Doc Distro Lit Review

Colorful illustration of a milk chocolate bar, bag of popcorn, box of candy, and soda cup all looking sad, sitting outside a movie theater
[Tomi Um]

How Bad Can It Get for Hollywood?

Providing a comprehensive overview of the challenges confronting Hollywood in 2024, cultural historian Mark Harris delves into the aftermath of 2023, marked by strikes, strained relationships between industry workers and executives, and uncertainties about the efficacy of streaming services. The repercussions include downsizing, diminished projects, and a scarcity of new content due to the disruption caused by strikes and pandemic-related shutdowns. The superhero movie genre, once a lucrative source of revenue, is observed to be in decline, prompting the industry to seek alternative blockbuster categories. In response to the supply chain challenges and uncertainties, there’s a notable shift towards producing quick, self-contained films that do not require extensive budgets or prolonged post-production work. Harris recommends Hollywood reconnect with its entrepreneurial spirit, urging studios and streamers to adopt more flexible and dynamic business models.