Netflix Movie Posters Might Be Pandering To You

Summary

The script humorously addresses Netflix's controversy of using racially motivated marketing by altering posters to feature black actors more prominently for black users. It satirically suggests that Netflix's algorithm prioritizes personalized artwork, which influences viewer choices, and presents spoof posters for classic movies reimagined with black leads, poking fun at the situation while highlighting the issue.

Takeaways

• 📺 Netflix is facing criticism for allegedly targeting Black users with movie posters that feature secondary Black cast members more prominently than the main White leads.
• 🎭 The script provides an example of the movie 'Love Actually', which was advertised to a Black user with a poster featuring Chiwetel Ejiofor, despite his minor role.
• 🤔 The humor in the script suggests that Netflix's algorithm for personalized images might be prioritizing race in a way that some users find 'creepy', 'racist', and 'insidious'.
• 😅 Netflix defends itself by stating they don't ask for subscribers' race, but they do use an algorithm for personalized images based on viewers' preferences.
• 🔍 The script humorously points out that Netflix's own research indicates that artwork personalization is a significant factor in viewers' decisions, accounting for 82% of their focus.
• 😏 The script satirically questions the 82% statistic, suggesting that viewers might be more distracted by their phones or snacks than by the artwork.
• 🎉 The script also humorously 'reimagines' classic movies with Black actors in prominent roles, such as 'Casablanca' with Sam, a pianist, and 'Jurassic Park' with Samuel L. Jackson as Ray Arnold.
• 📈 The script implies that Netflix's marketing strategy might be backfiring, as it has drawn attention and criticism for potentially racially motivated advertising.
• 😂 The script ends with a playful jab at itself, suggesting that 'The Late Show' with Stephen Colbert might be advertised with a Black bassist, Louis Cato, in a leading role.
• 👀 The overall tone of the script is critical yet humorous, highlighting the controversy while also poking fun at the situation and the broader implications of algorithmic personalization.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the script about Netflix?

The main issue discussed is that Netflix has been accused of targeting Black users with posters that replace white leads with secondary Black cast members.

What example is given to illustrate Netflix's alleged practice?

The script provides an example of the movie 'Love Actually', which has a predominantly white cast but was advertised to a Black user featuring Chiwetel Ejiofor, who plays a minor role in the film.

How long is Chiwetel Ejiofor's appearance in 'Love Actually' according to the script?

According to the script, Chiwetel Ejiofor appears in 'Love Actually' for only 30 seconds.

What is the comedian's joke about his own brief appearance in 'The Hobbit'?

The comedian jokes that his appearance in 'The Hobbit' is so brief that he is as present in the movie as Chiwetel Ejiofor is in 'Love Actually'.

What other movie poster is mentioned as an example of Netflix's alleged racially-motivated marketing?

The script mentions a poster for the movie 'Like Father' featuring Kristen Bell, which was marketed to a Black user with a graphic that seems to imply the presence of Black characters who are not central to the movie.

What are the reactions of some Black Netflix users to this advertising practice?

Some Black Netflix users are unhappy about this practice, accusing Netflix of being 'creepy', 'racist', and 'insidious'.

What does Netflix say about these accusations in the script?

Netflix insists that this is not the case because they don't ask for subscribers' race, but they admit to having a new algorithm to serve up personalized images.

What does the script suggest about the influence of artwork on viewers' decisions?

The script suggests that artwork personalization is a significant factor influencing viewers' decisions on what to watch, constituting 82% of their focus according to Netflix's own research.

How does the comedian humorously describe the typical viewer's focus while on Netflix?

The comedian humorously describes the typical viewer's focus as being divided among their phone, a plate of nachos, and the challenge of reaching for a drink without disturbing the nachos.

What are some of the fictional, racially-motivated Netflix posters satirized in the script?

The script satirizes fictional posters for 'Casablanca' featuring Sam, a pianist in Morocco, 'Jurassic Park' starring Samuel L. Jackson as Ray Arnold, the chief engineer, and 'Seinfeld' featuring Renee, an editor at Pendant Publishing.