Explore the history and transformation of film studios and companies in the entertainment industry. The launch and struggles of competing networks in the 1990s. The challenges faced by entertainment companies and the determination of writers to continue their work. A humorous incident at a stationary store related to show business as a metaphor for deflecting blame.
Ownership changes in the entertainment industry are frequent and insignificant compared to the importance of the movies and TV shows created.
Despite the failures and closures of companies and networks, the resilience of show business professionals ensures the industry continues to thrive.
Deep dives
Life on vacation without talking about the entertainment business
During a vacation, the speaker notes that for the past three days, they have not talked about the entertainment industry because nobody has asked about it. However, the speaker enjoys discussing the industry and considers themselves a 'strike bore.' Even though the speaker hasn't been talking about it, they've been thinking about the strike. They reflect on their experiences working on a movie studio lot and the rich history that echoes in every corner. The speaker shares anecdotes about the offices and staircases that have been occupied by famous figures from the entertainment business.
Ownership changes and insignificance in show business
The speaker muses about the frequent changes in ownership and the insignificance of these shifts in the entertainment industry. They mention various examples of studios and companies changing hands, merging, splitting, and being bought out. However, the speaker emphasizes that what truly matters in show business is not the ownership structure or management but the movies and TV shows that are produced and the individuals involved in their creation. The speaker highlights that people tend to forget the business failures and bad decisions in show business.
The resilience of show business and its continuous cycle
The speaker reflects on the enduring nature of show business, despite the frequent failures and closures of companies and networks. They draw a parallel between show business professionals and the friend who keeps going despite years of unemployment. The speaker suggests that, regardless of the company or network name, there will always be writers working in offices, doing their jobs. The entertainment business might witness the demise of companies like UPN and WB, but the writers and others in the industry remain resilient and ready for the next venture.