The Decentralization Waltz

The business of motion pictures, after a hundred years of illustrious history, is on the verge of a profound transformation. As both an ardent fan and a student of the movies, I find myself with mixed emotions about this shift. On one hand, I shall miss the now eroding image of Hollywood, a beacon of cinematic artistry and glamour. Future generations will become more aware of the legacy surrounding the movies. Hollywood’s iconic status, once synonymous with the magic of storytelling, is fading into a relic of its former self.

Technology, ill-timed strikes and now horrible fires is pushing the business of the moving images in a totally new direction.

During my stint in Los Angeles, I witnessed Hollywood's explosion, particularly with the rise of home video. It was a time of unparalleled creativity and economic boom, where the glitz and glamour of the silver screen captivated audiences worldwide. In the 1940’s newsreels showed the streets of Hollywood buzzing with the energy of aspiring actors, producers, and directors, all contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the movie industry. The legend of Lana Turner being discovered sitting at the soda fountain in Schwab’s Drugstore is becoming dim.

The technological titans have repeatedly misinterpreted the allure of Hollywood and its place in the culture of today. These tech giants, with their data-driven approaches and algorithms, have turned Hollywood into a dowager in hotpants – a caricature of its once vibrant self. They count on controllers and actuaries to make the decisions that guide them. They have failed to grasp the nuances of storytelling and the emotional connection that audiences seek from the images reflected on that silver screen. Instead, Hollywood has become a thing out of touch, distant with very little understanding of its customer base or its market.

The decentralization of the motion picture industry is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it hopefully democratizes filmmaking, allowing new voices and independent creators to emerge. No longer bound by the traditional gatekeepers of Hollywood, storytellers from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to share their narratives with the world. This influx of fresh perspectives can rejuvenate the industry, fostering innovation and inclusivity. That's a good thing and a bad thing. Having gatekeepers evoked a continuity of vision and allowed a singular vision and for us to emerge.

On the other hand, the decentralization of the industry raises concerns about the dilution of quality and the loss of a unified American cinematic identity. Hollywood, despite its flaws, has been a cultural touchstone, shaping global narratives and setting standards for filmmaking excellence. As the industry fragments, we are going to lose the cohesive vision that has defined Hollywood’s legacy.

In this new era, streaming platforms and digital technologies are at the forefront of the motion picture industry. They offer unprecedented convenience and accessibility, allowing audiences to consume content anytime, anywhere. Yet, this shift also brings challenges. The oversaturation of content can lead to a lack of discernment, with mediocrity often overshadowing brilliance. The art of cinema, with its emphasis on craftsmanship and storytelling, may be compromised in the pursuit of quantity over quality.

As we navigate this transitional phase, it is essential to strike a balance between embracing technological advancements and preserving the essence of cinema. The allure of Hollywood was never just about the films; it was about the experience, the communal joy of watching a story unfold on the big screen. In the quest for modernization, we must not forget the magic that makes movies timeless.

The decentralization of the motion picture industry is an inevitable fact, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. While it offers exciting possibilities for new voices and innovation, it also challenges the traditional constructs that have defined Hollywood for a century. As participants in cinema, we must adapt to these changes, cherishing the past while embracing the future. The road ahead may be uncertain, but the spirit of storytelling will always endure, finding new ways to captivate and inspire audiences around the world.

The fires in Los Angeles are tragic. The technology boyars in Washington, are almost like Nero fiddling while Rome burns. They rub their greedy hands at the prospect of AI, as a hundred years of a glorious human tradition fade. Things are changing; not totally for the good. Rob Arthur Domenico Del Priore John Sullivan Gianluca Chakra Patrick von Sychowski Laura Peralta-Jones Kevin Mitchell Shawn Dawes Tony Franks Steve Winn John Fithian Patrick Corcoran Jackie Brenneman Chuck Goldwater