Netflix execs deny requiring filmmakers to simplify plot for phone users

Netflix leaders are firm in their stance that they do not ask creators to simplify the content of a movie or show for distracted viewers.

"There is no such guideline," Netflix film leader Dan Lin told journalists on Wednesday.

These remarks follow shortly after a humorous scene at the Oscars featuring Conan O’Brien and Sterling K. Brown, which hinted that streaming services might make filmmakers restate details because viewers often use their phones. 

In the skit, they amusingly transform a scene from Casablanca by explaining it in great detail.

"We actually laughed when we saw that Oscars section, but there’s no such rule," Lin added. "In our movies or TV shows, we don’t repeat our stories. So, I’m not sure where that idea came from. We focus on creating outstanding movies."

The claim that streaming services apply this method is not new, and Netflix, in particular, has been criticised by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. 

While discussing their action movie The Rip, Damon remarked, “[Netflix asks], ‘Can we have a major [action scene] within the first five minutes?’ Their goal is to keep viewers watching. They also think it wouldn’t hurt to repeat the storyline in the dialogue as people multitask while viewing.”

Affleck highlighted several instances, such as Adolescence, that "prove you don’t need to" adhere to that formula to thrive.

However, Lin’s claim of no such formula was supported by Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria and Head of UCAN (US-Canada) Scripted Series Jinny Howe.

"I believe it’s insulting to creators and directors to assume, firstly, that we could offer them a terrible note like that and they’d simply follow it," Bajaria expressed.

Howe mentioned that the firm’s leaders “recognise how perceptive the audiences are.”

"We are aware of how much attention fans are paying, and we aim to treat them thoughtfully and intelligently, as they do notice everything," she expressed.

In relation to Affleck, Bajaria also talked about the acquisition of his AI company InterPositive, which develops filmmaker-oriented tools. 

Purchasing InterPositive was a result of Netflix’s strong connection with Affleck. They recently reinforced their collaboration with a first-look agreement with Artists Equity, a newly structured production company headed by Affleck and Damon.

However, she also mentioned that InterPositive’s AI tools would be optional resources for filmmakers rather than becoming part of Netflix’s main operations.