The first Netflix original series produced outside the United States was the Mexican title FC Cuervos in 2015. Today, the company produces films and series in more than 4,500 cities and 50 countries. According to Netflix, every production creates jobs and opportunities for local businesses, thereby influencing the economy beyond the screen itself.
The company today launched an initiative called “The Netflix Effect”, which offers a detailed look at the economic, cultural and social impacts of its activities on local economies, business sectors and everyday life.
“Of course, we have some impressive figures to back this up. Over the past ten years, Netflix has invested over $135 billion in films and shows and contributed $325 billion to the global economy. And through our productions alone, we have created more than 425,000 jobs,” says Ted Sarandos, CEO of Netflix.
The company emphasises that behind these figures are primarily people from the film industry and other professions – screenwriters, directors, technical staff, small business owners and members of local communities.
For example, according to Netflix, the film *Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F* contributed $140 million to the Californian economy and employed more than 900 suppliers. Over the course of five seasons, the series *Stranger Things* created over 8,000 production jobs, including more than 200 stunt performers involved in the final season. More than 3,800 suppliers from most US states were involved in the production of the series. Furthermore, some filming locations have become tourist destinations, such as Bradley’s Olde Tavern in Jackson, Georgia
The production of the Colombian thriller The Green Border, filmed in the Amazon, had a similar impact. “Before the first camera even rolled, a local man named Walter Morales blessed our crew. And his whole family was involved in the production – some as make-up assistants, others as production assistants, and some even had roles in the series. Out of 150 crew members, 30 were locals,” says Sarandos.
The Swedish town of Strängnäs, near Stockholm, is regularly transformed into a film and television hub thanks to the filming of the European versions of the reality show Love is Blind. “For 40 weeks a year, it turns into a bustling set, with lighting technicians rushing about and sound engineers, sethands, make-up artists and everyone else shouting instructions to ensure no one goes hungry or thirsty. They always fill the local hotels, eat in the local restaurants and provide work for drivers from the wider area,” adds Sarandos.
Netflix also points out that its content influences cultural trends and consumer behaviour. The film K-Pop: Demon Hunters became the platform’s most successful original film upon its release and, according to the company, has contributed to greater interest in Korean culture. The Duolingo app recorded a 22 per cent increase in the number of Americans learning Korean, whilst sales of flights to South Korea rose by 25 per cent.
According to Netflix, its series and films have also influenced music charts, sporting trends and sales of products ranging from chess sets to Halloween costumes over the last ten years.
The company also states that it is continuing to invest heavily in content and production infrastructure. Every year, it invests tens of billions of dollars in the creation of new programmes and is developing production bases from Spain to the US state of New Jersey. Its activities also include educational programmes, which, according to the company, have been attended by more than 90,000 people from over 75 countries.
“We have also restored historic cinemas, such as The Egyptian in Los Angeles and the Europa in Rome, and we have been at the forefront of technologies that benefit creators and studios around the world. The entertainment industry is changing much faster today than when we started. We are looking ahead and, over the next ten years, we plan to continue investing in the relationships we have built with creators—whose work we cannot do without—the communities we rely on, and the fans who enjoy watching our content. For me, this is the true Netflix Effect,” explains Sarandos. “I’m proud of everything we’ve achieved together, but I’m looking forward even more to what’s yet to come,” he concludes.
Source: mam.cz