Where Did All the New TV Shows and Movies Go?
The entertainment industry is changing - and even insiders aren't sure where it's headed
The entertainment industry is going through a major shakeup. After years of steady increase, thanks to the rise of streaming services, the number of original scripted TV shows has been dropping. Theatrical releases have also declined - and many theaters are in danger of bankruptcy from lack of business.
It's not just due to COVID and the writers' and actors' strikes.
The industry itself is changing in many ways and the cause is two-fold:
technological and generational.
There's a fallout, with intense competition over smaller audiences who are demonstrating that they have choice - and it's not with these more traditional players.
Forces at work
Several factors are at work here.
Content - what's being watched
Audiences - who's watching it
YouTube and social media - where it's being watched
What we're seeing is the decline of traditional media (TV shows that focus on linear story-telling) and the rise of a more interactive, immersive experience. One that sees the merging of streaming video, social media, and social gaming that actively engages its audience.
Technology is behind the ability to create a new type of entertainment experience, but you can't discount the people who are driving it with their demand.
Those would be the younger generations, particularly Gen Z and the up-and-coming kids of Gen Alpha. They are the digital natives and very tech-savvy. More than other generations, they are globally connected, especially through video gaming networks and social media channels like TikTok.
These younger generations do not feel restricted to finding their entertainment on broadcast and streaming channels, and certainly not in the theaters. They're showing a clear prefer for original short content created outside of Hollywood and the entertainment industry, and they're finding it on social media channels like YouTube, Instagram Reels, and TikTok.
Where do you go most for your entertainment?
0%Network TV
0%Streaming Channels
0%Movie Theaters
0%YouTube, TikTok, Instagram Reels
There's another factor, too: AI.
Human vs. AI
No matter how much creatives would like to sideline AI from the entertainment industry, AI is not going anywhere. And the studio are feeling like they're up against a wall.
While independent content creators may feel no compunction against using AI at will to write, produce, and edit their work, the film and TV industry is being held accountable to when and how AI may be used. Independents don't have to answer to unionized writers, actors, and other creative artists; Hollywood and other mainstream outlets in the industry do.
As an on-camera and voice actor, I'm glad that they do. Not only would our livelihoods be at greater risk, but so would be the quality of future productions. Storytelling is a uniquely human art, where emotion and connection to the audience is intrinsically vital. While we will get used to accepting AI-generated materials, we would still feel like something is missing: the "heart" or truth that strikes a response in ourselves.
Profitability is always a factor
Money is a factor. It always is, always will be. If an enterprise cannot sustain itself and see a profit, it will cease to exist unless something else (like government funding, venture capital, or wealthy patrons) props it up.
The studios that produce network shows are having a harder time showing a profit. So too are some of the independent producers and streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime that saw good times and big bucks during the rise of streaming services from 2009 - 2019. While the streamers saw a boon during the early years of COVID, things are changing again. There's a fallout, with intense competition over smaller audiences who are demonstrating that they have choice - and it's not with these more traditional players. The old business models aren't working and no one's quite figured out what's replaced them yet.
The effects are felt up and down the industry, from the creatives (like screenwriters and actors) to production locations to the viewing public. Less content is being made and what is produced is granted a much shorter time to prove itself before being axed.
We in the creative trenches feel it first: writers, casting directors, actors, talent agents, crew, etc. The recent strikes played a big role, true, but still there are fewer new shows and movies being made. As an on-camera and voice actor, I've seen it and so have many others. Fewer auditions, fewer projects. Some talent agencies are shrinking or disappearing altogether. Smaller studios are closing and some taping services, too.
Productions are always searching to save money, too, and that's where tax incentives come in. Georgia, my home state, has been a major film/TV production center for nearly 20 years because of our generous tax incentives. In turn, Georgia has attracted and retained many well-trained actors and crew members and sparked tremendous growth of film studios and the infrastructure to support them. It hasn't hurt either to have the whole-hearted support of our governor and state legislators, and the attractions of our state's natural beauty and diversity of topography, including our usually good weather year-round (even our hot, humid summers!).
TV shows and movies have globe-trotting legs
There's no rule that says that US productions have to stay within the US. Cost-cutting measures, tax rebates, favorable exchange rates, cheaper labor - there's much that can pull a production off-shore.
Case in point: Marvel. After a number of years making its movies in Georgia, Marvel has pulled stakes for a few upcoming productions and relocated to London. It's all part of following the money, whether it's around the US (from Florida to Wilmington, NC to New Orleans to Atlanta) or internationally to Australia, Iceland, South Korea, New Zealand, and Canada.
Cheaper crew rates draw productions outside of the US, especially to Eastern Europe, which also offers gorgeous scenery and a classic old-world vibe. It's quite possible that, without the restrictions imposed by US-based unions, productions may use AI to replicate foreign actors' images and voices for future projects without their knowledge, consent, or proper compensation.
The future
My crystal ball is in the shop for repairs right now, so I can't forecast a clear future. All I can tell you is that everything is cyclical. And everything is subject to change and either evolves or dies.
The entertainment industry will adapt to these technological and generational changes. It will find new and better ways to tell great stories and undoubtedly, new tools like AI will become essential. As long as the creatives in charge remember that's AI is best used as a tool rather than as a sole content generator, they'll be successful. And actors like me will learn to adapt as well, so staying abreast of these changes and continuing to train in our craft is essential.
Fingers crossed that Atlanta remains a top place to make movies, but in the meantime, I'll continue to make engaging content myself. Short videos. Hosted on YouTube.
Laura's Quick Tips
Every generation puts its stamp on society and modern culture. Gen Z's is truly digital!
Something to consider about AI: Don't let it become your task master instead of your tool.
Don't bemoan change, whatever the reason. Understand and adapt to it.
Check out my short videos at: https://www.youtube.com/@lauradoman
Want to learn more? Let's talk!
I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera in videos, presentations, and online appearances.
Comentários