Kim Masters, a veteran entertainment journalist and host of 'The Business' on KCRW, joins Rob Lowe to dissect Hollywood's evolving landscape. They explore the once-in-a-generation star power of Tom Cruise and share hilarious memories from 'The West Wing.' The duo discusses the scarcity of quality sitcoms on streaming services and the future troubles facing Disney. They also dive into the impact of ongoing industry strikes and the challenges of maintaining creativity and curiosity in a rapidly changing entertainment world.
The transformation of Hollywood is driven by digital disruption, causing a decline in theatrical releases and affecting traditional studios' profitability.
Streaming services are reshaping content creation by favoring original series over films, leading to a reliance on familiar franchises and diminishing innovative storytelling.
Deep dives
Impact of Digital Disruption on the Entertainment Industry
The current state of the entertainment industry is severely challenged by digital disruption, which has changed how audiences consume content. Many industry veterans express their relief at having concluded their careers before this transformation took full effect. Viewers now have a plethora of options, including streaming platforms, gaming, and social media, which compete for their attention and have diminished the appeal of theatrical releases. This shift has led to fewer major films being produced, with legacy studios struggling to keep up and experiencing a downturn in profits, as evidenced by the dominance of streaming services like Netflix.
Challenges Facing Movie Theaters
Movie theaters are grappling with multiple problems, making it increasingly difficult to attract audiences. The rise in streaming options has conditioned viewers to wait for home releases, diminishing the urgency to go out to theaters. Additionally, the costs associated with a night out, including high ticket prices and expensive concessions, contribute to audiences opting for the comfort of viewing from home. These trends have created a feedback loop, where decreased attendance impacts the number and variety of films that get produced and shown in theaters.
The Role of Streaming Services and Original Content
Streaming services have fundamentally altered content production and consumption by prioritizing original content and series over traditional movies. Major streaming platforms, such as Netflix, have been successful in creating hit shows, yet the industry is seeing a struggle for originality in feature films. Many viewers tend to lean toward familiar franchises or sequels due to their established popularity, leading to studios focusing on what is safe rather than innovative storytelling. This reliance on sequels and franchise filmmaking risks saturating the market and stifling creative exploration within the industry.
The Future Landscape of Hollywood
The future of Hollywood lies in uncertainty as companies navigate a complex landscape of competition, consumer preferences, and financial constraints. Major studios are faced with a need to reassess their strategies, with streaming platforms emerging as significant players but still operating under traditional Hollywood paradigms. The ongoing strikes and challenges within the workforce may lead to a recalibration of how companies create and distribute content. In light of these circumstances, innovators who can adapt to the new ecosystem will determine which aspects of traditional filmmaking persist and which will be left behind.
Kim and Rob have had front-row seats to Hollywood's transformation! Legendary Hollywood journalist Kim Masters joins Rob Lowe to discuss the state of entertainment, the once-in-a-generation star power of Tom Cruise, a hilarious memory from the "West Wing" cast, the future of the Disney company, the scarcity of great sitcoms on streaming services, and much more. Plus, Rob talks to a fellow Daytonian about curiosity!
Got a question for Rob? Call our voicemail at 323-570-4551. Your question could get featured on the show!
Note: this interview was recorded on July 26th, 2024.
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