The Power of OTT in Korean Film Industry and the Evolution of Drama Production Guidelines

The Power of OTT in Korean Film Industry and the Evolution of Drama Production Guidelines

The recent Busan International Film Festival has shed light on South Korea's embracing attitude towards over-the-top (OTT) platforms. In comparison, France has also made significant strides in this area, with Netflix investing over 40 million euros in more than 10 French films over a span of three years. These films have seen a reduction in the time between theater release and OTT availability, from three years to just one year and three months. Additionally, France has agreed to allocate 4% of the profits generated by Netflix to invest in French or European films. However, despite these advancements, Netflix originals still cannot be submitted to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.

In a separate development, SBS, one of South Korea's major broadcasting companies, has recently released the "Studio S Drama Production Guidelines" in collaboration with its labor union. These guidelines aim to ensure certain standards and practices in drama production. Noteworthy points from these guidelines include a guaranteed minimum pre-production period of at least nine months, a budget confirmation meeting scheduled 20 days before filming begins, a mandatory one-month break after the broadcast ends, and adherence to a maximum of 52 hours of filming per week.

Upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that both the OTT industry and the drama production sector are undergoing significant transformations. The rise of OTT platforms has revolutionized the way films are distributed, allowing for greater accessibility and diversity in content. South Korea's embrace of OTT platforms, as seen in the Busan International Film Festival, reflects a growing recognition of the power and influence of these platforms in the global film industry.

Similarly, the introduction of the Studio S Drama Production Guidelines by SBS indicates a shift towards more sustainable and employee-friendly practices within the television industry. By ensuring longer pre-production periods and incorporating mandatory breaks, these guidelines prioritize the well-being of cast and crew members, ultimately leading to higher-quality productions.

While the OTT industry and drama production guidelines may seem unrelated at first glance, they both highlight the evolving nature of the entertainment industry and the need for adaptation. The success of OTT platforms and the implementation of guidelines like Studio S demonstrate the industry's responsiveness to changing consumer demands and the importance of maintaining the well-being of those involved in the creative process.

In light of these developments, there are three actionable pieces of advice that can be drawn:

1. Embrace the OTT Revolution: Filmmakers and production companies should recognize the significant impact of OTT platforms on the industry and adapt their distribution strategies accordingly. Investing in OTT-friendly content and exploring partnerships with these platforms can lead to wider reach and increased revenue potential.

2. Prioritize Employee Well-being: The implementation of guidelines, like the Studio S Drama Production Guidelines, should serve as a reminder to all industry players to prioritize the well-being of their cast and crew members. Providing adequate rest periods and adhering to maximum working hours not only improves the quality of productions but also fosters a healthier and more sustainable work environment.

3. Foster Collaboration and Innovation: The success of the French film industry in partnering with Netflix showcases the benefits of collaboration and innovation. By seeking out partnerships and exploring new ways of content creation and distribution, filmmakers and production companies can tap into the full potential of the evolving entertainment landscape.

In conclusion, the Busan International Film Festival and the introduction of the Studio S Drama Production Guidelines highlight the ongoing transformations in the Korean film and television industry. The power of OTT platforms and the importance of employee well-being are common threads that connect these developments. By embracing the OTT revolution, prioritizing employee well-being, and fostering collaboration and innovation, the industry can continue to thrive and adapt to the changing demands of audiences worldwide.