Week Sixteen with guests Gale Anne Hurd and Glen Basner
Aug 18, 2023
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Legendary filmmaker and producer Gale Anne Hurd and prominent film industry executive Glen Basner discuss the need for trust and collaboration in the entertainment industry. They highlight challenges in obtaining accurate data on streaming platforms and monetizing content. They also explore the challenges faced by exhibitors and the ongoing negotiations for equity and impact in the industry.
The negotiation process between industry giants and creative artists is crucial for the equitable sharing of profits and the sustainability of independent productions.
Addressing the challenges in the entertainment industry, such as contracting markets and changing distribution models, requires empathy, transparency, and a willingness to find common ground.
Deep dives
The Great Depression and Chaos in 1936
1936 was a year of economic disaster and global chaos, with events such as the Spanish Civil War, Japan's invasion of China, and the rise of extremism. The United States was also deeply affected by the Great Depression, with widespread poverty, unemployment, and the loss of family farms. Despite these hardships, Hollywood bucked the trend by increasing production, releasing a staggering 1,709 movies in one year. The American public responded by buying 85 million movie tickets every week, seeking solace and hope in storytelling.
The Power Dynamics in the Entertainment Industry
The current state of the entertainment industry is marked by consolidation of power and a focus on profitability driven by activist shareholders. The rise of tech companies and streaming platforms has disrupted traditional models, leading to challenges in content distribution, transparency, and fair compensation. The negotiation process between industry giants and creative artists is crucial, as it determines the equitable sharing of profits and the future sustainability of independent productions.
The Impact of AI and the Threat of Consolidation
The increasing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) raises concerns about unintended consequences and the consolidation of power. AI is driven by programming and outcomes desired by individuals and corporations, which may not fully anticipate the potential dangers. Furthermore, global competition forces companies to prioritize growth and to keep up with advancing technology, including AI. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration, trust-building, and regulation, especially in industries where monopolies and the concentration of power are prevailing.
The Importance of Trust and Finding Equitable Solutions
Trust, care, sincerity, reliability, and competence are crucial elements for successful negotiations and fostering a thriving creative industry. The strike in the entertainment industry serves as a reminder of the need for trust between executives, artists, and workers. Addressing the challenges faced by the industry, such as contracting markets and changing distribution models, requires empathy, transparency, and a willingness to find common ground. By valuing artists and aligning interests, the industry can navigate the complexities of the modern media landscape and continue to deliver innovative and impactful storytelling.