Streaming is creating a boom in horror flicks. Topics include Apple's new M3 SoC and MacBook pricing, an international counter-ransomware initiative, paying ransom to hackers, and the popularity of horror movies.
Streaming platforms find horror movies financially lucrative due to their low production costs and dedicated fan base.
The International Counter-Ransomware Initiative, led by the United States, aims to eliminate ransom payments to cyber criminals and disrupt their funding mechanism.
Deep dives
Horror Movies: A Cost-Effective Genre
Horror movies are popular among film producers and streaming platforms due to their cost-effectiveness. These movies can be made on a smaller budget, making them a lucrative option for streaming services. Additionally, horror movies often have dedicated fan bases who watch them for the genre itself, rather than relying on big-name stars. With lower production costs and a dedicated audience, horror movies offer a favorable investment for studios.
International Effort to Stop Cyber Crime Ransoms
The United States is leading a 40-country alliance called the International Counter-Ransomware Initiative, which aims to eliminate ransom payments to cyber criminals. The alliance will promote information sharing platforms and blacklists of digital wallets used for ransomware payments. The goal is to disrupt the funding mechanism for hackers. Given that the United States has been hit hardest by such attacks, this initiative is seen as a significant step in combating cyber crime.
Advantages and Success of Horror Movies
Horror movies have several advantages that contribute to their success. They are often cheaper to produce compared to other genres, making them attractive to streaming platforms. Their dedicated fan base ensures a consistent viewership, regardless of the presence of big-name stars. Additionally, horror movies encompass a wide range of subgenres, catering to various preferences, such as psychological horror, jump scares, and comedy horror. The availability of horror movies on specialized streaming services further meets the demands of horror enthusiasts.
Changes in Spotify's Royalty Model
Spotify recently announced changes to its royalty model, intending to reward more established artists and filter out less popular content. However, this move has caused controversy and dissatisfaction among affected artists. Spotify's aim to prioritize popular artists may disproportionately affect emerging musicians striving to gain exposure. The company's intentions to improve the discoverability of music on its platform have raised concerns about the potential impact on artists who fall outside the established category.
Charlotte Henry helps us understand how streaming is creating a boom in horror flicks. Plus Apple announced its new M3 SoC and new pricing on its MacBook's. And an Alliance of countries have banded together to say no to paying ransom to cyber-criminals.
Starring Sarah Lane, Robb Dunewood, Charlotte Henry, Roger Chang, Joe.