The Big Picture
Introducing the Big Oscar Bet. Plus, A Halloween Mega-Mailbag.
Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The podcast hosts play a predictions game for the upcoming Oscars, speculating nominees and winners in 11 key categories.
- The decline of physical media at mainstream retailers poses challenges for film enthusiasts looking to access a wide range of films and discover new titles.
- Limited edition Blu-ray releases from independent companies continue to attract passionate movie enthusiasts, offering unique packaging and a curated selection of films.
- The exploitative system of unpaid labor in the film industry highlights the need for fair payment structures for filmmakers.
- The financial dynamics of streaming platforms and their impact on the film industry require new revenue streams and a better understanding of the realities of film production in the streaming era.
Deep dives
Main Ideas
The podcast episode discusses the potential blockbusters in the gaming industry, the idea of incentivizing the podcast, and the start of the Academy Awards season. They also play a predictions game for the Oscars in various categories.
Blockbuster Gaming Month
The hosts discuss the biggest blockbuster gaming month in recent memory, with releases such as Spider-Man 2, Super Mario Bros, Alan Wake, Five Nights at Freddy's, and Assassin's Creed Mirage.
Incentivizing the Podcast and the Start of the Oscar Season
The hosts brainstorm ways to incentivize and raise the stakes on their podcast, as well as the upcoming Academy Awards season, sharing their excitement for covering the Oscars for the seventh season.
Predictions Game for the Oscars
The hosts play a predictions game, speculating the nominees and winners for 11 key Oscar categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress.
Impact of Removing Physical Media from Retailers
The removal of most DVDs and Blu-rays from retailers like Target and Best Buy has significant implications for the future of physical media. It decentralizes and disincentivizes studios from producing physical media due to a decrease in available sales outlets. This ultimately affects the variety and availability of films and TV shows in physical format. While independent companies and boutique Blu-ray releases may thrive due to collector interest, the mainstream studios will likely prioritize digital distribution over physical media. The shift towards streaming can also be problematic, as content availability on streaming platforms is not guaranteed and can be subject to licensing restrictions. Overall, the decline of physical media at retailers is a concerning trend for film and TV enthusiasts who value the tangibility and permanence of owning physical copies.
The Future of Collectibility and Niche Market
The decline in physical media sales at mainstream retailers may have a positive impact on collectors and niche markets. Limited edition Blu-ray releases from independent companies like Arrow Video and Criterion Collection continue to attract passionate movie enthusiasts. These releases offer unique packaging, additional content, and a curated selection of films that cater to specific interests. Similarly, the popularity of vinyl records among music collectors suggests a potential resurgence for physical media, albeit in a specialized form. The continued interest in physical media among collectors speaks to the enduring appeal of owning a tangible product and the desire for a curated selection of films that might not be easily accessible through mainstream channels.
Challenges for Film Distribution and Availability
The decline of physical media at mainstream retailers presents challenges for film distribution and availability. While online options exist for purchasing physical copies, the loss of retail spaces limits the discoverability and accessibility of films. The demise of physical media in stores reflects a broader trend toward digital streaming, but this can be troublesome due to potential licensing restrictions and the impermanence of content availability on streaming platforms. The loss of physical media options at retailers also impacts smaller films or lesser-known titles that may not be prioritized in digital distribution catalogs. Overall, the decline of physical media availability poses challenges for film enthusiasts looking to access a wide range of films and discover new titles.
The Challenges of Independent Film Production
Independent filmmakers face challenges in securing funding and distribution for their projects. The podcast discusses how producers often string along filmmakers without paying them for extended periods, resulting in free labor. This exploitative system prevents middle-class creators from being adequately compensated. The conversation highlights the need for fair payment structures to ensure sustainability and prevent exploitation in the industry.
The Impact of Streaming on the Film Industry
The podcast explores the financial dynamics of streaming platforms and their impact on the film industry. It discusses how studios and producers are trying to distance themselves from traditional models by collaborating with streamers. However, the discussions also shed light on the limitations and challenges faced by producers when trying to secure funding and distribution for their projects. The conversation emphasizes the need for new revenue streams and a better understanding of the financial realities of film production in the streaming era.
Sean and Amanda debut a predictions-based game surrounding this year’s Oscars ceremony (1:00). Then, Sean is joined by frequent guest Alex Ross Perry to open the mailbag and answer questions about the current state of horror, how the WGA strike and new agreement affects filmmakers and writers like him, the state of physical media, and more (57:00).
Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins
Guest: Alex Ross Perry
Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner
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