The Future of the Entertainment Industry

[Amnorix]

This thread is being started as a spin-off (see what i did there) from the NFL ratings decline thread in the Lounge. Trying to take advantage of Dane's knowledge of the industry, I asked what the future of movie-making is, given the shift in demographics and how younger generations are receiving content.

I also wondered whether movie theaters would go the way of the dodo, or more specifically Blockbuster, and my kids would be telling their kids about how they used to exist but now don't.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by Rausch

Unfortunately I expect Big-Kev to pull off both big films and then drop the mic and leave...

Where would he go?

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

Its about competition. Netflix is spending money on better quality shows, paying top $ to comedians(first Chris Rock,Chappele special in 15 years), getting better actors/Directors for their original content. Everyone of these major entertainment players want their own online streaming option. If it wasn't for this, we'd still be seeing 75% of their original content being unknown actors talking about their feelings in low budget productions.

Netflix is going full bore on original content, especially with their Disney deal ending in 2019.

The idea for them is to become like HBO: Excellent original entertainment that can't be found elsewhere while licensing blockbuster films.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by DJJasonp

I pretty much agree with most of what Dane is saying except the "not being able to recreate" the movie theater experience at home.

I've spent a chunk on 4k, dolby atmos, etc. etc. I would much rather watch a film at home (with no cell phones/cell phone lights....no teenagers chatting, etc. etc).

That's truly awesome but it's not a luxury afforded by the overwhelming majority of people.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by Mosbonian

But here is the question I would have....I know $11B is a big number and everyone touts that. But what were the expectations

The 2017 box office ticket sales were down 4% compared to 2016. It peaked in 2002 and we'll likely never see that many tickets sold again.

As for expectations, Disney came in a minimum of $250 million short of expectations (The Last Jedi) but they still earned the most of any film division in the world.

Originally Posted by Mosbonian

could it have been even larger if theaters appealed to the larger masses.

$11.1 billion in ticket sales represents an appeal to customers. As for the theaters appealing to the "larger masses", I'm not quite sure what you're asking.

[BWillie]

People are always looking for things to do. Going to a movie is an experience that will always be wanted. Sure you can always watch the movie at home but many ppl just go to movies for a reason to get out of the house.

[Buehler445]

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

I'll go to $5 Tuesdays, or the $5 matinees on rainy days. I rarely go full price.We got one of those refillable buckets for popcorn so thats only $4. Its not very cool to carry that into a theatre but I'm not a cool person to anyone but family and friends.
I have an 80in state of the art TV at home with surround sound. Yet, I still like seeing movies on the big screen.I dont see that changing just because I can see it at home on opening weekend.

I think that’s where it is going. The industry will keep leaning towards filling the slate with blockbusters that are formatted to be viewed on giant ass screens.

[Bowser]

Those Prime seats are amazing, and nobody will ever duplicate the feel or sound of a movie in their house, no matter how close they get. Movie going is as much an experience as the movie itself, imo.

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Netflix is going full bore on original content, especially with their Disney deal ending in 2019.

The idea for them is to become like HBO: Excellent original entertainment that can't be found elsewhere while licensing blockbuster films.

I thought Godless was the best cinematography on made for TV I’ve ever seen. Altered Carbon was the best special effects so far for original content on Netflix.

Ive been with Netflix since the DVD rental days. They have stepped up the quality of their recently released original content. Competition is a good thing. It pushes everyone to make a better product.

[saphojunkie]

So many more parts to this but I am too tired to get into it today. In short, the idea that kids are gonna stop going to movies is ridiculous, as they are the ones who drive ticket sales.

Also, no one giving foreign sales enough credit for their impact. It's why some people won't work with Netflix, because you don't actually own your content with foreign participation.

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by saphojunkie

Also, no one giving foreign sales enough credit for their impact. It's why some people won't work with Netflix, because you don't actually own your content with foreign participation.

thats what competition will do. First one to give up the foreign piece to the artist, will open the floodgates.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by saphojunkie

It's why some people won't work with Netflix, because you don't actually own your content with foreign participation.

Netflix notoriously pays composers pretty shitty as well.

I wouldn't be opposed to scoring a Netflix original but it would have to be something "easy" and in my "wheelhouse" in which I could crank out quickly because opposed to other networks, it's not worth the time.

[Chief Pagan]

Originally Posted by AustinChief

I love going out and being social but sitting in a movie theater doesn't really seem very social to me. I go to see big visual blockbusters but as home entertainment systems become bigger and better and cheaper I could easily see myself skipping that as well.

The people who think going to a movie theater is social is the biggest problem with movie theaters.

And crank that volume up. I'm willing to wear ear protection as long as they drown those people out. Not that I see very many films in theaters anymore.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by Chief Pagan

The people who think going to a movie theater is social is the biggest problem with movie theaters.

And crank that volume up. I'm willing to wear ear protection as long as they drown those people out. Not that I see very many films in theaters anymore.

I don't know where you're seeing movies but here in SoCal/Hollywood, my kids need to wear ear protection to reduce the volume, especially for films like Star Wars, Jumanji, etc.

And forget about IMAX. It's so loud that I should probably wear ear protection.

[Deberg_1990]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

I don't know where you're seeing movies but here in SoCal/Hollywood, my kids need to wear ear protection to reduce the volume, especially for films like Star Wars, Jumanji, etc.

And forget about IMAX. It's so loud that I should probably wear ear protection.

Ive noticed that sound and projection varies alot from theater to theater. I have my favorites in my area and some theaters i flat out refuse to give money to anymore. They dont care about the quality of the presentation.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

Ive noticed that sound and projection varies alot from theater to theater. I have my favorites in my area and some theaters i flat out refuse to give money to anymore. They dont care about the quality of the presentation.

Is it certain chains or just certain theaters in particular?

I had a particularly bad experience the day after Thanksgiving 2017 at AMC Burbank 16, which is normally excellent. I'm a Stubs Premiere Member and as such, always receive a survey after visiting. I voiced my displeasure in a nice way and a few days later, the theater manager contacted me.

He thanked me for informing him of the experience and sent 8 AMC Red Passes in the mail. I've noticed that the service has been better since.