The Media Moguls Forecast

I’ve recently pondered the future of the entertainment industry. I’ve wondering how theatres will remain lucrative 10-15 years from now, since the advent of video-on- demand?

            After reading a Variety article about George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, I’m inspired to adjust my future business plans. Lucas and Spielberg predicted costly movie tickets, programmable dreams, and an immense movement of content to video-on-demand.

Astoundingly but separately, Lucas and Spielberg have written, directed, and produced some of the most phenomenal films in history including: Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jaws, and Saving Private Ryan. I consider their words of wisdom food for thought, and guidance for change.

The two media moguls forecast that mega-budgeted movies i.e. Red Tails and Lincoln-will not yield high profits as their previous movies in the past; which has happened in the case of Red Tails. They complained how hard it was to get those movies into theatre. Lucas added that theatre chains would be the cost of Broadway shows and football games.

Spielberg also addressed the evolution of video games, stating that the video market hasn’t been able to capture empathy with onscreen characters in a narrative form. This is mainly due to gamers enjoying onscreen violence. Additionally, Lucas thinks there is a market for woman and games because women identify with love stories and actual relationships. Game manufacturers can attract the female audience by creating games similar to the essence of “chick flicks.” Spielberg, on the other hand, looks further where game controllers will become antiquated and Wii devices will dominate the industry. Whether a computer or movie screen, the future goal is to immerse players inside three-dimensional experiences.

Lastly, Lucas predicts the incorporation of brain implants into the entertainment industry. He said an individual could have the ability to tap into their brain and control their dreams. The underlying theme is to retain the ability to tell a story. The content will remain the same whether you are in the game or telling a story.