

Doug Shapiro on Hollywood’s AI Future
May 23, 2025
Doug Shapiro, a leading analyst in media trends and the writer behind the Mediator newsletter, discusses Hollywood's seismic shifts due to AI. He reveals how the creative landscape is evolving, with generative AI redefining content creation and storytelling. Shapiro emphasizes the migration of value in the media supply chain and the role of platforms like YouTube and TikTok in this transformation. He also examines the demise of traditional middlemen and the rise of new gatekeepers, ultimately predicting an era of infinite content for audiences.
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Media's Dual Digital Disruptions
- The last 15-20 years disrupted media distribution, while the next decade will see disruption in content creation by AI.
- Digitization converted all media to bits; the Internet unified their distribution, drastically lowering distribution costs.
Persistent Price Deflation
- Price deflation in media is persistent despite some companies raising prices.
- Older media like linear TV still monetizes more per hour than newer forms, yet digital pricing remains lower overall.
Quality Standards Are Changing
- Consumer definitions of quality are shifting away from high production values towards relevance and relatability.
- This shift democratizes media, making generative AI's simplified productions more acceptable.