The streaming provider Netflix is expanding its “Preview Club”. Viewers can watch films and series before they are officially released – and have a say in the outcome.
“We take the feedback seriously,” Netflix said when the “Preview Club” was founded over a year ago. The aim of the exclusive offer is to obtain opinions and votes from viewers in order to be able to make further improvements to films and series before they are released to the general public. For example, when the end of a series doesn’t seem plausible, or the irony of a film isn’t understood.
That’s what happened in the movie “Don’t Look Up” starring Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio. The actors play two astronomers who discover an asteroid that will destroy the earth. After early viewers’ feedback, more humor was added to the film because many viewers felt the scenario was too real. Although reviews of the film were mixed by critics, the satire within the comedy was widely praised.
Number is to be increased to 10,000 members
So far, the exclusive “Preview Club” has around 2,000 members. As the “Wall Street Journal” reports, Netflix wants to increase the number of “tasters” to 10,000 members in the coming year. However, anyone who takes part has to abide by a few rules: After watching a brand new film or series, users have to fill out questionnaires and share their opinions with the company. However, in order to give the filmmakers creative freedom, this feedback should only have a limited influence. Netflix also evaluates the usage behavior of the viewers in order to improve the streaming offer, increase the usage time and ultimately also keep the subscribers on the platform.
Amazon and Disney also have “Preview Clubs”
Amazon also has programs with “Amazon Preview” and Disney with “Hulu Brain Trust” in which the opinions of viewers are obtained. However, it is not possible to take part without major hurdles. Prime members can register for “Amazon Preview” and may then be selected. At Disney, invitations are sent to community members.
Sources: “Wall Street Journal”, “TechCrunch”
