To say that streaming platforms are a huge hit is an understatement. The pandemic-stricken millions have been keeping to these sites like ants.

It helps that most of these sites offer a ton of choices, from vintage cinema to soft porn and many others in between.

Suffice it to say that at this moment, it looks like they’re here to stay. So is it a boon or bane to the movie industry in general?

Well, yes and no, said multi-awarded writer-film director-actor Jose “Joey” Javier Reyes.

He told us in an interview, “How I wish I could say na streaming is the ultimate solution, but it is not. Kung titingnan mo ang streaming, may mga problema rin ito, marami. For one, as a business, it is fairly new, hindi pa pulido. But it's a good option. Ang mga producers sumusubok dito kasi aminin natin, sa ngayon, hindi pa tayo puwedeng mag all-out sa mga sinehan. Talo ka eh. People are still afraid to go out given the present crisis.”

Joey has a few films that are set for release on streaming sites.

He said, “I’m eager to explore streaming kasi, for now, andun tayo eh. And I think as a creative, importante na matutunan mo ang dynamics ng platform. Hindi lang sa paglikha, sa kung anong uri ng pelikula ang maari mong ipalabas doon, kung hindi sa pagbenta din nito.”

“Ako, personally, I feel na tamang-tama ang pagpasok ng Vivamax sa industriya. It’s a nice opportunity for creatives like me. It gave us an opportunity to do films, stories, which we cannot share otherwise in other platforms. It’s exciting. I’m excited.”

Then again, Joey is still hoping that traditional cinema would return in a big way.

“Iba pa rin ang sinehan, ‘yung experience,” he maintained.

As to what he thinks the government can do in reviving the industry, he shared, “One of the solutions is ‘yung tax holiday. Ang pag-alis ng amusement tax. Sana magkaroon ng himala na alisin or at least bawasan ang amusement tax.”