BPS 287: Screenwriting for Netflix's Algorithm with Stephen Follows

BPS 287: Screenwriting for Netflix's Algorithm with Stephen Follows

Author: Bulletproof Screenwriting April 5, 2023 Duration: 56:36
This episode might give you a better understanding of How To Sell A Movie To Netflix?

In this age of streaming platforms, knowing your distribution route and your audience's comfortable viewing habits as filmmakers is crucial. Today on the show returning champion and film industry data analyst ninja Stephen Follows, breakdowns the build-up process and goal of his newly-launched data analysis platform, VOD Clickstream. The first phase of Stephen's VOD Clickstream is an independent research of Netflix streaming history between 2016-2019 of two-thirds billion data points that reveal what folks have been watching on Netflix. The research provides insights into the streaming sector by anonymizing browsers and users' history through a plugin to analyze clickstream data from Netflix.

Being an entrepreneur himself, he explores, through this project, the future of VOD Clickstream's impact on independent filmmaking and creates a feedback loop with the audience to gauge films and television show performances.Stephen and I discuss the interlink between the upswing of film and television content, the growth of streaming platforms, and the challenges this situation poses for indie films to succeed on these platforms.

Enjoy my conversation with Stephen Follows.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support.

Ever find yourself staring at a blank page, wondering how the stories you love actually got made? Bulletproof Screenwriting™ Podcast digs into that process with the people who live it. Each week, we sit down for honest, detailed conversations that pull back the curtain on the craft and business of telling stories for the screen. You’ll hear from Oscar® and Emmy® award-winning writers, not just about their triumphs, but about the drafts that failed and the specific problems they had to solve. We also talk with best-selling authors who have adapted their work, seasoned Hollywood agents and managers who know what sells, and various industry insiders who provide a clear-eyed view of how things really work. This isn't about abstract theory or motivational fluff. It's a practical resource built on real experience, covering every aspect of the screenwriting process from that initial spark of an idea to navigating the complexities of the marketplace. The goal is straightforward: to provide you with actionable insights and straight talk that can strengthen your work and clarify your path forward. Whether you're just starting out or have a few scripts under your belt, this podcast offers a grounded perspective on the journey, one concrete discussion at a time. Tune in for a dose of reality and craft from those who have been in the trenches and emerged with stories to tell.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 500

Bulletproof Screenwriting™ Podcast
Podcast Episodes
BPS 137: The Art & Craft of the Romantic Comedy with Charles Shyer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:05
We have on today, one of the best rom-com and comedy writers and filmmakers of all time a master at visual storytelling. I've been a fan of many of his films growing up, specifically, Father of The Bride. Now that I have…
BPS 136: Horror Screenwriting - The Nature of Fear with Devin Watson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:46
I was glad to take a deep dive into the deep end of horror screenwriting with writer and producer, Devin Watson, notably known for writing and producing The Cursed (2010) which was the first draft he wrote in only two da…
BPS 135: The Way of Story with Catherine Ann Jones [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:17
We have award-winning author, playwright, actor, teacher, and writing consultant, Catherine Ann Jones on the show today. She’s authored a number of consciousness-raising books, plays, film, and television scripts, includ…
BPS 134: Psychology for Screenwriters with William Indick [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:40
I’m taking a journey down the rabbit hole of screenwriting psychoanalysis with Professor William Indick, who is a psychology professor at William Paterson University in New Jersey, professor of psychology executive chair…
BSP 132: The Screenwriter's Workout with Will Hicks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:47:10
I had a fun chat with our guest today. We hit it off pre-interviewing, geeking out about James Cameron and his latest masterclass, and so much more. On the show this today is Will Hicks who is head of Screenwriting and p…
BSP 128: Blood, Bullets, Screenwriting and Octane with Joe Carnahan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:37:20
It's been a hell of a year so far. I've been blessed to have had the honor of speaking to some amazing screenwriters and man today's guest is high on that list. On the show, we have writer/director Joe Carnahan. Joe dire…