Whether or not big broadcast television is dying out is uncertain. What we DO know for sure is that the internet has changed the way we consume media. The “newspapers are dead! it’s all about the interwebs” day came and went, and now TV & Film studios are at a major crossroads. The entertainment industry has been shaken up by Online Streaming since digital networks busted through the front gates boasting A-List talent, hefty budgets, and innovative distribution methods (they are responding to the publics demands for immediacy!). Now that we have somewhere to go for all-you-can-watch selections for a reasonable monthly price, broadcast networks are having to shift their strategies to keep up with the innovative style of the new heroes in town. By ‘heroes’ we mean digital streaming networks like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Crackle.

Traditional linear networks like NBC, CBS, and ABC (to name a few) may not necessarily die off and become irrelevant, but there is evidence that people are slowly transitioning away. A recent report shows that the 13 largest pay-TV providers — a group that includes companies like Time Warner, Comcast and DirecTV — lost about 150,000 video subscribers in the most recent quarter, compared to just 25,000 in the same period last year. Not drastic, but steeply gradual – which only leaves us to believe broadcast TV will continue experiencing major changes in the coming years. Yes, it’s largely the internet’s fault. These networks may have been controlling the market since the beginning, but the rapid success of Netflix & Amazon Prime original series promises a beneficial shift in distribution, and fortuitously, in acting opportunities. This is one of those “The more, the merrier!” cases.

If you watch shows like Orange is the New Black, House of Cards, Transparent, Sequestered, Alpha House, Hemlock Grove, or even BoJack Horseman – congratulations! You are part of the revolution! As if this situation weren’t already scary for major television networks, these shows have made huge sweeps at awards shows. For the Primetime Emmys, Golden Globes, SAG and AFI Awards, Netflix & Amazon Prime walked away with big wins for their hugely popular shows, Orange Is The New Black, House of Cards, and Transparent. We know that public success allows for more trust and investment in the online distribution model, but let’s shift gears and look at what happens to actors. ‘Orange’ actress Uzo Aduba is a glowing example of what happens when unknown talent debuts on a digital network pilot, which, in Netflix’s case, ended up being their most popular show. The show gains viral success, it gets renewed for another 2 seasons, and these ‘unknowns’ are winning awards left and right for their work. Suddenly they’re on everyone’s radar, being headhunted for new productions, and just like that – their career takes off full-speed. It happened for Aduba, and it’s happening to digital network stars all across the board. More opportunities. New faces. That’s the key.

It’s not just the well-known networks, either. Digital network Fullscreen, Inc. (a YouTube client that manages popular YouTube channels) has taken their platform a step further to produce original shows for online distribution. Hannah Hart, the face of self-produced YouTube series My Drunk Kitchen and famous YouTube vlogger Grace Helbig have been commissioned by Fullscreen and Legendary Digital Media to revive the classic 1970s children’s TV series Electra Woman and Dyna Girl. And yes – it will be distributed digitally. Additionally, online streaming hub VIMEO announced a $10 million grant to boost original content, and took sleeper-hit web series High Maintenance on as its first original series. The money, the time, and the attention is shifting to the web – and at this point, Hollywood is either on the train or in front of it.

What we can take away from this shift in distribution and media consumption is that it creates more opportunities for industry creatives to tell their stories with fewer constraints, as well as for actors who are feeling worn down by the rat race and seeking different opportunities. This huge of a metamorphosis waits for no one.

Also! In case you missed it, NBC is partnering with famed improv school The Second City to scout talent – so if you’re thinking of taking up a new acting class with SC, now would be a great time.