Theatrical Distribution or Online Streaming? Release Strategies in Europe in Times of Disruption and Change

This chapter provides insight into the development of streaming-related release strategies during the Covid-19 pandemic, with particular reference to the European market. I am particularly interested in the relationship between streaming platforms and theatrical cinema exhibitors, a relationship that is often described in terms of conflict and tension. For some in the industry, streaming platforms are perceived as a threat to the theatrical cinema sector. For others in the industry, streaming platforms are symptomatic of the way that the modern era of film exhibition is taking shape, with different distribution systems co-existing to enable different routes to market for different films. This chapter draws on trade press and news coverage to analyse how the relationship between streaming platforms and cinema exhibitors developed during the pandemic. What sort of release strategies for films became common when lockdowns and other policy restrictions were imposed on cinema exhibitors? How did changing circumstances impact release windows for films, and in particular the theatrical cinema window? And has the pandemic brought about structural changes to the film distribution and exhibition businesses in Europe and beyond?