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The Big Picture

The Big Picture

The Fight for the Future of Movies
by Ben Fritz 2018 377 pages
4.02
2k+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. The Rise of Franchise Films Transformed Hollywood's Business Model

"The dawn of the franchise film era is the most meaningful revolution in the movie business since the studio system ended, in the 1950s."

Franchise dominance: The 2010s saw a dramatic shift in Hollywood's approach to filmmaking. Studios increasingly focused on creating and expanding cinematic universes based on popular intellectual properties. This strategy aimed to produce reliable box office hits and generate ancillary revenue through merchandise, theme park attractions, and other tie-ins.

Risk reduction: Franchise films became the preferred business model because they offered:

  • Built-in audience awareness
  • Global appeal
  • Merchandising opportunities
  • Potential for multiple sequels and spin-offs

However, this shift also led to:

  • Reduced diversity in theatrical releases
  • Fewer opportunities for original, mid-budget films
  • Increased pressure on non-franchise films to perform

2. Streaming Services Disrupted Traditional Movie Distribution

"Netflix and Amazon emerged as major players in film production, offering a new home for mid-budget and indie films that traditional studios were increasingly reluctant to make."

Changing viewing habits: The rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video fundamentally altered how audiences consume content. This shift challenged the traditional theatrical release model and forced studios to reconsider their distribution strategies.

Impact on the industry:

  • Shortened theatrical windows
  • Increased competition for audience attention
  • New opportunities for filmmakers and diverse content
  • Blurring lines between film and television

Streaming services also began producing their own original films, often attracting A-list talent and competing directly with traditional studios for both audience share and industry prestige.

3. China's Growing Influence Reshaped Hollywood's Global Strategy

"China was now a major, fast-growing source of revenue, and as DVD sales plummeted, studios increasingly focused on it."

Market expansion: As China's economy boomed and its middle class grew, it became the second-largest box office market in the world. This rapid growth led Hollywood studios to prioritize the Chinese market in their global strategies.

Adapting to Chinese preferences:

  • Increased focus on spectacle and visual effects
  • Inclusion of Chinese elements and actors in major productions
  • Self-censorship to avoid offending Chinese regulators

However, this focus on China also led to concerns about creative compromise and Hollywood's increasing dependence on a market controlled by a authoritarian government.

4. The Decline of Mid-Budget Films and Rise of Tentpole Productions

"Left alone, the economic forces of the film business will generate only reboots, sequels, and spinoffs with as little originality, risk taking, and interesting ideas as possible."

Polarization of budgets: The 2010s saw a widening gap between high-budget tentpole films and low-budget indie productions, with fewer mid-budget movies being made.

Reasons for this shift:

  • Declining DVD sales eliminated a key revenue stream for mid-budget films
  • Increased competition from high-quality television and streaming content
  • Global box office favoring spectacle-driven blockbusters

Consequences:

  • Fewer opportunities for original scripts and new talent
  • Reduced diversity in theatrical offerings
  • Increased pressure on every release to be a massive hit

5. Netflix and Amazon Emerged as Major Players in Film Production

"Amazon left the Sundance festival in 2016 with four movies, which together with other acquisitions gave it a lineup of more than a dozen pictures that year alone."

Disrupting the status quo: Streaming giants Netflix and Amazon entered the film production and distribution space with significant financial resources and a willingness to take risks on projects traditional studios were passing on.

Key strategies:

  • Aggressive acquisition of indie films at festivals
  • Production of original content with A-list talent
  • Flexible release strategies combining limited theatrical runs with streaming premieres

Impact on the industry:

  • New opportunities for filmmakers and diverse stories
  • Increased competition for talent and projects
  • Challenges to traditional distribution models and award show eligibility rules

6. Sony Pictures' Struggles Exemplified Hollywood's Changing Landscape

"Sony essentially had three major franchises: James Bond, Men in Black, and Spider-Man, all of which came with baggage from bad decisions in the past."

Adapting to change: Sony Pictures' difficulties in the 2010s illustrated the challenges faced by traditional studios in adapting to the new realities of the film industry.

Key issues:

  • Lack of strong franchise properties compared to competitors
  • Overreliance on star-driven vehicles in a franchise-dominated market
  • Struggles to compete in the growing international market, particularly China

The studio's efforts to turn things around, including leadership changes and attempts to build new franchises, highlighted the industry-wide scramble to find a sustainable business model in the face of rapidly changing audience preferences and distribution channels.

7. The Future of Cinema: Balancing Theatrical and Streaming Releases

"Are they still movies, though, if more than 99 percent of the people who watch them don't do so in a movie theater? Who cares."

Evolving definitions: As streaming becomes increasingly dominant, the industry is grappling with fundamental questions about what constitutes a "movie" and how to balance theatrical and digital releases.

Key considerations:

  • Preserving the theatrical experience for event films and spectacles
  • Utilizing streaming for mid-budget and niche content
  • Adapting award shows and industry recognition to include streaming releases

The future of cinema likely involves:

  • Shorter theatrical windows
  • Simultaneous theatrical and streaming releases for some films
  • Increased flexibility in release strategies based on individual film characteristics

This new landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for filmmakers, studios, and audiences as the industry continues to evolve.

Last updated:

FAQ

What's The Big Picture: The Fight for the Future of Movies about?

  • Hollywood's Evolution: The book explores the transformation of Hollywood, focusing on the shift from original storytelling to franchise dominance.
  • Corporate Influence: It examines how corporate strategies and financial pressures have reshaped the industry, prioritizing big-budget blockbusters.
  • Key Players and Events: The narrative includes insights into significant figures like Amy Pascal and events such as the Sony hack, which exposed industry vulnerabilities.

Why should I read The Big Picture by Ben Fritz?

  • Insightful Analysis: The book offers a comprehensive look at Hollywood's current state, essential for anyone interested in film and media.
  • Behind-the-Scenes Access: Readers gain insider perspectives and anecdotes from industry veterans, providing a unique view of studio decision-making.
  • Understanding Future Trends: It sheds light on how changes in technology and audience behavior are reshaping storytelling and the film industry.

What are the key takeaways of The Big Picture?

  • Franchise Dominance: Hollywood has shifted focus to franchises, sidelining original content and leading to a homogenization of film offerings.
  • Impact of Streaming Services: Platforms like Netflix and Amazon are changing the landscape, challenging traditional distribution models.
  • Future of Cinema: The book suggests a blend of theatrical and digital experiences, with films increasingly consumed outside traditional theaters.

How did the Sony hack influence The Big Picture?

  • Revealed Internal Dynamics: The hack exposed candid communications and internal conflicts within Sony Pictures, illustrating decision-making processes.
  • Highlighting Industry Challenges: It showed the pressures on executives to deliver profitable films amidst a rapidly changing market.
  • Broader Implications: The hack serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the need for better cybersecurity and the impact of internal strife.

What role do streaming services play in The Big Picture?

  • Disruption of Traditional Models: Streaming services challenge the traditional studio system, offering new avenues for content distribution.
  • Changing Audience Behavior: These platforms have shifted expectations, creating demand for diverse content outside the blockbuster mold.
  • Financial Strategies: Streaming services invest heavily in original content, allowing for more creative freedom compared to traditional studios.

How does The Big Picture define the current state of mid-budget films?

  • Decline in Production: There is a significant decline in mid-budget films as studios focus on blockbusters or low-budget projects.
  • Financial Viability: Making mid-budget films profitable is challenging, leading to their scarcity in theaters.
  • Emerging Opportunities: Streaming platforms may fill the gap, taking risks on unique stories that traditional studios avoid.

What insights does The Big Picture provide about the future of Hollywood?

  • Consolidation Trends: The book predicts further consolidation, with fewer major studios surviving due to changing consumer habits.
  • Evolving Distribution Models: Studios need to adapt to new models that include both theatrical and digital releases.
  • Cultural Impact: The cultural significance of films may diminish if viewed primarily as streaming content rather than communal theater experiences.

How does The Big Picture explore the relationship between Hollywood and China?

  • Investment Dynamics: Chinese companies are investing in Hollywood, seeking to learn and establish a global presence.
  • Censorship Challenges: Navigating Chinese regulations impacts film production and marketing strategies.
  • Cultural Exchange: There is potential for storytelling opportunities that resonate with global audiences through cultural exchange.

What does The Big Picture say about the role of producers in the current film landscape?

  • Shift in Power: Producers have gained more power in the franchise-driven model, often acting as the creative force.
  • Creative Constraints: They must balance corporate expectations with maintaining creative integrity.
  • Collaboration Importance: Successful films require collaboration among producers, writers, and directors, especially in a franchise-dominated landscape.

What are the best quotes from The Big Picture and what do they mean?

  • “Nobody knows anything.”: Reflects the unpredictability of the film industry and the inherent risks in filmmaking.
  • “This is my fucking company.”: Illustrates the tension between creative vision and corporate pressures in Hollywood.
  • “We stayed too long at the party.”: Captures Sony's struggle to adapt to Hollywood's changing landscape.

How has the role of movie stars changed in Hollywood, according to The Big Picture?

  • Shift from Star Power: A-list actors no longer guarantee box office success; audiences prefer franchises over individual stars.
  • Economic Pressures: Stars face lower pay and influence as studios prioritize franchise films.
  • Emergence of New Talent: The changing landscape opens doors for new actors and filmmakers, potentially evolving storytelling.

What lessons can filmmakers learn from The Big Picture?

  • Adaptability is Key: Filmmakers must adapt to changing market conditions and audience preferences.
  • Understanding the Business: Knowledge of financial dynamics helps navigate Hollywood's complexities.
  • Embrace New Platforms: Streaming services offer opportunities for innovative storytelling and greater visibility for original content.

Review Summary

4.02 out of 5
Average of 2k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

The Big Picture receives mostly positive reviews for its insightful analysis of Hollywood's shift towards franchise films and away from mid-budget dramas. Readers appreciate Fritz's use of Sony's hacked emails to provide an inside look at studio decision-making. The book explains economic factors driving changes in the industry, including the rise of streaming services and China's influence. While some find parts repetitive or outdated, most consider it an informative read for movie enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive overview of modern Hollywood's business landscape.

Your rating:

About the Author

Ben Fritz is an accomplished journalist with extensive experience covering the entertainment industry. As an editor for the Wall Street Journal, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his writing on Hollywood. Fritz's background includes reporting for prestigious publications such as the Los Angeles Times and Variety, giving him a deep understanding of the film business. His education at Swarthmore College provides a strong foundation for his analytical approach to industry trends. Based in Los Angeles, Fritz is well-positioned to observe and report on the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment world, making him a trusted voice in film industry journalism.

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