The King is Dead
The King Is Dead, Long Live the King?
Last week, I discussed Bob Iger's ride off into the sunset and how aspects of his career are worth adopting industry-wide. This week, I want to focus on what Iger's retirement means for the industry in general. In a couple of words: Potential disaster. Rightly or wrongly, Iger has often been seen as the King of Hollywood. The Voice from on High who could speak to the overall mood of Hollywood regarding any particular issue. During my days in LA, it was a duel role held by both Iger and Peter Chernin, the former COO of the now-defunct 21st Century Fox. Now, the big question remains will anyone rise to the occasion? I think in the short term, the answer is no. First, I'll discuss why no one is stepping up and then what it means for the industry's future.
So why? Why has no one stepped up? Some would say fear which I don't buy. It primarily comes down to an inability to see the forests through the trees or, more specifically, they don't care that much. Most of those who have any influence in Hollywood make ungodly amounts of money, so losing one's job isn't exactly going to hurt the bank. And remember, I'm just talking about someone advocating for the industry and not someone shouting from the rooftops against the latest Twitter hashtag (more on that below.) Although after what happened to Jim G at Paramount, one could feel a little sympathy for those unwilling to stick their necks out against a prevailing trend in the industry. Arguably, most of today's big wigs came in when the industry was ripe for change, and change came (think Easy Rider and The Godfather.) But those who rang in that era of change handed the keys to those who either didn't want to let go of the wheel or to those who wanted to ride it out for a few years and then retire. Condition of the industry be damned, which brings me to my second point: what does the empty throne mean for the business as a whole?
What does this mean for the industry as a whole? Well, essentially, no one is driving the bus. With unprecedented changes happening in the last two years, no one is attempting to lead the industry into the future. Who is out advocating for a shift in the theatrical experience? Or better yet, what makes a movie? Who is trying to find the balance between streaming and theatrical while respecting talent? Who is talking about the radical possibility that the rising generation will not even go to the movies? For the most part, the answer to all the above questions is no one. And that is the shock of it all. There is a great opportunity right now for someone to step in and lead the charge. As Tim and I often say on the podcast, Hollywood is breaking, but opportunity comes with this breakage. As nature abhors a vacuum, now is the time for the next generation to rise, but who will that person be? There is an opportunity to take this industry into its next renaissance, but someone will need to step up because otherwise, the future is indeed pretty grim.
A Hit of Common Sense
It may seem weird to some of you to suggest another Substack newsletter as a "Hit," especially given that this newsletter is supposed to focus on content and Hollywood. Still, this past week Bari Weiss' Substack, Common Sense, hit it out of the park with this piece. Most of you have probably already read it, considering it rocketed around Twitter within hours. Ms.Weiss' Substack has been tackling subjects that other news organizations either won't touch because of the fear of the Twitter Guillotine or an ideological bias. Either way, she's willing to have the conversations that really must be had if we are ever to restore a modicum of sanity and decency to our industry and the culture at large.
If you haven't already, I highly recommend you read the piece and subscribe to her Substack. Maybe, just maybe, more Bari Weiss' could bring forth a new generation of leaders to herald us into a new creative revolution.
Pages from the Commonplace Book
This week, a first from Ralph Waldo Emmerson, a poet, and essayist from the mid-19th century. He could be more accurately described as a man of letters or, to use a standard business terminology these days, a generalist, a descriptor I'm sure he would despise:
"What lies behind us and what lies before us is small matter to what lies within us."
Indeed, in the battle of life, its ups and downs, it is what lies within that helps us weather the storm. That is needed to be a true leader for an industry desperate for change.
This Week on Hollywood Breaks
Tim and I will dive into more depth on this week's newsletter and discuss Bob Chapek's three pillars. Be sure to subscribe to get the latest episode.
See you next week!
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