With this blog, I generally try to refrain from social commentary and keep more to the ins and outs of film producing, however after a friend posted a link to a recent America's Got Talent post, I'm really starting to wonder what the point of putting all of that hard work, dedication, and parts of my soul into the projects I produce is. As a producer, I have to be focused on what makes money. It's my job. In order to do that, I need to remain in touch with what the market wants, and at least to some level cater to what the market is demanding. It's far less important to do that as an independent filmmaker, because when your budget is incedibly low, you don't have to find that big of a market in order to be successful. However, ny ambitions lie far beyond the realm of Ultra Low Budget independent films, and I'm quite worried about the state of the market and of the population at large in the country I call home.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBvIweCIgwk
I thought the story didn't stand up because there was simply no way that we could ever allow ourselves to become THAT stuipid. Well in the past couple weeks, one element of that dystopian future has actually come to pass. The Link Below is to the number one show in which people in this dystopian future tune into week after week. There are some spoilers, but nothing that really effects the plot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_4jrMwvZ2A
As you can see, it's horrifyingly bad. The link below is a recent America's Got Talent Piece.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XvEZ8O6m8E
When I saw it, I couldn't help but laugh at the irony. However, upon further analysis this genuinely scares the ever loving crap out of me, both as a citizen of this nation and as a member of the entertainment industry. I strive to make good movies. I do have to consider what's going to sell when I make a film, but generally I figure that the number one thing in making a profitable film is making a good film. At least to a degree, if you make a good film, word of mouth will greatly increase your sales long term. At least, that's the theory. Word of mouth requires that people actually like your movie enough to talk about it. If what people are starting to like is crap like that, then what hope does good storytelling have any more?
I shudder to think that there now exists something in the world of primetime entertainment that makes "Nude Nuns with Big Guns" look highbrow. I'm on the verge of writing a book here, and I think I'e said all that needs saying. Thanks to those who read this, I'll get back to more practical advice tomorrow.
