Walking into the last Blockbuster store in Bend, Oregon, felt like stepping back in time.

The familiar rows of DVDs, the bright yellow and blue signage, the smell of buttery popcorn—it was all there. For a moment, I was transported to a different era, when Friday nights meant picking out the perfect movie with friends or family. But as I looked around, I couldn’t shake a thought: this place, once a cultural icon, is now a relic of what happens when you don’t adapt.

Blockbuster didn’t just fade away—it was left behind. For decades, it was the king of movie rentals. If you’re over 30, you probably remember the excitement of wandering its aisles. If you’re younger, maybe you’ve only heard of it as a cautionary tale. Either way, its story holds a powerful lesson for anyone in the business of storytelling: if you don’t adapt, you’ll lose relevance.

The Rise and Fall of Blockbuster

At its peak, Blockbuster had over 9,000 stores worldwide. It wasn’t just a video rental chain—it was the place to go for movie nights. But while Blockbuster was thriving, a small company called Netflix was quietly mailing DVDs to customers.

In 2000, Netflix approached Blockbuster with an offer to sell their company for $50 million. Blockbuster laughed at the idea. Why would they buy a startup when their stores were everywhere?

Fast forward a few years: Netflix embraced streaming, disrupted the entertainment industry, and became a content powerhouse with hits like Stranger Things and The Crown. Today, Netflix is worth over $200 billion, while Blockbuster has been reduced to a single store—a nostalgic curiosity in Bend, Oregon.

The Blockbuster vs. Netflix Lesson for Storytellers

The story of Blockbuster vs. Netflix isn’t just about business—it’s about what happens when you fail to adapt. As storytellers, we face similar challenges. The way audiences consume stories has changed dramatically, and the platforms they use to engage are evolving faster than ever.

If you’re clinging to outdated methods, you risk becoming irrelevant. But if you’re willing to adapt and innovate, you can thrive—just like Netflix.

1. Adaptability is Everything: Are You Stuck in the Past?

Netflix didn’t wait for the world to demand streaming—they created the future. They saw where technology and audience behavior were heading and acted early.

For storytellers, adaptability isn’t just about technology. It’s about staying ahead of trends, exploring new platforms, and evolving how you tell stories.

Ask Yourself:

• Are you avoiding TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts because they feel unfamiliar?
• Are you sticking to rigid storytelling structures instead of experimenting with unscripted formats?

Take Action: Challenge yourself to try something new. Use a platform or tool you’ve been avoiding and see how it changes the way you tell stories.

2. Authenticity is the Future: Let Audiences See the Real You

Audiences today crave authenticity. They don’t want overly polished, scripted content—they want stories that feel raw and relatable. That’s why unscripted storytelling is thriving. Shows like The Great British Bake Off and Queer Eye succeed because they capture genuine moments and emotions.

For younger creators, authenticity might feel like second nature. But for those of us who started in a more polished, scripted world, letting go of perfection can feel uncomfortable. The good news? Audiences don’t want you to be perfect—they just want you to be real.

Ask Yourself: How can you make your storytelling more authentic? Can you experiment with candid interviews or behind-the-scenes moments?

Take Action: Pick one unscripted element to add to your next project. It could be as simple as filming a candid moment or sharing a raw story with your audience.

3. Innovation is Your Edge: What’s Your Bold Move?

Netflix didn’t stop at streaming—they took creative risks with original programming. Innovation is what keeps them ahead, and it’s what will keep you ahead too.

For storytellers, innovation might mean experimenting with AI tools, creating short-form content, or finding new ways to engage your audience.

Ask Yourself: What’s one bold storytelling risk you’ve been afraid to take? How can you use new tools or techniques to elevate your work?

Take Action: Try a new tool or technique this week. Whether it’s using AI for editing or diving into a new format like vertical video, innovation starts with small steps.

Are You a Blockbuster or a Netflix?

Here’s the big question: Are you stuck in a Blockbuster mindset, holding onto what worked in the past? Or are you a Netflix, constantly adapting, innovating, and connecting with today’s audiences?

The good news is, you have the power to choose. It starts with small pivots—letting go of outdated practices, embracing unscripted moments, and experimenting with new platforms.

Your Next Step

Before you move on to your next project, challenge yourself to make one Netflix move.

• Create a short unscripted video.
• Capture a candid interview or behind-the-scenes clip.
• Experiment with a format or platform you’ve been avoiding.

The future of storytelling belongs to creators who adapt, innovate, and connect authentically. Don’t be the next Blockbuster. Be the Netflix of your niche.

If you’re ready to level up your storytelling, I invite you to join my free workshop, Secrets to Making Unscripted Videos at: paulstevenforrest.com where I share actionable insights and techniques to help you craft stories that resonate.

Or take the next step with my Master Course, Start With Story. End With Wow!, designed to guide you through creating unscripted stories that captivate and engage.