Hollywood vs. The Creator Economy: How This Tense Relationship Evolved to Put (Some) Creators on Top
Nov 7, 2024
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Dive into the shifting dynamics between Hollywood and social media creators. Explore the rise of influencer-led projects and the varying trajectories of creators such as Shane Dawson and MrBeast. Discover controversies like Gabbie Hanna's role in creators' productions and the complexities of Hollywood's hesitant embrace of this new economy. As Gen Z redefines fame, the podcast highlights both the achievements and obstacles faced by beloved creators like Emma Chamberlain. Tune in for a look at the evolving relationship between traditional media and the digital age!
The evolving relationship between Hollywood and social media creators highlights a tension where creators assert independence while seeking acceptance from traditional media.
Successful creator-led projects like Awesomeness TV demonstrate a shift towards influencer-driven content, despite ongoing challenges in gaining Hollywood's recognition.
Deep dives
The Social Media Stars vs. Hollywood Dynamic
A tension exists between Hollywood and social media creators, as the latter have evolved from being seen as aspiring entertainers to influential figures in their own right. The notion of social media as a legitimate career path has gained traction, especially as Generations Z and Alpha drive trends and culture. As Hollywood attempts to embrace these creators, the industry often struggles with feelings of resentment, still holding onto traditional narratives of star power. This dynamic is reflected in viral responses to media portrayals of influencers, where audiences express their detachment from the faces of the new 'celebrity' world.
Historical Context of YouTube and Creator Evolution
In the late 2000s and early 2010s, social media platforms like YouTube were primarily used as a showcase for Hollywood hopefuls or for personal expression. Creators like Shane Dawson emerged during this era, using the platform to gain visibility, but often at the cost of embracing problematic content. As the landscape shifted, many creators began to rebrand themselves, exploring higher-quality production and developing narrative-driven series. The mid-to-late 2010s marked a significant turning point when these creators were recognized not just as entertainers, but as legitimate professionals who could command their own projects.
Rise of Creator-Led Productions and the Shift in Hollywood
The emergence of creator-led initiatives like Awesomeness TV illustrated a change in how traditional media approached content creation, aiming to capture younger audiences by leveraging the influencer phenomenon. Platforms enabled creators to independently fund and direct their projects, effectively rejecting Hollywood's early elitism. This independence allowed creators to thrive on their own terms, leading to successful shows and collaborations that captured vast audiences without industry backing. However, the adaptation to mainstream expectations has not come without challenges, as exemplified by influencers who struggle for recognition despite massive online followings.
Thank you so much to Jose Cuervo for sponsoring this episode. Buy Jose Cuervo here: https://www.danmurphys.com.au/list/jose-cuervo
In this week's episode, I explore the evolving relationship between creators and Hollywood. I look at several examples of creator-led projects and explore the career trajectories of certain creators who "made it" in Hollywood and others that didn't.
Timestamps:
4:23 The ambitions of early creators
5:01 Shane Dawson’s career: Using YouTube as a stepping stone to Hollywood
10:18 The era of the YouTube show10:57 AwesomenessTV
13:48 YouTube Originals14:52 The pendulum swings: Creators as show producers themselves
15:30 Escape the Night
16:56 Escape the Night controversy: Gabbie Hanna
19:39 The Reality House
20:43 Why Hollywood still overlooks the creator economy
21:32 MrBeast
24:28 Emma Chamberlain vs MrBeast
26:17 Beast Games controversy & why Hollywood is still hesitant to work with creators