Our cinematic and TV landscape is changing…dramatically. As studios, networks, and platforms descend from the era of peak television, the IP driven arms race to win the streaming wars reaches a détente, at least temporarily, and the highest box office year on record (2019) seams like something from a long time ago in a galaxy far far away (although studios will be giving it a renewed “tentpole run” in 2025), the scenery for filmmakers, screen artists, and especially producers will begin to look very different in the coming months.
Budgets are being cut at the majors, while platforms continue to saturate the marketplace with new options, along with ever increasing monthly fees for subscribers, which could lead to a major “cut the cord” moment for consumers with multiple streaming subs. Meanwhile, free, ad-supported streaming TV or “FAST” channels flood smart TV’s as AI continues its “creep” into the technical and creative side of the business.
In the midst of all this chaos, rapidly changing financial models, including a push for more international co-productions to lower costs and discover new stories, along with major mergers and acquisitions moving forward with reenewed vigor at the legacy media congloms, and economic uncertainty lingering from the last couple years, one thing is certain…content is still king. And the lineage of this particular brand of royalty can be traced back to the seventies. Or as the 2003 documentary directed by Ted Demme & Richard LaGravenese called it “A Decade Under the Influence.” There were certain key elements I found from that particular time (thanks in part to a quick Google AI search and backed by my days at the University of Miami film school), that I believe will be just as relevant in the coming Golden Age of Independent Producing:
- New generation of filmmakers: including Scorsese, Coppola, Spielberg, Kubrick, Lumet, among others, emerged and pushed the boundaries of cinema. These directors had significant creative control over their films, and their work was distinctive in terms of visual style, thematic depth, and storytelling techniques.
- Independent filmmaking: The rise of independent filmmaking challenged the dominance of the major studios.
- New Hollywood film movement: also known as the Hollywood New Wave, was led by a group of film students who brought an independent and radical perspective to mainstream filmmaking.
- New generation of executives: including (the legendary) Robert Evans and John Calley, opened the doors to a new generation of directors.
- New On Camera Talent: The 1970s introduced actors and actresses who projected all sorts of variants on “the feminine,” and traditional “leading man” roles in film and tv.
What’s more, is that the sheer volume of films with extraordinary quality which resulted from this decade plus storytelling stew, were made, mostly, within a studio system which unleashed its creatives to well…create, with very few guardrails, and at…wait for it, very reasonable budgets! The studios were essentially making and releasing indies with the marketing and distribution power of the majors. This was game changing for the Industry, bringing in strong revenue at the box office, while providing audiences worldwide with memorable stories, and iconic moments, many of which persist to this day. For evidence of this, just take a quick peek at the American Film Institute’s (AFI’s) 100 Greatest American Films Of All Time 10th anniversary edition, and you will find that almost 30% of those films were made during this relatively short timespan.
Now, we find ourselves at a new crossroads, for all the reasons already mentioned, but with just as many opportunities as our predecessors found in the late 1960’s, if not moreso. Consider how digital distribution models have expanded the playing field, and technical advancements have lowered costs via digital production (animation and VFX included), along with smaller crews, lugging lighter equipment, and the aforementioned “AI influence,” among other factors which come part and parcel with the modern era.
Today, it’s not just limited to the feature film, but television is exploring new ground with promising “independent tv models,” led by indie film darlings such as the Duplas Brothers and their experimental model for self-financing and distributing an entire season of television with the breakthrough “Penelope.” Going back to the growing importance of international co-productions, and foreign language shows which have been breaking through the global marketplace with megahits such as “Squid Game,” Spain’s “Money Heist” and more. Add this all together, and you can see how a smart, independent minded producer, with the tenacity and guts of a Bob Evans, the vision of a tech entrepreneur, and the unbound creative spirit of Hollywood’s last golden age of cinema, can soon be crowned as the global screen industry’s new royalty.
And needless to say, the Miami Media and Film Market (MMFM), along with our amazing partners and sponsors, are already gearing up to become members of this exciting new court.
Jose Luis Martinez
Co-Founder & Creative Director
MMFM