The Cultural Algorithm

25-35% of consumers watch international content.When the summer box office hinted the movie business was returning to pre-pandemic normal, the WGA and SAG/AFTRA strikes halted productions , and studios once again needed a source of new content. Although some titles were completed, the strikes meant that until the parties reached an agreement, no union members were available to promote films or series. As has been reported at this year's Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), deals aren't happening because all sales must conform to the final negotiated settlements, and studios are reluctant to spend money on deals until the terms are known.

In early 2020, the COVID pandemic forced studios to rethink how and when to release major motion pictures. The pandemic cut available theaters and release times by more than half, and the industry and revenues worldwide suffered significantly. With the public no longer able to watch films in person, a new strategy for releasing theatrical films was necessary, and the "Cross-Platform Release" strategy was born.

Some of their reasons may surprise you!If you're older than a Millennial, there's a good chance you've rarely watched TV with subtitles onscreen. When you did, it was probably sitting with someone hearing impaired or watching a foreign language film.

Experience Spherex AI September 15-18Over the last two years, Spherex AI has been recognized by some of the Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry's top organizations and publications for AI leadership and technical excellence. This ground-breaking product automates reviewing titles for content compliance at a territory level. It identifies objectionable content based on local regulations and cultural sensitivities, from inappropriate language to nudity, violence, and more.

Consumers prefer to watch content that reflects their lives and culture.In a world with thousands of cultures and languages, research shows audiences want diverse stories. Companies that provide those stories make more money. Do titles released in 2023 reflect audience preferences and expectations? Let’s see.

One of the most anticipated releases this summer is director Greta Gerwig's "Barbie," starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. Billed as a movie to see whether you love or hate Barbie, it brings to life the doll first introduced in 1959. Censors in Vietnam and possibly the Philippines have decided to ban its release not because of the action, characters, or dialogue but for including a map both countries say violates their sovereignty.

In a 2022 government survey of 2,000 Australians, the Australian Classification Board (ACB) learned that consumers wanted more up-to-date classification information reflecting community standards and "specific warnings that content could be distressing to some people." Examples included scenes with "bullying, suicide or self-harm, as well as disturbing content related to horror, or blood and gore." Responding to the feedback, the ACB announced on 25 May 2023 that it would significantly expand consumer advice on all rated movies. The additional advice does not apply to TV shows or games.

The best way to learn about other countries and cultures is to experience them. On 16-18 May 2023, Spherex attended CabSat in the Emirate of Dubai, a regional trade show similar in focus and content to the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show in the U.S. At CabSat, two things stood out among the technologies and topics discussed: the region's market size and its resolve to produce local film and television content.

The 19th Annual ITVT Awards for Leadership, recognizing the most innovative and disruptive organizations in interactive and multiplatform television, awarded Spherex as the Most Innovative Technology – Content.