Front Burner Encore: Is high finance killing Hollywood?
8 snips
Jan 3, 2025 
Daniel Bessner, a writer and historian known for his insights on Hollywood's evolution, discusses the dangerous shift from creativity to capitalism in the film industry. He highlights how financial motivations are overtaking artistic expression, turning Hollywood into a franchise-focused landscape. Bessner explores the precarious state of television storytelling, the challenges faced by creators amid rising costs, and the impact of class stratification. Despite the grim realities, he finds a glimmer of hope for the future of innovative storytelling.
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Hollywood's Golden Age
- The 90s and 2000s were a lucrative and creatively fertile period for Hollywood writers.
- This golden age offered high salaries and opportunities to produce culturally impactful shows.
Deregulation's Impact
- Hollywood's regulated environment changed in the 1980s due to deregulation.
- This shift led to the rise of large conglomerates and a move away from salaried work.
Financialization of Hollywood
- The dot-com crash, the 2008 recession, and low interest rates led to increased investment in Hollywood.
- Financial firms sought new investment opportunities, impacting the industry's structure.
