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Netflix Pushes Action Scenes Early to Grab Phone-Distracted Viewers

Matt Damon reveals that Netflix encourages filmmakers to place major action sequences early in a film's runtime to retain the attention of at-home viewers who may be distracted. He explained this includes reiterating the plot multiple times in dialogue, acknowledging that viewers are often on their phones. Ben Affleck countered by pointing to the critically acclaimed series "Adolescence," which succeeded without following this formula. The duo's new film, "The Rip," is also pioneering a new profit-sharing model that could bonus cast and crew based on the film's streaming performance.

Key Points: Netflix's New Action Movie Formula: Matt Damon Explains

  • Action scenes moved to film's start
  • Plot repeated for distracted viewers
  • New bonus pay model for hits
  • Challenge to traditional 3-act structure
  • "Adolescence" cited as counter-example
3 min read

"Netflix wants to push action set pieces toward front of runtime": Matt Damon on making of 'The Rip'

Matt Damon & Ben Affleck reveal Netflix wants action scenes upfront and repeated plot points for viewers on their phones while watching at home.

"Can we get a big one in the first five minutes? We want people to stay. - Matt Damon"

Washington DC, January 18

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, who were recently seen in the Netflix film 'The Rip', shared their thoughts on how the streaming platform is changing the way action movies are filmed, Variety reported.

The actor duo recently appeared on the 'Joe Rogan Experience' to promote their new Netflix film 'The Rip'.

According to the outlet, during the podcast, Damon pointed out that because viewers give a "very different level of attention" to a movie at home versus in a theatre, Netflix wants to push the action set pieces toward the front of the runtime. He also said there are behind-the-scenes discussions about reiterating "the plot three or four times in the dialogue" to account for people being on their phones.

"The standard way to make an action movie that we learned was, you usually have three set pieces. One in the first act, one in the second, one in the third," Damon explained.

"You spend most of your money on that one in the third act. That's your finale. And now they're like, 'Can we get a big one in the first five minutes? We want people to stay. And it wouldn't be terrible if you reiterated the plot three or four times in the dialogue because people are on their phones while they're watching,'" added Damon as quoted by Variety.

Affleck then cut in, adding that the streamer formula for successful content isn't the only way. He used Netflix's recent limited series hit "Adolescence" as a shining example.

"But then you look at 'Adolescence,' and it didn't do any of that, and it's great. And it's dark too. It's tragic and intense. [It's about] this guy who finds out his kid is accused of murder. There are long shots of the back of their heads. They get in the car, nobody says anything," added Ben Affleck as quoted by Variety.

Meanwhile, according to Variety, actors Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have worked with Netflix on a special agreement that could give 'bonuses' to all cast and crew members if the film performs well on the platform.

The move is being seen as a big step, as streaming films usually pay workers a fixed amount and do not offer extra money even if a film becomes a hit. With The Rip, that system might just change.

The Rip follows the story of two Miami cops who find hidden money. The new pay model is being closely watched, as it could influence how streaming platforms treat film workers in the future.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Respectfully, I disagree with this approach. It feels like they're dumbing down cinema. A great film builds tension and character. If you need to repeat the plot 4 times, maybe the writing is the problem, not the audience's attention span. We're not children.
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Aditya G
The new pay model is the real news here! 🎬 If streaming platforms start sharing success bonuses with the crew, it could be a game-changer for the industry worldwide, including in India. Our technicians and supporting artists work so hard and deserve a share of the pie.
S
Sarah B
Affleck makes a good point with 'Adolescence'. Not everything needs to be fast-paced. Sometimes the slow burn, the silence, is what makes a story powerful. I hope this formula doesn't become the only template. We need variety.
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Karthik V
As an aspiring filmmaker, this is fascinating but also a bit sad. The art of pacing is being sacrificed for algorithms and viewer retention metrics. But then again, if that's what gets a film greenlit and seen by millions, maybe it's a necessary compromise? Tough one.
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Nisha Z
Honestly, I appreciate when a plot is reiterated. My family is always talking during movies at home! 😂 Someone misses a key line and then asks "Arre, yeh kyun hua?" So from an Indian household perspective, maybe it's not such a bad idea haha.

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