Step 1: Go Global and Capitalize on International Content Demand

For decades, Hollywood was the undisputed center of the universe. Not anymore. One of the most powerful film market trends today is the massive appetite for international content. Think about the global success of non-English language films and series. It’s a paradigm shift.

Your audience is no longer just domestic. It’s global. This means you have a golden opportunity to either acquire international content that resonates or partner on co-productions to create the next global hit.

How to take action:

• Identify breakout regions: Look at markets producing high-quality, popular content. South Korea, Spain, India, and Scandinavia are just a few hotspots.
• Analyze genre performance: What travels well? Often, it’s high-concept genres like thrillers, sci-fi, and horror. But local stories with universal themes are also winning big.
• Find the right partners: Don’t go it alone. The key is finding reliable production companies and distributors in target regions. This is where having a global network becomes invaluable.

Ignoring this trend is like leaving money on the table. The future of film is global, and you need to be part of it.

Step 2: Decode the New Theatrical and Streaming Models

Remember when a 90-day theatrical window was standard? Those days are gone. The pandemic didn’t just disrupt the model; it shattered it.

Now, we have a complex ecosystem of day-and-date releases, shortened windows, and straight-to-streaming strategies.

What does this mean for you? It means you have more options, but also more risk. Choosing the wrong distribution strategy can cripple a film’s potential earnings.

How to navigate the new landscape:

• Study the data, not the headlines: Don’t just follow what the major studios do. Analyze how mid-budget and independent films are finding success with hybrid models.
• Match the window to the movie: A big-budget tentpole might demand a robust theatrical run. A smaller, niche film might thrive with a premium video-on-demand (PVOD) release followed by a streaming debut.
• Track performance metrics: Look beyond box office numbers. Consider VOD sales, streaming viewership data, and long-term licensing value to get a full picture of a film’s financial success.

The most successful players aren’t picking a side in the “theatrical vs. streaming” debate. They’re using both to their advantage.

Step 3: Stop Guessing and Start Making Data-Driven Decisions

For too long, major film decisions were made on gut instinct and personal relationships. While experience is crucial, relying on it alone in today’s market is a huge gamble. The most dominant film market trend is the shift toward data-driven decision-making.

Analytics can help you answer critical questions:

• Which genres are over-saturated versus underserved?
• What actors or directors have a proven track record with specific audiences?
• What’s the potential ROI for a project before you even commit to it?

You wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint, so why greenlight a multi-million dollar film without data? Using analytics isn’t about replacing creativity; it’s about empowering it. It helps you take calculated risks instead of blind ones.

Step 4: Ride the Wave of FAST Channel Growth

What’s one of the fastest-growing areas in entertainment?

Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST). Platforms like Pluto TV, Tubi, and The Roku Channel are attracting millions of viewers who are tired of subscription fatigue.

This is a game-changer, especially for content owners with deep catalogs.

Films and TV shows that were previously just sitting on a server can now be monetized effectively. It’s a brand-new revenue stream that didn’t exist in a meaningful way just a few years ago.

How to capitalize on FAST:

• Audit your library: Identify content that has completed its premium lifecycle. These are prime candidates for FAST channel licensing.
• Understand the buyers: Know which FAST platforms are acquiring content and what genres work best for their audience.
• Think beyond single titles: Curated packages of content around a specific theme or genre are often more attractive to FAST buyers.

Get Ahead of the Market by Tracking Projects Early

By the time you read about a new film deal in the trades, you’re already too late. The real opportunities—for financing, distribution, sales, or even talent acquisition—happen much earlier, during development and pre-production.

This is perhaps the most “insider” of all the film market trends. Gaining visibility into projects before they are widely known is the ultimate competitive advantage. It allows you to be proactive instead of reactive.

Imagine knowing which production companies are actively developing sci-fi scripts, or which projects are seeking a European distribution partner. That’s the kind of intelligence that leads to breakthrough deals. You can spot gaps in the market, identify potential hit projects before anyone else, and position yourself as the perfect partner.

Waiting for information to come to you is a losing strategy. The winners are the ones who go out and find it.