Netflix Intro to Business Case Study | Reader’s Theater Format | Econ 101

This Netflix Intro to Business Case Study in Reader’s Theater format will challenge your business, marketing, or entrepreneurship class to analyze Netflix’s ascent from a scrappy DVD rental startup to a global streaming juggernaut. Tired of dry textbooks? This dynamic approach engages high school students while making clear the economics and business concepts that impacted Netflix’s real-world saga. Follow Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph as they battle Blockbuster, pivot to streaming, and drop game-changers like House of Cards. Spanning 10 acts, the script highlights pivotal moments—from a $2 million gamble in 1997 to a $100 billion empire by 2018. (see script summary below).

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What's included?

1) Teacher's Guide & Answer Key

• Standards Alignment (CCSS, NCSS, NCSEE, NCHS, CEE)
• Teacher Tips for use as RT
• Answer Keys for all worksheet sections
• Themes & Discussion Question Prompts
• Format: MSWORD DOC (9 pages)

2) Readers Theater Script

• ~9 Characters, 2400 words,
• Format: Google Doc (10 pages) (Can be downloaded to PDF, etc)

3) Script Worksheet

• 10 Vocabulary Words
• 10 Short-Answer Questions: Comprehension and recall questions based solely on the script.
• 3 Primary Source Exploration: Students must connect concepts in the script with outside sources (links to primary source text provided).
• Fact vs. Fiction: Identifying whether script details are fact or fictional narrative elements within the script.
• 10 Business Concepts in the Case Study: 10 Questions that explore how the story demonstrates key business concepts and application of them in students' lives.
• Format: Google Slides (32 Slides) (Can be downloaded to PDF, etc)

Teaching Tips for Using the Script:

• For More Students: Main character can be read by multiple students.
• For Less Students: Minor characters can be read by just one student.
• This script should take about ~25 minutes and depending on your classroom's level it may be suitable for other grade levels.
• An extra ~25 minutes for prep, discussion, vocabulary or short answer comprehension questions should also be planned.
• The included primary source exploration and business concept questions can be assigned for homework.

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Script Summary:

(Note: Each act covers an important business/entrepreneurship concept)

Act 1: Scarcity and Choice

In 1997 Santa Cruz, Reed Hastings picks DVDs over grad school with $2 million; in 2007, he chooses streaming over DVDs—both show resource trade-offs shaping Netflix’s path.

Act 2: Supply and Demand

In 1998 Scotts Valley, DVD demand spikes but supply lags; by 2020, streaming surges in lockdowns—Netflix scales supply to meet global cravings.

Act 3: Entrepreneurial Mindset

Reed’s 1997 no-late-fee vision defies Blockbuster; in 2007, he pushes streaming despite doubts—grit drives Netflix’s rise.

Act 4: Business Idea Generation

In 1997, Reed’s late fee frustration sparks mail-order rentals; in 2009, streaming emerges as cable fades—bold ideas fuel Netflix’s leaps.

Act 5: Market Research

In 1997, Reed studies Blockbuster’s customer woes; in 2007, streaming tests prove demand—data shapes Netflix’s wins.

Act 6: Business Planning

In 1998, Reed plans DVD logistics for speed; in 2013, House of Cards targets 75 million subs—plans turn vision into reality.

Act 7: Marketing and Sales

In 2007, “Watch Instantly” hooks tech fans; in 2016, Stranger Things sells to teens—hype drives Netflix’s growth.

Act 8: Financial Management

In 1998, Reed stretches $2 million; in 2014, billions in debt fund content—cash mastery builds an empire.

Act 9: Macroeconomic Concepts

In 2008, recession boosts cheap streaming; in 2016, global expansion faces currency hurdles—macro forces test Netflix.

Act 10: Personal Finance

In 1997, Reed risks $2 million; by 2018, stock soars to $100 billion—personal bets pay off huge.