THE BLOCKBUSTER IS DEAD
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- Опубліковано 28 кві 2020
- Hollywood's huge movies are headed for extinction - which could be great news for low budget filmmakers and screenwriters.
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Do you agree? What's your take on the crisis facing the Hollywood studios and their big budget movie divisions?
Absolutely! It is going to be the time for smaller productions, and hopefully a whole lot of awesome original content.
@@richardkodai I'll raise an (empty) Heineken 007 lager to that future.
@@richardkodai Thank you for inspiring me to make this film.
@@Scriptfella Thank you so much for making it, Dominic. These are questions on everybody's minds in the industry (aspiring or working) and we needed some answers. Or at least some ideas where things might go.
Don't know if I agree about Heineken tasting great...:P
But I think Hallmark has the right idea. The number of movies they produce in a year is INSANE and their ratings reflect it. Regardless of how you feel about these flicks, what lessons can you learn? Well, start thinking more of MADE FOR TV again, like we did in the 80s and 90s. How can we think lower budget in each genre?
Wonderful video, you've hit the nail on the head with this. Personally, I think it was kind of inevitable that the entire system of producing films with quarter to half a billion dollar budgets was never going to be sustainable in the long term. As someone studying film production and screenwriting, the death of the blockbuster system and the return of the low to mid-budget feature gives me hope that aspiring script writers such as myself can finally have a chance in a post-COVID 19 film industry.
I'm 100% with you on this - I hope some good can come out of this disaster and that new voices/writers will be get a fair crack of the whip.
Turns out the answer for big productions (Marvel/Star Wars) is gradually becoming “move to Australia” and “shoot in ‘Mandalorian’ style LED Volumes”.
To have a film crew of 50 - 80 people on a 10 -18 week shoot and for some of them not to get sick will be virtually impossible. The logistics and planning to maintain any semblance of order will be hugely problematic if, all of a sudden, the script supervisor, gaffer, boom op and 1st AC are unwell along with the lead actor. Insurance for movies will rise exponentially to a point that many production companies wouldn't financially be able to afford it. Smaller productions are unquestionably the way forward.
I’m wondering how animation studios will handle the post-pandemic. If there’s an efficient way to have crews working at full potential while maintaining safety norms could this mean that future big-budget movies might be entirely animated?
Hi Lilly - you're bang on here - animation is the one area of filmmaking that can and is continuing production during the pandemic. All the animators, CGI teams and voiceover artists can work remotely from home.
Perfect time to crack out those contained thrillers!!
Thank you for this video; It's certainly a tumultuous time for all of us.
I've just finished watching all of the videos on your channel and I would just like to say how grateful I am for all of your advice. As an absolute "newbie" to the industry, the thought of following my dream of being a screenwriter seems rather daunting at this present time. However, your videos have been far more informative than most of the other "pop" channels for screenwriting I have experienced. Thanks!
You're very welcome Lee, thanks for your support!
Hi Dominic. Absolutely fantastic video. You really addressed the elephant in room big time!! I also agree with all the comments posted so far below. We're facing a new normal after this, and we need to work how to face it.
Thanks Martin - glad the vid hit the spot for you.
I sometimes work as a writer for a Thai production company and they told me that any future ideas/treatments/scripts must have a Thai cast with no foreigner characters due to the virus and the trouble with getting non-Thai actors into the country.
Hallmark and Lifetime, ID, TV1, Oxygen Tv shows and movies constantly have new content made for the small screen. What's their formula and budget, crew and cast size. How do they get it done?
The money is in it for the money! Truest thing ever said.
Glad you liked that one Nigel Auchterlounie. I had a little giggle about that between takes/beer chugs.
YES!!!! A new video... I'm pressing play right now!!
Fantastic video man! I’m going back to watch all your last videos as well!
Been waiting ages for a new scriptfella video, and I wasn't disappointed! Excellent analysis.
Cheers Oscar - you're right, it's been way too long.
Dominic, do you think this could spell a return of the drive-in cinema?
Hey Beatrice - some drive through cinemas are doing very well, although I imagine it's more of a niche experience. I've never been to a drive-through movie, always wanted to. www.theguardian.com/film/2020/apr/29/us-drive-in-cinemas-coronavirus-boom
Jaws changed my behavior...great analogy
This is the most informative and forward-thinking video I've seen about the future of the entertainment industry.
Boomer, you're a gent. I hope that rebel motorbike crew is keeping your heart and soul together.
@@Scriptfella It is. I finished the pilot with many of your suggestions, I'm now turning it into a feature. It's good to hear from you.
Loved how u paused for a moment
You: when is Tom going back to Italy?
(pause)
Me: 🤩
Always great to see another installment from the Scriptfella files! It’s been far too long…
Looks like I’ll be cracking open the low-budget Ideas vault pretty soon!
Stay safe everyone.
Hey Ben - don't give up on your inter planetary masterpiece just yet - could that go animation/Mandalorian CGI?
@@Scriptfella Thanks, mate. I’m permanently hopeful it’ll find a home in some format or another! I’ve read animation is a slightly different format on the page, would have to check it out more.
Currently finishing the first draft of an upgraded version of Sinjar, same conflict zone but focused on the local population and the fallout. + a kick-ass female lead.
Drop you a line when it’s done, and chuck some new ideas around for the low-budget stuff.
Jimmy? JIMMY??? Don't you dare call 007--"jimmy". Lmao! Another great vid, lad!
The pandemic is the catalyst that will bring back movies of substance over movies of spectacle. “Absolutely goddamn right.” - Martin Sheen as Capt. Benjamin L. Willard in *Apocalypse Now*
Really enjoyed the video, Dominic -- wouldn't it be great if this did spark a revival of the mid-budget movie? And maybe even the return of a screenwriting middle class? Interesting to see how things develop.
The return of the screenwriting middle class? You're ahead of me John - I know a lot of writers who would love that to happen.
I know I'm late to this video but I agree with you. Certain genres they'll probably dive into I'm thinking like coming of age films. As there's always room for them in the market. Mid budget comedies which studios have thrown away I'm not so sure. Hope so but IDK.
Great video.
I agree, Dominic. It makes more sense to produce feature movies of high quality, with a small cast and crew, in a few contained locations, to be available on DVDs, and shown on the small screen.
Nice prediction, I agree. Even though I love bond movies.
Great video Dominic, what you say makes total sense. High concept, lower budget films could be just what's needed. I was looking forward to Mission Impossible 7 & 8, but I watch those movies for the smart script and performances rather than the locations. I'd be happy if McQuarrie and co retooled those films as more cerebral espionage thrillers taking place in the US or using some clever greenscreen backdrops. Forget the spectacle and give us something clever.
Copy that Jonathan. It's a challenge for sure - how could they make a Joker sequel in the Covid19 era? Could you shoot the whole movie in a sanatorium?
This is a big game changer. I've been mulling this over for some time. I'm desperate to seethe lower to middle budget projects regain the higher ground. Yeah, they'll be using plenty of CGI to keep the Blockbusters going, but you're absolutely right; Cinema as we know it, is being lowered in to that pit. I LOVE the cinema experience, but I won't be venturing there until a vaccine is shoved into my arm! Great video. I'm sharing. Much love. Stay safe
Cheers Dan, hope you're hunkering down. If you spot any 007 Heinekens, nab 'em. They could become collectors editions.
Hope the vaccine doesn't hurt you. You'll probably be chipped too.
It's funny. I was making these exact musings last week. I totally agree.
Hi Lisa Molusis good to see you again!
hi dominic I discovered you a few months back and cant get enough of your videos.
Please keep making as many as you can, as they are not only educational but dam entertaining.
Loved your take on how the film industry will be affected by all of this and makes me really think about the industry in my country (Pakistan) and how its going to suffer since entertainment is the least of our worries because of the lockdown, anyway stay safe and healthy! will be waiting for your next video
ahmar anwar many thanks for your kind words and support.
scriptfella is the OG of fellas who write scripts
I'm a film maker that can adapt! Really interesting video - thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Maybe now those rich ass people in show business will start to appreciate the people who pay to watch their films. These people are now paying for essentials: food, housing, clothes ect.
Quick Question: You still doing consultations?
Yes I am !
Good video with good points. I hope that the "smaller indie-Hollywood" makes a powerful comeback. More lower budget than blockbusters. (In truth, we've been having quite a few great non blockbusters films, all this time) - The theather situation is hard to say, personally I can't wait to go to the dark room. The dark room, has been under attack for half a century and is still strong. In China people flooded to the theather once they where allowed to. This is a huge scar, but we are still in the mourning stage, many people are in a fear based reaction mode... once the dust settles, we can start to look at it in a more "relaxed" way. My ideal scenario: Mid budget films come back, lower budget are made more frequently and the fewer blockbusters still have their space. Hope theathers remain strong (maybe even stronger) And as far as production, I really, really hope that we don't end up making TV movies, exclusively... that I truly hope not. There is room for everyone.
Thanks for your thoughts Video Vasco. Personally I can't wait until I can safely venture back into the dark. Regarding Chinese cinemas, I read in the Guardian that they had to lock them down again. I www.theguardian.com/film/2020/mar/27/china-re-closes-all-cinemas-over-coronavirus-fears I will check with my Chinese friends for the latest state of play. If the cinemas in China are open, it's a public place so I imagine mask wearing will be mandatory no matter what. Take care. D
@@Scriptfella Oh, wasn't aware that they where closed after... I will look a bit into it as well, to see the current situation. Still, the will of the people is there hehehheh. But is too early for anything. Thank you for your video and reply, have a great week.
I think Pinewood will be OK. Disney have hired the entire lot for (I think) 6 years. And, everybody wants Pinewood gear. Definitely a shift in the plates though. But remember, the industry will adapt. They said sound was the end of cinema, then colour, VHS, DVD and Netflix.
I’ll also stick my neck out and wager that Apple buys Disney or Netflix inside 18 months - with loose change from the back of the sofa...
Drive in movie theatres
www.theguardian.com/film/2020/apr/29/us-drive-in-cinemas-coronavirus-boom
I wish this was true.
"THE BLOCKBUSTER IS DEAD"... You say that like it's a bad thing!
I think it would be a great thing for blockbusters to die out for a decade and make a slow return. The spectacle and excess is out of control... and its f**king boring too.
Just got a subscribe out me, good job!
Heineken is lousy, and that naff red star on it, awful; give me a good cask ale any day. James will have a dry martini lol.
Tom Cruise possibly not the best example. Did you see that helicopter chase? Man has a death wish and is totally uninsurable, lol
You're so right, mate. That said inhaling microscopic mouth gob during lunch isn't quite as sexy as no helmet motorbike action.
Sucks .... doesn't it?