Asynchronous Watch Alongs
Keywords:
Film commentary, film distribution, paratext, reaction video, Watch-Along, we-experience.Abstract
This article explores an emerging form of film consumption in which viewers watch a film alongside synchronised footage of viewers watching the same film. It uses Julian Hanich’s work to argue “asynchronous watch alongs” provide socially beneficial “we-experiences” for film audiences. As its popularity and profitability increases, however, it may soon become subject to jurisdictional conflicts with film distributors seeking to curtail, control, or capitalise upon it. This article therefore aims to help safeguard the social benefits of asynchronous watch alongs by showing how content creators are coding the practice through legally “safe” nomenclature like watch alongs, reactions, and commentaries.
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FILMOGRAPHY
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Vogue (David Fincher, 1990).
Xtro (Harry Bromley Davenport, 1982).
