Presentation for NECS 2024 Conference: "Consumption of Film and Audio-Visual Content in Portugal: audiences' perceptions and preferences concerning the SVOD market"

This presentation intends to present and discuss the results of as the film audiences study, as part of the CresCine project (Horizon Europe). Ultimately, the goal of the project is to help find ways to improve the competitiveness of the film industries of small European countries, to guarantee cultural diversity and sustainable cultural and creative sectors in those countries. Several interviews and media diaries were carried out to assess the current patterns of domestic consumption and audiences' preferences,in tandem with document analysis from official sources (such as ANACOM of the National Institute for Cinema and the Audiovisual). The data collected helps understand post-pandemic trends and offers insight into how the market and audiences are interacting and how the digital changes such as those brought by SVOD platforms and OTT services will play a role in the future of production, distribution, and exhibition.

Therefore, this presentation will first provide context through an overview of the scenario of innovation (in business models concerning film and audio-visual) and the big patterns of consumption of content. This will give a view of both the production/distribution side and its receiving end; especially when it comes to the Portuguese case. Afterwards, the methodology behind the interviews will be explained and results from the Portuguese case will be presented and discussed bearing in mind results from other countries participating in the CresCine project and the Portuguese cultural idiosyncrasies. The conclusion will highlight the way audiences in Portugal are interacting with, and adhering to, SVOD platforms and OTT services and how they are perceiving this change in paradigm.

References:

ANACOM. Relatório Anual, Serviços Over-the-top, Lisbon. 2024.

EAO. Yearbook 2022-23: Key Trends. 2023.

Graça, André Rui. Portuguese Cinema (1960-2010): consumption, circulation and commerce. Londres, United Kingdom: Tamesis Books - Boydell and Brewer. 2021.

Graça, André Rui. "Streaming and other VOD platforms in Portugal: notes on the challenges they face, their importance to audiences, and the opportunities they pose for the Portuguese audio-visual industry". Paper presented in VIII Congresso Internacional de Investigadores do Audiovisual (CIIA), Lisbon. 2021. Olsberg SPI. Development of a Multi-Annual Strategic Plan for Portugal’s Cinema and Audiovisual Industry, Lisbon. 2022.