Distribution

Determining which films reach audiences and on what terms. The shift to streaming has concentrated power, with consequences for independent film and diversity.

Series: The Importance of Physical Media

Why Netflix Feels Limited Despite Thousands of Films: The Collapse of the Long Tail

Netflix has thousands of films but recommendations feel limited. Why streaming algorithms concentrate attention rather than distributing it, and why Chris Anderson's long tail theory failed for streaming platforms.

Feb 2, 2026

Series: The Importance of Physical Media

Why Did Mid-Budget Films Disappear?: How DVD Sales Created Cinema's Safety Net

Why did studios stop making mid-budget films? DVD and home video sales created a financial safety net that allowed films to recoup costs slowly. Streaming's subscription model eliminated it, changing what gets made.

Jan 26, 2026