iWorld
From blockbusters to binge-watching: Five screenwriting techniques for the streaming era
Mumbai: The rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime has transformed content consumption, making a vast array of stories accessible anytime, anywhere. This shift has reshaped viewing habits and storytelling approaches, necessitating screenwriters to evolve with the streaming landscape. Today, a successful script merges creativity with adaptability.
Keep abreast of trends-
Screenwriters must understand what’s trending, as streaming services demand diverse content for global audiences. Genres such as rom-coms, biopics, and low-budget thrillers are seeing a resurgence. By recognizing what resonates with viewers, writers can craft scripts that align with market demands. Incorporating surprises, intricate twists, and compelling characters, and ending episodes with cliff hangers are strategies to captivate and retain the audience’s attention.
Embrace constraints-
The abundance of streaming content calls for economically viable productions. Writing stories that are logistically and financially practical, like contained thrillers with limited settings and casts, can be especially appealing. Focusing on character-driven stories within budgetary limits allows for creating impactful narratives that engage viewers.
Adapt to different formats-
Streaming has blurred the lines between cinema and television, creating opportunities for diverse storytelling formats. Screenwriters should explore episodic series and limited-run shows to meet the demand for serialized content. This flexibility allows for deeper character development and more intricate story arcs.
Be dlexible-
Adapting writing styles to current trends is crucial. Screenwriters should be willing to experiment with different genres and tones, much like filmmakers who have successfully shifted from comedies to dramatic projects. Versatility enhances a writer’s appeal to producers and executives, broadening their career opportunities.
Work across genres-
Having a distinct voice is valuable, but so is versatility. If one genre isn’t successful, exploring others that align with current trends can open new opportunities. As audience preferences evolve, screenwriters can find success by adapting to these changes, thereby securing their place in the competitive streaming content landscape.
The streaming era represents a new chapter in storytelling, filled with both challenges and opportunities. For screenwriters, the key to thriving in this dynamic environment lies in adaptability, which not only boosts prospects but also encourages personal growth and creative exploration.
The article has been authoured by SWA co-chair, media sub committee Pawan Sony.
Broadband
ACT Fibernet elevates Aditya Singh to chief customer experience officer
Former senior vp to drive service, retention and delivery revamp
BENGALURU: ACT Fibernet has elevated Aditya Singh to chief customer experience officer, effective 1 January, 2026, as the broadband provider seeks to tighten its grip on service quality in an increasingly competitive market.
Singh, who previously served as senior vice-president – customer experience and loyalty at group level, will now join the executive committee and lead the company’s end-to-end customer transformation agenda.
The move gives him oversight of customer service, customer retention and service delivery, alongside a broader mandate to strengthen network resilience and field operations. The company said the reshuffle underlines its intent to deliver a “consistent, seamless and superior” experience to its 2.3m subscribers across more than 30 cities.
Headquartered in Bengaluru, ACT Fibernet, the consumer-facing brand of Atria Convergence Technologies Limited, is one of India’s largest wired internet service providers. It has built its pitch on high-speed connectivity and responsive customer support, at a time when fibre roll-outs and price wars are redrawing the broadband map.
In a statement, Singh said he was “deeply honoured” to take on the expanded brief and join the executive committee as the company sharpens its focus on simplifying customer touchpoints and turning subscribers into brand advocates.
The elevation signals a clear priority: in a crowded fibre market, customer experience is fast becoming the decisive battleground.
