Inclusivity in the Streaming Era: A Study of LGBTIQ+ Production on OTT Platforms in Spain

Abstract

This research presents a quantitative analysis of LGTBIQ+ production on streaming platforms operating in Spain, with a particular emphasis on national productions. The study is based on a sample of 1,490 fictional works, distributed on ten video on demand services, which were analyzed in terms of their production models, the agents involved, the fictional genres, the typology of formats and the LGTBIQ+ classification in the catalogs offered. The sample included feature films, short films, series, documentary series, documentaries, and animations. The main objective is to construct a comprehensive map of the industry's productions and trends. This study demonstrates that the majority of national productions are characterized by the association between several production companies, which serve to consolidate them as the most prominent agent. Furthermore, it reveals that feature films and drama are the most prevalent genres. Within the context of LGTBIQ+ representation, narratives centered on male homosexuality receive greater support, complemented by secondary representations. This is in response to the different strategies of normalization of diversity employed on the platforms in question. It is noteworthy that, due to the nature of their catalogues, Spanish operators such as Filmin and FlixOlé tend to host a higher volume of national productions, in contrast to others where international offerings prevail. These findings reinforce the significance of streaming as a platform for the distribution of audiovisual content with LGTBIQ+ themes, reinforcing its role in the promotion of inclusive narratives. This research contributes to the understanding of the industrial and creative dynamics involved in the production of LGTBIQ+ fiction within the Spanish context.