With the end of the writers’ and actors’ strikes, movie fans can breathe a sigh of relief as the Oscars will proceed as scheduled, and the 2024 summer season is saved. However, amidst the gratitude, there is a bittersweet awareness that the entertainment industry will never be the same as it was during the past decade. Hollywood’s freedom from the need for broad popularity, thanks to ultralow interest rates, allowed for a streaming boom, high-budget franchise action movies, and a plethora of niche shows. But with the tap of practically free money running dry, the future of Hollywood remains uncertain. The industry may be forced to return to a more traditional model, reminiscent of the past.<\/p>\n
Streaming movies, like the mass-market films they replaced, will now require bigger audiences. This shift may lead to a dialing back of social justice initiatives in Hollywood. The retreat from diversity and inclusion efforts is already underway, as seen by the departure of executive women of color who were leading such initiatives at major companies like Warner Bros., Disney, and Netflix. When corporations face financial constraints, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are often the first to be cut. However, financial considerations are not the only reason for this retreat.<\/p>\n
Corporate feuds, particularly Disney’s public battle with Florida over LGBTQ+ issues, have had a chilling effect on Hollywood. Disney, stripped of lucrative tax breaks, has made it clear that it will no longer take stands on such contentious matters. CEO Bob Iger emphasized that Disney is focused on manufacturing fun and does not want to be drawn into culture wars. The risk of damaging the company’s reputation and brands due to consumers’ differing perceptions of their positions on public interest matters is a significant concern. This fear of backlash and potential financial repercussions has caused many companies to rethink their involvement in social justice initiatives.<\/p>\n
The Netflix miniseries “Hollywood,” created by Ryan Murphy, serves as a fascinating cultural artifact. It presents an alternate history of the golden era of Hollywood, where a female studio head casts a Black woman opposite a White actor in a major studio release, leading to critical and financial success. The series explores the mid-century sexual exploitation prevalent in Hollywood, but with a comedic twist. It also portrays the power of key decision-makers in driving social change. However, the show acknowledges its fantasy nature, with the final episode titled “A Hollywood Ending.”<\/p>\n
While Hollywood can play a role in advancing social causes, it cannot force change that society is not ready to embrace. Shows like “Will & Grace” have contributed to the acceptance of same-sex marriage, but they were only able to do so because the cultural consensus was already shifting. Hollywood can race ahead of societal norms and beckon audiences to catch up, but it cannot single-handedly drive change. The Dream Factory may have the power to manufacture consent, but it cannot change hearts and minds unwilling to embrace that change.<\/p>\n
As Hollywood faces a future with limited financial resources and the need for bigger audiences, a return to a more traditional model seems inevitable. The retreat from diversity and inclusion initiatives, driven by financial constraints and a fear of culture wars, is already underway. The Netflix miniseries “Hollywood” serves as a reminder of the power and limitations of the entertainment industry in driving social change. While Hollywood can influence societal norms, it cannot force change that society is not ready to embrace. As the industry navigates this new landscape, it will be interesting to see how it adapts and evolves, and what the future holds for the world of entertainment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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