BEYOND THE RED CARPET: WHAT TUDUM SAYS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF ENTERTAINMENT STORYTELLING

There are assignments that change you, and then there are experiences that remind you exactly why you do what you do. My trip to Netflix's "Tudum" global fan event was both.

- MJ MARFORI

As someone who has spent over 15 years in entertainment journalism—interviewing stars, chasing exclusives and living in the adrenaline rush of media deadlines—I thought I had seen it all. But "Tudum," held in the heartbeat of Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, shattered my expectations and reshaped yet again the way I see entertainment marketing and storytelling in the age of streaming and digital culture.

It wasn't just an event. It was a movement.

Netflix, being the global streaming powerhouse that it is, could easily mount the biggest fan event or should we call it the "MET GALA" of fandom anywhere in the world.

A few years back, it was in Brazil even, but they were very particular about holding it in the center of it all in Hollywood. A great homage, too, to redirect focus on such a setting, where we all are slowly moving on from but still should not forget when it comes to entertainment settings.

Walking into the "Tudum" venue felt like stepping into the future of global entertainment events. Netflix had created a massive, immersive playground for fans and media like us alike. The sheer scale of the production was overwhelming—towering LED screens, interactive fan zones, life-sized sets from hit series and the palpable energy of creators, talent and fans from all over the world.