*CFP* "FILM ON DEMAND: STREAMING PLATFORMS AND THEIR SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL IMPACT", SPECIAL ISSUE OF THE CONTRIBUTION TO HUMANITIES SI

Film and TV industries are undergoing yet another revolution today. It affects procedures, production companies, broadcasters, and other parties involved. The transformation is led and accelerated by influential streaming platforms and VOD services. Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO, or MUBI change the viewing habits, offering subscription-based content accessible anywhere and anytime. The number of subscribers keeps growing year by year, and many consumers give up cable and digital television and settle on VOD. The effects of time-shifted viewing and new reception habits are becoming increasingly apparent. 

This special issue of CtH reflects on the social, economic, and cultural impact of streaming platforms. We are interested in the way they change film and television landscapes, both in terms of production and reception. We welcome submissions addressing the following topics:

Evolution of the reception practices

• The transition from scheduled TV and cinemas to film rental stores, followed by the VOD on multiple personal devices. Finding your way in the plethora of content – keywords and recommendation mechanisms.
• VOD as a medium of interactivity and control: pause, fast-forward, rewind, stop, resume. Binge-watching (especially TV series).
• VOD classification – subscription (sVOD, Netflix model) vs. transaction
• (TVOD, Apple model). Mass services (Netflix, Amazon) vs. niche art cinema (MUBI, BFI Player, Curzon).

VOD vs. traditional cinema

• Subscriptions and memberships – cinemas' response to the growing popularity of streaming services. Streaming platforms and the future of the cinema sector – competitors or allies?
• Film-watching as a social activity – at-home VOD versus collective cinema movie-watching experience. How can cinemas compete with VOD (better sound, 3D cinema, 4DX cinemas stimulating all senses)? Legal aspects of the VOD model (e.g., net neutrality and its impact, international licensing law).

Original content

• Streaming services' impact on production procedures (including new distribution models). Interactive film and other novelties.
• Streaming services producing original content.
• Streaming services vs. piracy and illegal re-distribution of video content. Cinema, TV, and streaming services – similarities and differences.

VOD and Covid-19 pandemic

• Covid-19 film and television industries adjustments.
• Virtual Film Festivals, talks, and Award Ceremonies – the new norm?
• Will the high number of the VOD subscribers stay the same once the pandemic is over? VFX and animation - the future of cinema?
• The social and cultural role of streaming services during the pandemic. Movie-therapy – the best way to keep sane during the times of crisis?

Submissions deadline is: 30.06.2021

The manuscript length is up to 7,000 words, including references.

Detailed guidelines can be found here and here.