Cinema pela tela de um smartphone

: as motivações e as transformações na experiência dos espectadores portugueses e brasileiros que assistem a filmes pelo celular

Abstract

Advances in technology have changed the way we consume entertainment and the covid-19 pandemic in 2020 has accelerated trends that would have taken years to catch up with in this sector. The cinema, in turn, has started to share space with new ways of watching movies - and in this current scenario, the smartphone has gained more and more protagonism, as the device has become an extension of everyday life. This research investigates the motivations of smartphone users in Portugal and Brazil who watch movies on their mobile devices and how this choice transforms the cinematic experience. In order to achieve the set objectives, we used a bibliographical survey, a questionnaire applied to 412 participants aged between 18 and 38 and semi-structured interviews with film professionals from both countries. The choice of these nationalities was based on a non-comparative interest in analyzing changes in cinema consumption behavior in light of the growth of digital platforms and the use of smartphones, as well as the lack of empirical research on the subject. The study revealed that accessibility, convenience and mobility are the main motivations that lead users to choose their cell phones as the device for watching movies. Nowadays, viewers can optimize their time by watching films during breaks in their routine – anytime, anywhere. As a result, consumption is more individualized, personalized and controlled. On the other hand, it was found that the smartphone triggers a lack of concentration to follow a movie from start to finish, thus reducing the connection with the story. Therefore, the use of cell phones promotes fragmented attention, reflecting the typical behavior of our daily lives. The results of the survey indicate that Portuguese and Brazilians often get distracted while using their mobile devices, mainly due to notifications from their phones.

Date of Award	21 Jan 2025
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Carla Ganito (Supervisor)