EP#188 | Visions for Rebuilding Hollywood w/ Adi Shankar
Nov 13, 2023
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Guest Adi Shankar, creator of Captain Laserhawk, discusses topics such as the evolution of work in the entertainment industry, the influence of accents on communication, the oversaturation of content, ownership and intellectual property, the decline of Hollywood's cultural dominance, and the challenges faced by filmmakers. They also explore the rebuilding of Hollywood, the differences between Punisher and Captain Laserhawk, the challenges of making movies, and the show 'Captain Laser Hawk: A Blood Dragon Remix' on Netflix.
Adi Shankar's project, Captain Laserhawk, explores a dystopian world and remixes beloved characters to create a visually stunning experience.
The entertainment industry has shifted from focusing on stars to prioritizing brands and franchises, leading to a decline in Hollywood's cultural dominance.
Challenges in the entertainment industry include oversaturation of content, short-term thinking, and a lack of focus on creative innovation and talent development.
To rebuild Hollywood, a reevaluation of business models is necessary, focusing on cultivating talent, maintaining artistic integrity, and rediscovering the value of stars and original storytelling.
Deep dives
Captain Laser Hawk and the Bootleg Universe
Captain Laser Hawk and the Bootleg Universe is a new project by Addie Shankar, known for his ability to turn video games into compelling narratives. The project takes inspiration from a dystopian world where automation took over in the 1950s and a tech company now controls America. The story explores themes of alternate history and the consequences of corporate domination. Shankar's approach involves remixing beloved characters from various franchises, giving them new layers in this unique universe. The project aims to create a thought-provoking and visually stunning experience, combining elements of Orwellian dystopias and dark cyberpunk.
The Role of Stars in the Entertainment Industry
The entertainment industry, including Hollywood, has been shaped by the presence of stars. However, recent trends have seen a decline in the importance of stars and a shift towards branding and franchises. The overproduction of content and the fragmentation of the audience have contributed to this change. The focus has shifted from cultivating and developing talent to building recognizable brands and intellectual properties. This approach undermines the value and impact of individual artists, diluting their role within the industry. The lack of stars and the overemphasis on brands have led to a decline in the cultural dominance of Hollywood and a loss of connection with the audience.
Challenges in the Entertainment Industry
The entertainment industry, including Hollywood, faces various challenges that have impacted its ability to evolve and thrive. These challenges include a lack of quality control, oversaturation of content, and an economic meltdown across different sectors. Business models relying on excessive spending and an arms race to build content libraries have contributed to the oversupply of content and an imbalance of supply and demand. Additionally, the rise of management consultants and the influence they wield on decision-making have led to short-term thinking and an emphasis on profit and valuation. This has resulted in a fragmented viewership and a lack of focus on creative innovation and talent development.
Shaping the Future of Hollywood
To rebuild and shape the future of Hollywood, a reevaluation of business models and industry practices is necessary. Focusing on cultivating talent and creating an environment that supports and nurtures artists is essential. Developing a balance between serving audience demand and maintaining artistic integrity is crucial for the long-term success of the industry. Moving away from a sole emphasis on branding and franchises and rediscovering the value of stars and original storytelling can bring back the cultural impact and dominance that Hollywood once had. By striving for quality, innovation, and inclusivity, the industry can regain its influence and reestablish itself as a force in global entertainment.
The Flaw in the Career Development System
The speaker highlights the lack of career development and guidance in the film industry. Many young filmmakers do not receive the support and guidance they need to navigate the industry. The current system fails to provide mentorship and opportunities for growth, leaving talented individuals without the support they require to succeed.
The Importance of Having an Elder in the Industry
The speaker emphasizes the need for experienced professionals to guide and mentor younger filmmakers. The lack of industry veterans offering advice and support is detrimental to the growth and development of aspiring filmmakers. Having an elder figure who understands the inner workings of the industry is crucial for navigating the complex apparatus that governs what gets made and how to have a role within it.
The Benefits of Navigating the Industry Independently
The speaker shares their personal experience of navigating the film industry without relying on agents, managers, or lawyers. They highlight the advantages of taking control of their own career and making deals independently. By having a clear vision and being proactive in pursuing their goals, they were able to navigate the industry successfully without compromising their integrity.
Niko and Adi come together again to catch up, get into deep industry philosophy, and talk about Adi's newest project, Captain Laserhawk.
Watch Captain Laserhawk right now on Netflix ► https://bit.ly/CaptainLaserhawk_Netflix
Sorry for the slight buzz in audio! Didn't catch that during recording and did the best denoising we could!
