David Beaubaire, a seasoned producer, dives into the challenges plaguing movie development at studios today. He reveals how the landscape has shifted over the past 25 years, with only 10% of films being original. The rise of IP-driven content has changed the way movies are made, stressing creative and financial balances. Beaubaire advocates for innovation in storytelling while addressing economic pressures. The conversation also touches on the upcoming Emmy Awards and the standout contenders this season.
The traditional movie development process has drastically shifted to studios acting mainly as distributors rather than developers, impacting film quality.
Producers advocate for a return to internal development practices to enhance creativity and maintain artistic integrity amidst financial pressures.
Deep dives
Announcement of a Live Show
A live show is scheduled to take place in Los Angeles on October 24th, marking the first event of its kind for the town. The show will feature the host, Craig, and a special guest whose identity will remain undisclosed until the event. Attendees can expect drinks and mingling opportunities following the show, which starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase through a link provided in the episode's description.
Transformation in Movie Development
The traditional movie development process has undergone significant changes over the past two decades, moving away from studios developing movies internally. Currently, many films arrive at studios as fully packaged projects, often featuring attached directors and stars, leaving studios to act more as distributors rather than developers. This shift has raised concerns about the quality of films, as producers feel that less engagement in the development stages leads to a disconnect with audiences. Those involved in the industry often express frustration over the diminished role of original content development compared to adaptations and pre-existing intellectual properties.
Insightful Data on Movie Releases
A study conducted by producer David Bobare analyzed 505 movies set for release between 2022 and 2026, revealing that only 10% originated from internal studio development. The majority of films – 27% – were driven by existing intellectual property, followed by other categories such as talent-driven packages and acquisitions. Bobare's research indicates that studios are increasingly reliant on established franchises instead of nurturing original screenplays, which could be contributing to a decline in the variety and quality of films. This shift implies that successful franchises are not just byproducts but vital components of the current cinematic landscape.
The Role of Producers in Modern Filmmaking
Despite the rising trend of packaged films, the role of producers remains crucial in ensuring the quality and success of movie projects. Producers have been advocating for a return to more development-focused practices, emphasizing that internal processes assist in refining scripts and maintaining creative integrity. The conversation highlights the tension between the pressures of financing and the artistic vision that producers bring to the table. Acknowledging the evolving landscape, there is a recognized need for a model where development can occur alongside funding, ultimately creating a more balanced approach to filmmaking.
Matt is joined by producer David Beaubaire to discuss the troubled state of movie development at the studio level and address why this is a major problem for the movie business. He outlines how the development process has dramatically changed over the years and why this crisis needs to be solved (03:43). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about the upcoming Emmy Awards (29:28).
For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ click here.