Vocabulary:
- outdo [out-DOO]
- subscriber [suh-b-SKRAHY-ber]
- stockholder [STOK-hohl-der]
- instigate [IN-sti-geyt]
- bank on [BANGK on]
(verb) – to do something better than
The new candidate outdid last year’s Olympic champion.
(noun) – someone who uses a product or service
Berryson’s subscribers were disappointed with the company’s new policy.
(noun) – a person who owns shares in a company
E. Ville Corp’s stockholders had sold their shares when the company expanded
(verb) – to cause a situation by making a set of actions
Yesterday’s protest was instigated by the declaration of war.
(phrasal verb) – to depend or rely on
You cannot bank on the police to take responsibility for the tragedy.
Netflix has outdone its past records in terms of target and expectation this quarter. Having earned over 8.3 million subscribers globally, the streaming company witnessed its “highest quarter in [its] history.” Netflix beat Wall Street’s estimation of 5.05 million by reaching 6.36 million in international customer growth. With $3.28 billion in revenue, Netflix slightly exceeded Wall Street revenue expectations. Stockholders enjoyed a 7% increase in stock value as a result.
These gains are despite Netflix’s decision to increase its cost of subscription. In a letter to its stockholders, Netflix claims its original content instigated its success. Examples of such content are big hits like Stranger Things, 13 Reasons Why, and Daredevil. The streaming giant also recognized its marketing strategies for contributing to its success. Netflix plans to bank on marketing further by upping its budget from $1.3 billion to around $2 billion.
True or False:
- Netflix surpassed Wall Street’s expected 6.36 million in international customer growth.
- Netflix earned $3.28 billion in revenue this quarter.
- The streaming giant decided on reducing subscription prices.
- Original titles played a part in the company’s success.
- Netflix plans to lower its budget for marketing.
Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think do people enjoy watching movies and TV shows?
- What are the advantages of subscribing to Netflix?
- How would you convince people to watch an excellent but unpopular movie?
- Is the cinema a necessity in life? Cite your reasons.
- Would you rather have a lifetime subscription to Netflix or an unlimited pass to any movie theater?
Discuss.
Express Your Opinion:
- “Cinema is the most beautiful fraud in the world.” – Jean-Luc Godard
- Reading a book is better than watching a movie.
- “If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there’d be peace.” – John Lennon