I read with great interest this Hollywood Reporter piece on how Steven Spielberg himself predicts the implosion of the film industry:
If Spielberg feels like it’s tough to make a film, what does it mean for the rest of us?
If literary, creative, or basically any non-tentpole films need to be made for TV, what does that suggest to aspiring filmmakers, screenwriters and film producers?
If Spielberg needs to co-own a studio in order to green-light Lincoln, should filmmakers with less clout (and no studio) choose subject matter with this in mind?
On the one hand, filmmaking has never been so accessible: the technology is cheaper, crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo facilitate fundraising, distribution tools like YouTube and social networks facilitate audience-building.
On the other hand, this means there’s more content than ever, vying for audience and funds. Yes, it’s easier to make a film but it’s that much harder to ensure people see it. Spielberg’s concerns imply that it’s not enough just to make a great film about a great topic.
What do you think about the state of the film industry? Encouraged by the accessibility? Drowning in too much content? Optimistic about the business prospects?
