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.

How Reality TV Really Works!

One thing that can be understood is that reality television is scripted, however, it does not follow a specific script . Producers will cast individuals that fit the description of the characters they are trying to portray. Depending if the story is planned or followed it will determine a reality shows shooting schedule. For instance,  The Real World requires a longer shooting schedule because you can’t predict when something interesting is going to happen, therefore it may take weeks of footage to package a 30-minute episode. However, a show such as The Bachelor or Survivor; generally requires a few days to package an hour- long show because the story line is already planned. All these types of shows require characters with big personalities that has a powerful and intriguing plot that will bring in viewers every week.

As I read through an article written by an established writer and producer, David Rupel, he stated that less is more in reality television because a lot of the raw footage is actually boring. I can totally believe that because I have watched some reality shows and the entire episode is boring so I can only imagine the hours of unedited footage. Ugh!

Rupel listed reality shows  down into four simple rules: one being planned vs. followed story, less is definitely more which was both already explained; and now the rules of storytelling don’t change. When writers want to capture their audience they seem to find a twist in the story line. 

The last rule he concluded was writing is producing. Anytime a location is selected, a new cast member is casted, or they select the proper music it all goes in hand in hand. Reality show was created because mainly there is a low cost to produce a story full of “nobodies.” Everyone wants their fifteen seconds of fame and reality shows give people that time to shine. Essentially, reality shows are a bunch of  wannabe actors that happen to fit the producer’s characters descriptions!

The Race to Win the Box Office

What really makes a movie a box office hit? Some may say the storyline; others may say, the actors but my answer is totally about the numbers. Such as how much money did it make the opening weekend? What was the estimated production cost of the movie? What are the chances of the movie being a sequel? The primary sites I check for these numbers are Box Office Mojo, IMDB, and Reuters.

One of my mentors shared some insights that intrigued me. For instance, a studio produces a movie for $20 million. Opening weekend the sites report the movie made $43.3 million.  Have you ever wondered how all those movie tickets are calculated in a weekend? They’re not! They are estimated figures; the official numbers don’t come out until Monday. Bet you didn’t know that! I want to review two movies from this opening weekend Iron Man 3 starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Tyler Perry’s Peeples starring Kerry Washington.

As everyone may know this is part three of Iron Man which; had a production budget of $200 million but has grossed a whopping $949 million worldwide. By the way, Iron Man 3 is now ranked the second-biggest movie opening of all time. Peeples, on the other hand, production budget was estimated to be $15 million but only grossed $4.9 million, domestically. The chances of Iron Man being a part four is very high, however, I don’t expect a part two for Peeples.

From a producer’s perspective, the goals are to exceed the production budget. If you’re thinking that money from the box office is going into the director, producers, or actors’ pockets- you’re wrong. About half of the money goes to the various theatre chains and other portions go back to the studio to recoup the money spent in production. Also the studio may use the box office money for marketing commercials, billboards, and radio stations. 

Tyler Perry Goes to Jail?

Tyler Perry allegedly does not sow all “Good Deeds. ” We’ve heard about him footing the bill for the late, great Whitney Houston’s funeral; and even replacing a woman’s stolen van in Atlanta.  However, a recent incident caused him to be viewed negatively by the press.  

Terri Donald, author of “Bad Apples Can Be Good Fruit,” proclaims she sent a copy of her book to Tyler Perry Studios before the movie started filming. Donald is requesting $225,000 in damages as well as her book being credited in the opening and closing credits. She believes this deed should not go unpunished for the stolen plot of the film. Donald even went as far to demand the accounting revenue of the film to date.

Although this is not the first lawsuit, it definitely will not be the last. Tyler Perry needs an efficient research and clearance team to ensure that the court visits ceases. Back in 2010, Perry faced another lawsuit for copyright infringement regarding a song used in an episode of the comedic sitcom, “Meet the Browns.” Additionally, the late gospel singer’s estate sued on behalf of Bertha James when Madea used the chorus from her song in “Madea goes to Jail.”

According to box office mojo, “Good Deeds” total domestic gross is approximately $35 million. The movie starred actresses Gabrielle Union and Thandie Newton. The synopsis is about a businessman Wesley Deeds being jolted out his scripted life when he meets Lindsey, a single mother who works on the cleaning crew in his office building.

As a fan of Mr. Perry, I hope these allegations are not true. He is a million dollar machine and I cannot fathom him stealing an ideal for a film. For the ones that did not catch the film when it premiered February 2012, I encourage all to check out the film. It was a great movie and I hope you enjoy it too.

The Go-To Workshop for Independent Producers

I recently attended a “Budgeting & Scheduling Workshop for Independent Producers” in Atlanta, GA.   The event was hosted by Symmetry’s Entertainment co-founder, Dianne Ashford. The workshop covered a multitude of aspects of the entertainment industry such as script breakdowns, budget sheets, unions (SAG, DGA, IATSE), and software management.  

Dianne began her work with Rainforest Films founders Rob Hardy and Will Packer producing their straight to DVD films Motives 2-starring Vivica Fox and Trois 3: The Escort-starring Brian White.  I gathered much information and knew I had to comment about my learning experience on my blog.

First and foremost, I was completely impressed by her knowledge of unions and how they operate in the entertainment industry.  The Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) was one of the unions providing low budget basic agreements for narrative theatrical screenplays-which may fit the needs of indie writers. Since, I’m located east of the Mississippi, the WGA East would serve my needs. You may review a brief illustration below: 

This union’s benefits are numerous.  Contracts are written with WGA and payments are made when finished products are distributed on television, DVD, and other media outlets. Other benefits include:

· Receiving minimum rates

· Credit and creative protection

·      Residuals

Other knowledge gathered was related to payments to high-profiles actors, bond companies, and the severity of receiving clearance for the usage of other’s original work.

Additionally, as an indie writer and producer I definitely want to protect my work and some of my choices are:

·      Registering my work as a student for $17 with the WGA East.

·      Registering my work online for $35 with the U.S Copyright Office.

·      For extra security, the “poor man’s copyright” by mailing a copy to myself with a post-mark date from the postal services.

Using actual scenarios, Dianne provided me with additional keys to success such as producer’s roles, review of movie scripts, equipment rates, industry-standard lingo, and using reference materials to my advantage.

Big Kudos to Dianne and I wish her much success in her future endeavors.  I recommend this workshop for all levels of independent producers.

FYI: I also would love to have her mentor me.

I hope that these words encourages anyone who reads them.

Thanks for stopping by & I welcome all feedback.