Plain English with Derek Thompson The Future of Entertainment, Part 1: Is Hollywood's Business Model Broken?
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Oct 10, 2025 
Ben Fritz, an entertainment industry reporter for The Wall Street Journal, sheds light on the current turmoil in Hollywood. He discusses the steep decline in movie ticket sales and employment, attributing it to a combination of COVID, production issues, and changing market demands. Fritz also explores whether the downturn could lead to a renaissance in filmmaking, driven by smaller, bolder projects. He shares insights on how AI may reshape the industry, highlighting both its potential benefits and the challenges it poses for jobs.
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The Lost Era Of Certainty
- The 2010s were a period of predictable growth driven by franchises and heavy streamer spending.
- That certainty ended with COVID, inflation, higher rates, and a new investor focus on profits.
The 40% Collapse
- Key indicators show a roughly 40% decline across tickets, employment, and mid-budget production since 2019.
- A 40% contraction in this context is comparable to a catastrophic industry depression.
Franchises And Streaming Fueled Jobs
- Franchises gave studios a near-guaranteed formula for massive box office returns and steady employment.
- Streaming demand created a boom in TV production and high pay for cast and crew.