Major studios worked together to ensure that digital shift enhanced their power, rather than diminished it. They were very scared of pirating at this time and the landscape of exhibition was extremely concentrated. Whatever technology the major three theatre chains went with, the rest of the industry would have to follow. If the distributors could get the big three theatre chains on the same page, that was the vast majority of screens in the united states. All independent theatres would basically be forced to follow.
Paris Marx is joined by Will Tavlin to discuss the history of the film industry, how the digital revolution was promised to democratize film, and how it actually helped cement the power of Hollywood and Silicon Valley.
Will Tavlin is a writer and fact checker based in New York City. Follow Will on Twitter at @wtavlin.
Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Follow the podcast (@techwontsaveus) and host Paris Marx (@parismarx) on Twitter, and support the show on Patreon.
Find out more about Harbinger Media Network at harbingermedianetwork.com.
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