 40,000 contestants to improve the accuracy of movie recommendations by 10%. The $1 million Netflix Prize was awarded in 2009 to BellKor’s Pragmatic Chaos, a team made up of seven mathematicians, computer scientists, and engineers from the United States , Canada , Austria , and Israel .

In 2007, Netflix heralded a new era with the introduction of streaming services that allowed subscribers to access content directly over the Internet . Streaming delivery quickly gained momentum, becoming unlimited for most subscription plans. Netflix partnered with makers of video game consoles , Blu-ray Disc players, and other electronics to enable video streaming on those devices.

By 2010, Netflix introduced a streaming-only plan. The company initiated its global expansion to Canada, Latin America , the Caribbean, and Europe by 2012, reaching over 190 countries and territories by 2016.

The video streaming war (and subsequent subscription fatigue)

In addition to Netflix, there’s Apple TV+, Disney+ , Hulu , ESPN+, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. Learn who’s who and what’s next in the world of streaming services .

As streaming became its primary revenue generator, Netflix shifted its focus to the production of original content in 2013. By 2023, Netflix boasted more than 3,600 original titles.

In 2022, Netflix announced plans to begin cracking down on password sharing, noting that over 100 million households had shared their account passwords with others. The crackdown was credited with boosting subscriber rates, with Netflix reporting it had added 8.8 million subscribers worldwide in the third quarter of 2023. The company also said it would raise prices on its streaming services.

Netflix could be confident in cracking down on password sharing and raising prices because it sensed users would be willing to pony up for its broad collection of original programming.

In 2023, Netflix began live streaming with its stand-up special Chris Rock: Selective Outrage . In January 2024, Netflix said it had inked a 10-year deal with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) to stream a weekly live professional wrestling program, Monday Night Raw , beginning in 2025. In March 2024, the company announced it would live stream a fight between boxers Mike Tyson and Jake Paul in July.

Notable Netflix series include:

• House of Cards (2013–18), an episodic drama series that won multiple awards, including three Primetime Emmy Awards in its first season.
• Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015–20), a comedy about a woman rescued from a doomsday cult.
• Narcos (2015–17), about drug trafficker Pablo Escobar and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents hunting him, one of whom was played by Pedro Pascal .
• The Crown (2016–24), a drama about the British royal family that won more than 100 international awards, including five Critics Choice awards, 21 Primetime Emmy awards, two Golden Globe awards, and seven Screen Actors Guild awards.
• Stranger Things (2016–), a sci-fi drama set in the 1980s that has won more than 100 international awards, including a Screen Actors Guild award.
• Money Heist (2017–2021), a Spanish crime drama.
• Bridgerton (2020–), an adaptation of a romance novel series set in 19th century London .
• Squid Game (2021–), a South Korean show about a bloody survival game that has won more than 40 international awards, including a People’s Choice award.

Notable Netflix movies include:

• Roma (2018), which won three Academy Awards , including best foreign language film.
• The Irishman (2019).
• All Quiet on the Western Front (2022), which won four Academy Awards.

In January 2024, Netflix programs received 19 Oscar nominations, but took home just one award at the 96th annual Academy Awards held in March.

With its innovative spirit and diverse content library, Netflix has reshaped the landscape of entertainment.

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Literature Review — Netflix: Essential KPIs for Industry Success

Netflix: Essential KPIS for Industry Success

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Published: Mar 8, 2024

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Table of contents

Introduction, customer acquisition cost (cac), monthly recurring revenue (mrr), customer lifetime value (clv), content related key performance indicators.

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“The American Factory”: Plot and Issues Portrayed Essay

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Introduction

The American Factory is a Netflix original film talking about the journey of an Asian company trying to establish itself in Moraine, Ohio, as an auto-glass manufacturing factory on a previously owned General Motors (G.M.) assembly plant. A stunning yet captivating documentary project by Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert focuses its lenses on telling a story to the world about Fuyao, who created a lot of jobs and revitalized an industry, and his esteemed employees (many of whom were formerly employed at the General Motors plant.). The film showcases a phenomenal cultural difference between the Chinese and American communities, growing pains, internal and external conflicts, and the changing attitudes about work in light of ever-increasing globalization. This paper will discuss an in-depth analysis of the fundamental issues portrayed in this fantastic Oscar Award-winning film for Best Documentary Feature in 2020.

Neoliberalism is the fundamental aspect to consider when understanding the success of the American Factory as it communicates the political and economic ideology. The sole objective of Neoliberalism is to disintegrate the holding process of Keynesian nostrums on a capital basis and the state. The structure and landscape of consumption and production have changed in the recent past concerning globalization, free trade, and deregulation. It is precisely the case that the film industry is susceptible to the interchanges; however, how extremely does a movie propound a counter-good judgment at the extent of form?

The movie American Factory tries to clarify further that Neoliberalism is not a slogan, and neither does it submit to a logical location. It deeply asks how the world receives instructions and who, within Neoliberalism and any transition from it, gets to tell it.

In the film American Factory, Bognar and Reichert delve deep into the livelihoods of the American workers in Ohio and the problematic transition experienced by Chinese managers to American work culture and way of life. Furthermore, the documentary touches on key fundamental socio-economic issues such as unionization and work safety measures while still showcasing the difference in cultural setups between the two communities and the culture clash resulting from the acquisition. A discussion has been fronted among Chinese and U.S. communities on cultural differences concerning work. For instance, Chinese workers have proven to be relatively skilled over their counterparts on the dimensions of productivity that matter, effectiveness, and speed. They perform better and work for longer periods. On the contrary, many American workers do not possess the work experience necessary for an auto-glass-producing factory.

In the film, we encounter charming scenes of the American and Chinese coworkers having positive bonding experiences, getting to know one another, and even a spectacular recorded location of Fuyao chairperson, Cao Dewang, making round on the revitalized factory.

He candidly talks about several essential changes he plans to implement in the company’s architectural structure. However, interpersonal tensions alongside cultural and country-wide strains play out at Fuyao Glass America. This tension comes about due to Fuyao being a multinational corporation operating in America and paying its workers relatively minimal wages than its predecessors.

General Motors’ employees received higher wages before the recession and worked under a union contract. These same employees of the in-glass company come to work with the exact expectations and feel that the Fuyao management should do better. Safety concerns are also on high alert. American employees claim to be uncovered to risky degrees of heat inside the workplace, as portrayed in the film by Reichert and Bognar. The Chinese community is also subjected to a string of coarsely generic, sometimes cringe-worthy talks about American culture.

The president of the glass company advises his Asian employees of their brothers in the United States, stating, “We need to use our wisdom to guide and help them because we’re better than them.”

American Factory further tries to explain in several ways the division between union supporters and union busters and between management and workers. Fuyao management establishes talks on several occasions to educate them about the American work culture and the importance of union organizations to workers. The true feelings among the Chinese community against union organizations are still unknown to many, a factor that may be significantly influenced by the migration and visa status of most of these Chinese workers. Fuyao’s management style is borrowed from a playbook called the anti-union, which is usually used by American companies. An interesting theory is Fuyao glass factory has been in business since its inception and has been making profits supplying glass to all the General Motors shops worldwide. However, paying the same previous workers much lower wages compared to before. It is a correct argument to suggest that G.M. has employed more foreign workers than Americans in the U.S.

On the issue of culture and productivity, this documentary, American Factory, showcased sufficient evidence of the role that autonomy and trust perform in industrial manufacturing in Chinese markets. They appear to listen carefully and eagerly while getting their superior’s advice and directions more than their American colleagues. Also, a few of them acknowledge the difficulties they experience when working long hours and in very hot-hazardous environments. They have to work many miles away from their families and friends. Due to its one-sided narration of the factory, highlighting cultural variations while ignoring the advantages to nearby workers, the movie, in a single experience, will no doubt make contributions to an understanding that Chinese funding in U.S. production is something to be avoided and in that respect, the film has a decidedly anti-China thrust.

In conclusion, American Factory highlights how Chinese commercial enterprise within America hurts the workers; however, it doesn’t forestall the problem: its eyes are, in the end, on us all to create the destiny of labor. America has to stay open to exchange and funding from different international locations to rebuild our efficient abilities and enhance our people’s dwindling preferred of living. China will now no longer become a “savior” of U.S. production; however, at the same time, Chinese funding needs to no longer be demonized, as we’re tending to do today. We cannot forget that China maintains its door open to corporations from the U.S. and the relaxation of the arena below the condition that the American president management is enforcing more great price lists on Chinese imports and persevering with the change battle that the quit can’t be seen. Compared to the U.S., China is greater assured of embodying a globalized world.

Hitchcock, P., (2021) “American Factory” and the Difficulties of Documenting Neoliberalism,” Global Storytelling: Journal of Digital and Moving Images 1 (1).

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IvyPanda. (2023, January 1). “The American Factory”: Plot and Issues Portrayed. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-american-factory-plot-and-issues-portrayed/

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IvyPanda . 2023. "“The American Factory”: Plot and Issues Portrayed." January 1, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-american-factory-plot-and-issues-portrayed/.

1. IvyPanda . "“The American Factory”: Plot and Issues Portrayed." January 1, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-american-factory-plot-and-issues-portrayed/.

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Netflix: Introduction to Business

Netflix Inc., which has a ticker NFLX on the New York Stock Exchange, is headquartered in Los Gatos, California. On February 12, 2022, Netflix’s stock was at its lowest at $584.26, peaked at $602.8847, and closed at $593.74.

Netflix’s most recently submitted report to the Securities and Exchange Commission was a 10-K on 27 January 2022 for the period that ended on 31 December 2021. Netflix’s most recent quarter ended on 30 September 2021 and was on 21 October 2021. The report identifies several risk factors for the companies during the fiscal year of 31 December 2021 (The New York Stock Exchange 2022). The risks include the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the various responses to it, disruption of partner operations because of COVID-19 restrictions, and the global economic impact on consumer activity. The other risks relate to unforeseen costs and potential liability for negligence, copyright, and trademark infringement. However, in the 10-Q report, the company stated there had been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Netflix’s website is easily accessible for users and makes the data for investors simply accessible. For investors, Netflix has a corporate site that contains information about the company’s financial releases and updates, quarterly earnings, annual reports and profiles, the Securities and Exchange Commission filings, stock data, and investor relations contacts. At the top of the page, the user can access sections News & Events, Environmental, Social, and Governance information, and data about the Resources of the company (Netflix Investors 2022).

The up-to-date information about the stock price from the New York Stock Exchange site is presented at the top of the page and shows the last uploaded information date. The company states that risks related to the business are connected with successful member attraction, creating competitive, entertaining videos, COVID-19 pandemics, unforeseen costs, and several partners and investments (Nasdaq 2022). The impact of the pandemic on the business is about governmental, business, and individual actions as a response to COVID-19 restrictions, the limitation for the company’s employees to travel, and delayed content releases as a consequent outcome.

Some risks are connected with the content the company receives as if the content does not correspond with the rules and requirements of Netflix; further removed from the service, litigations to defend the company’s claims are unpredictable costs and damages. The risks tied to Netflix’s partners are related to their obligations and service providing. If some of the cable, satellite, and telecommunications operations connect consumers to multiservice discovery interfaces, Netflix might be impacted. The company states that it might be time-consuming and expensive to investigate, inquire, and make information requests whilst managing risks; however, these actions are inevitable.

The recent fall in Netflix stock is caused by several factors, where the company lost 150 bn in market value (Financial Times 4). The stock price was mostly caused by Netflix’s predictions that subscriber growth would subside (Sperling 5). First, the platform has been seeing tremendous growth during the pandemic because people are being forced to stay more at home (Sherman 3). As for the choice of entertainment, consumers have often turned to Netflix and other streaming platforms. This has led to a surge in growth and record-high stock valuation. However, as the pandemic is at its ending face, the valuation of the stock decreases as the projected growth and revenue are predicted to stagnate.

The second factor for the demised growth projections is because of the economic distress caused by the pandemic. A major source of Netflix’s users is in Latin America and the region is currently seeing economic hardships that slow down consumer spending. As a result, Netflix’s subscriber growth rate in the area is expected to follow the same pattern (Nicolaou 6). Consequently, with the expected emerging market’s economic hardship, Netflix does not have the ability to attract new consumers from these areas.

Lastly, the market has been mixed on the increased spending on content (Nicolaou 9). In the later years, Netflix has been spending more on the development of the company’s series and movies. This is caused by many of the larger producers of entertainment creating their own streaming services and excluding their own content from the Netflix platform. This move has forced Netflix to incorporate company-produced material into the library.

Nonetheless, content creation is a vast source of spending for Netflix that has had ambiguous results. This is mostly because of the variable results of the production, with major successes like Ozark and The Witcher. However, the company has spent much of its capital on flops like the Ranch and Marco Polo. Consequently, the market is responding to the uncertainty of the increased spending on content. Furthermore, the stock is influenced by Netflix stock is recent price increases for consumers. At the beginning of 2022, Netflix raised prices for all plans in the US (Nicolaou 7).

To summarize, Netflix has experienced a large increase in market valuation as a consequence of the global pandemic. Yet, the company is exposed to the users’ significant financial and legal obligations. Recently, the company stock has fallen drastically as the company missed projected user growth. The reason for the missed target was the reversion of the pandemic, economic hardship in emerging markets, and increased prices for Netflix subscriptions.

Works Cited

“ Company Profile ”.  Netflix Investors, 2022. Web.

“Item 1A. Risk Factors: 10-K Part I: 10-K Report: Netflix Inc. 2021 Annual Report | Netflix Inc.” Nasdaq.  2022. Web.

“Netflix stock market woe is warning to Hollywood.” Financial Times. Web.

“ Netflix, Inc. Common Stock ”.  The New York Stock Exchange , 2022. Web.

Nicolaou, Anna. “Netflix Stock Market Woe Is Warning to Hollywood.” Financial Times . 2022. Web.

Sherman, Alex. “ For Netflix stock, it’s like the pandemic never happened ”.  CNBC. Web.

Sperling, Nicole. “ Netflix stock drops after streaming giant predicts subscriber slowdown ”. The New York Times . Web.

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Responsibility Over Freedom: How Netflix’s Culture Has Changed

The company’s latest internal memo about its corporate culture is more about how it expects employees to behave than what it wants to become.

By Nicole Sperling

Reporting from Los Angeles

Netflix has long been a company known for its secrets: no Nielsen ratings, little feedback on why shows are canceled, no box office numbers for the rare movies that are actually released in theaters.

Yet for a place defined by its opaque approach to the outside world, the streaming giant has long been aggressively transparent internally. The company’s philosophy was immortalized in 2009 when Reed Hastings, the company’s co-founder and chief executive, first laid out the corporate ethos in a 125-slide presentation that introduced new buzzy phrases like “stunning colleagues,” “the keeper test” and “honesty always.”

The presentation, with its insistence on constant and unfiltered candor, felt both brutal and refreshingly antithetical to Hollywood’s normal way of doing business. To the frustration of former employees and current competitors, it may just be the blueprint that has enabled Netflix to have so much success while its rivals have stumbled.

Three more culture memos have followed over the years. Before being released, they are pored over and analyzed for months by top executives. At the same time, any employee can pop into the Google Doc where the memo is being assembled to leave a thought or a comment.

The latest iteration of the document, which was released internally on May 8 and will soon be made public, underwent eight months of vetting and received 1,500 comments from employees, according to Sergio Ezama, Netflix’s chief talent officer. It is five pages long (half the length of Mr. Hastings’s final memo in 2022), and some core tenets have changed, however slightly.

When Mr. Hastings titled his 2009 presentation “Netflix Culture,” he gave it the subhead “Freedom and Responsibility.” The idea was that Netflix trusted its employees to act in the best interest of the company. If you want a vacation, take a vacation. If you have a baby and need to go on leave, go on leave. Documents were shared widely throughout the company without any fear of leaks.

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