Tales From the ’90s: Ain’t It Cool News’ ‘Titanic’ Impact on Hollywood
Dec 30, 2024
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Drew McWeeny, a film critic and writer known for his early days at Ain't It Cool News, dives deep into the disruptive influence of the site on Hollywood journalism. He reminisces about how the site fearlessly challenged studio narratives and transformed film reviews, particularly impacting 'Titanic.' McWeeny discusses the chaotic production behind the film, provocative test screenings, and the shifting dynamics of media relations in the industry. He also reflects on the indie film revolution of the 90s and the evolution of marketing strategies that captivated audiences.
Ain't It Cool News revolutionized film journalism in the 90s by challenging studio control and fostering an unfiltered community discourse.
Drew McWeeny's grassroots journey in Hollywood underscored the importance of building connections and knowledge among aspiring filmmakers during that era.
The impact of Ain't It Cool News on movie marketing demonstrated the shift towards fan engagement, reshaping how studios promoted films like Titanic.
Deep dives
The Impact of Ain't It Cool News
Ain't It Cool News emerged as a significant platform in the 1990s, providing a voice for film fans and independent filmmakers at a time when traditional Hollywood media heavily catered to studio interests. Its founder, Drew McQueenie, utilized the platform to scoff at conventional press boundaries and share unfiltered opinions about upcoming films. This democratization of film discourse fostered a community where movie enthusiasts could express their thoughts outside the control of studio marketing, ultimately influencing how films were developed and marketed. The site’s authenticity and passion empowered both fans and filmmakers, showcasing a new era of film journalism that pushed against the established norms.
Drew McQueenie's Journey to Hollywood
Drew McQueenie's path to Hollywood began with a pivotal moment when he moved to Los Angeles after the untimely death of Jim Henson, realizing the urgency of chasing his dreams in filmmaking. Arriving in a new city with no connections, Drew navigated the film world through jobs in a Laserdisc store and movie theaters, where he interacted with industry insiders and built relationships with influential figures. His experiences allowed him to absorb a wealth of knowledge about cinema, helping to shape his voice as a critic and providing a foundation for his career. This grassroots approach mirrored the era's sense of community and serendipity as aspiring filmmakers found their footing in an industry that seemed both thrilling and bewildering.
The Grassroots Revolution in Film Culture
Drew highlighted a grassroots revolution in the film industry during the 90s, particularly through online forums and early websites that allowed passionate fans to engage with cinema. This shift empowered film savants like Drew to comment on and influence film narratives from within a community of enthusiasts instead of relying solely on traditional media outlets. The birth of Ain't It Cool News illustrated how an independent voice could arise in a landscape dominated by Hollywood's elite, reflecting the wishes and concerns of avid film fans. As the internet gained traction, it became a space that facilitated discussions, debates, and rumors around films, ultimately reshaping how movies were perceived by the public.
The Evolution of Movie Marketing
The emergence of Ain't It Cool News coincided with a significant change in movie marketing strategies, as studios began to recognize the power of fan engagement and pre-release buzz. Films like Titanic faced critical scrutiny, and the site's early scoop about a positive test screening shaped public perception from a potential flop to a blockbuster. McQueenie's insights illustrated that filmmakers could influence their narratives by engaging directly with audiences, effectively bypassing traditional press channels. This new dynamic prompted studios to adapt, leading to more participatory marketing campaigns that involved fans and exploited the internet's reach, fundamentally altering the movie promotion landscape.
Reflections on the Film Industry's Future
In reflecting on his career and the evolution of film journalism, Drew McQueenie shared mixed feelings regarding the impact that Ain't It Cool News had on the industry. While it empowered filmmakers and fan communities, he expressed concern about how the site contributed to an age where sensationalism often overshadowed true film appreciation. He lamented the industry shift towards hyperbolic coverage and a stringent marketing cycle, which has diluted the authenticity of the film experience. McQueenie's insights called for a return to genuine film critique that respects both the art of cinema and the diverse voices within the industry, encouraging a more meaningful dialogue about films.
At the dawn of the internet as we know it today, long before social media exploded the Hollywood hierarchy, there was Ain’t It Cool News, an in-your-face site, launched in 1996, that covered the movie business — passionately, disruptively and absolutely without fear or favor. Drew McWeeny, who joined Harry Knowles’ Austin startup in its earliest days, writing from L.A. under the pseudonym Moriarty, tells Richard Rushfield how Ain’t It Cool News remade entertainment journalism, confounded the studios and enraged execs from Tom Rothman to Rupert Murdoch. Among other breaks with industry-coverage norms, McWeeny and his colleagues were the first to publish reports and reviews from test screenings, changing the fortunes of films including Batman & Robin and, most famously, Titanic. “I was addicted to Premiere, Movieline, all those magazines,” McWeeny recalls. “But it was all very carefully stage managed with the studios, and it had to be. We were the response to that, which was the most punk rock version of: No, not only do we not deal with the studios, but fuck the studios.”
