SXSW Panel Deep-Dives Into the Challenges of Streaming

As part of the 2022 South by Southwest Conference and Festival, which took place from March 11–20, SAG-AFTRA hosted the Streaming and the Changing Business Model panel on March 12. Joining SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, who served as moderator, were SAG-AFTRA Chief Contracts Officer Ray Rodriguez, actor Ginnifer Goodwin and producer Michelle Lang.

The panel reflected on the ways the industry continues to change due to the proliferation of streaming sites.

Although streaming has led to more work opportunitiesfor performers, Goodwin noted that they are facing new challenges, including a worry of their work not being seen by wider audiences.

“What I find is that it’s a lot harder to wade through projects to determine what is going to be worth doing,” said Goodwin. “There is so much content ... and everything feels a bit riskier in terms of, ‘Is this something that will even ever be seen?’”

Panelists also explored how same-day film releases on streaming services are shifting away from the more familiar theatrical-release model and the role algorithms play in determining what content viewers see. The panel concluded with a Q&A.

Photo: From left, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, actor Ginnifer Goodwin, producer Michelle Lang and SAG-AFTRA Chief Contracts Officer Ray Rodriguez at the SXSW Conference and Festival on March 12.

This item was originally featured in the SAG-AFTRA magazine spring 2022 issue.