LOS ANGELES — When streaming platforms entered the watching arena, it allowed for more filmmakers to get their projects in front of an audience. Research shows 99% of all U.S. households are paying for at least one or more streaming services, according to a recent poll by Forbes and OnePoll. However, now that platforms have the data to understand what their audience wants to see, the industry is again seeing a shift with a refocus on the types of stories getting green-lit. 

With films like “Past Lives,” nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars and others in the category being seen as different, some believe it showcases the shift in audiences seeking authentic stories. According to the latest FX studio count of the number of original scripted series shows, there was a 14% drop in the number of shows created in 2023 compared to 2022, making it the biggest drop in the past decade. Filmmaker Karla Legaspy believes the drop results from the recent industry-wide strikes. As a Grantee of the Center for Cultural Power’s Border Narratives Project, she has hopes diverse stories will continue to be picked up going forward. She points to the need for those projects getting green-lit to receive the financial backing that has also been difficult to secure.

Legaspy remains optimistic that despite the changing landscape, more diverse stories will continue to highlight what makes the human experience universal and connect communities.