The Future of Film: Big Screen or Stream?

The Future of Film: Big Screen or Stream?

From Open to Debate by Open to Debate

March 13, 2026 · 53 min

About this episode

The episode debates whether the future of film lies in big screen theaters or streaming services.

Where do you watch the latest movie everyone’s talking about—on Netflix at home or in a packed theater? Are theaters the irreplaceable heart of cinema, creating cultural moments and spectacle, or is streaming the future with its convenience and global reach? Two high-level Hollywood insiders, a former president of The Academy versus a film executive, debate in time for the Oscars: The Future of Film: Big Screen or Stream? Arguing "Big Screen": Hawk Koch, Film Producer; Former President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Producers Guild of America Arguing "Stream": Chris Aronson, Former President Of Domestic Theatrical Distribution at Paramount Pictures Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates Join the conversation on Substack—share your perspective on this episode and subscribe to our weekly newsletter for curated insights from our debaters, moderators, and staff. Follow us on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and TikTok to stay connected with our mission and ongoing debates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: John Donvan

Guests: Hawk Koch, Chris Aronson

Topics covered

  • film
  • streaming
  • theaters
  • cinema
  • debate
  • Oscars

Keywords

  • film
  • streaming
  • theater
  • Oscars
  • debate
  • cinema
  • Hawk Koch
  • Chris Aronson

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Producers Guild of America, Paramount Pictures

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