Film History: Contemporary Cinema - Timeline of Cinema Ep. 6

Summary

In 'A Timeline of World Cinema', host Bradley Weatherholt explores the contemporary era's challenges and transformations, from the impact of media conglomerates and global marketing to the dominance of blockbusters and sequels. The script delves into Hollywood's international reach, the influence of digital technology, and the evolving landscape of cinema, highlighting key figures like Harvey Weinstein and innovative directors shaping the art form. It emphasizes cinema's resilience and adaptability in the face of technological shifts and market demands.

Takeaways

• 🎥 Contemporary cinema is heavily influenced by modern technology and the dominance of blockbusters, sequels, and remakes.
• 💼 Media conglomerates like Sony, News Corp, and Time Warner have consolidated major studios, reshaping the global film industry.
• 🌍 Hollywood has increased its focus on international markets, with 70% of box office revenue now coming from outside the U.S.
• 📝 Scripts are simplified for global audiences, with less nuanced dialogue and safer plots to avoid cultural offense.
• 👾 The rise of digital cinema has revolutionized filmmaking, but it hasn't necessarily made movie production cheaper.
• 🎬 Harvey Weinstein is a key figure in modern cinema, known for his influence in theatrical distribution and his role in producing acclaimed films.
• 🌟 Blockbusters are increasingly targeted at young adults, with franchises like Harry Potter and Twilight leading the charge.
• 🎭 Global cinema continues to thrive, with directors like Guillermo Del Toro, Alfonso Cuaron, and Wong Kar-Wai pushing artistic boundaries.
• 💡 Cinema is an evolving medium that has survived multiple revolutions, from the introduction of sound and color to the rise of television and digital technology.
• 📽️ Despite predictions of its decline, cinema remains vibrant and is expected to continue thriving in the digital age.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video series 'A Timeline of World Cinema'?

The main theme of the video series is to explore the history of film, focusing on contemporary cinema and the impact of modern technology on it.

How has the consolidation of major studios by media conglomerates influenced the world of cinema?

The consolidation has led to a significant change in the world of cinema, with major studios being owned by larger media conglomerates, which has resulted in a strategy of diversification and an increased focus on global marketplace control.

What was the significance of the Time Warner and Warner consolidation in 1989?

The consolidation of Time and Warner for 20 billion dollars in 1989 marked a significant shift in the media landscape, concentrating power and profit in the global marketplace under American studio control.

What percentage of box office revenues does the MPAA report as coming from international markets?

According to the MPAA, 70% of box office revenues come from international markets.

How do modern Hollywood studios approach scriptwriting to appeal to international audiences?

Modern Hollywood studios write scripts with less nuanced dialogue to avoid confusing non-English speaking audiences and use safer plots to avoid offending other cultures.

What types of narratives are commonly used in modern blockbusters to ensure predictable profits?

Modern blockbusters often rely on narratives from established franchises such as comic book superheroes and pre-teen novels.

What demographic does Hollywood primarily target with its films?

Hollywood primarily targets young adult audiences with the vast majority of its films.

Who is Harvey Weinstein and what is his significance in modern cinema?

Harvey Weinstein is one of the most influential producers of modern cinema, known for his role in founding Miramax, his innovative distribution strategies, and his production of critically acclaimed films.

What is the 'slow release' strategy in film distribution and how does it benefit studios?

The 'slow release' strategy involves opening a film in a few theaters and gradually increasing the theater count over following weeks. This strategy ensures that the majority of box office revenues are generated in weeks where studios receive the largest share.

How has the global film industry evolved in the last few decades as mentioned in the script?

In the last few decades, the global film industry has grown exponentially with European, Latin American, Asian, and other regional productions pushing the artistic boundaries of cinema and introducing innovative narrative and structural elements.

What is the significance of Wong Kar-Wai's 'In the Mood For Love' in the context of the script?

Wong Kar-Wai's 'In the Mood For Love' is highlighted as a celebrated film that goes against conventional narrative and fulfills audience demands differently, showcasing the evolution and authenticity of cinema outside of mainstream Hollywood.

What is the misconception about digital cinema in terms of cost savings?

The misconception is that digital cinema reduces costs due to the use of video cameras. However, most of the costs associated with movie budgeting, such as SAG wages, food, locations, and labor, remain the same regardless of the capturing medium.

How does the script define cinema in the context of its evolution and challenges?

The script defines cinema as an ever-changing art form that has survived various revolutions and challenges, such as the birth of sound, color, government censorships, the rise of television, and now digital filmmaking.

Outlines

00:00

🎥 Hollywood's Modern Transformation and Global Dominance

This paragraph delves into the contemporary era of cinema, marked by the impact of modern technology and the influence of media conglomerates on major studios. The script discusses the shift towards blockbusters, sequels, and remakes, reflecting the industry's focus on global markets. The 1989 consolidation of Time and Warner for $20 billion exemplifies this trend, with Hollywood leveraging its international presence for unprecedented profit. The MPAA reports that 70% of box office revenues now stem from international markets, prompting studios to prioritize foreign audience appeal in scriptwriting and narrative choices. The reliance on established franchises and the avoidance of risk in content selection are highlighted, along with the increasing emphasis on sex and violence to attract young adult audiences. The interdependence of TV and movie theater markets is noted, with secondary markets like TV and video becoming significant revenue sources. The paragraph also introduces Harvey Weinstein as a key influencer in modern cinema, detailing his career from co-founding Miramax to establishing The Weinstein Company, and his innovative distribution strategies that have shaped the industry.

05:04

🌏 The Global Expansion of Cinema and Digital Revolution

The second paragraph broadens the perspective to encompass the global growth of cinema, highlighting the contributions of directors from various regions who have expanded the artistic horizons of film. European directors like Michael Haneke and Lars Von Trier, Latin American filmmakers such as Guillermo Del Toro and Alfonso Cuaron, Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki, and Asian directors including Edward Yang and Apichatpong Weerasethakul are mentioned for their significant impact. A special focus is given to Wong Kar-Wai's 'In the Mood for Love,' which is celebrated for its unconventional narrative and authentic portrayal of unrequited love and tension. The paragraph then transitions to the topic of digital cinema, discussing its adoption and the misconceptions surrounding its cost-effectiveness. It argues against the notion that cinema is dying, suggesting instead that it is an evolving art form that will continue to adapt and thrive in the face of technological advancements and the challenges posed by the internet.

Keywords

💡Contemporary Cinema

Contemporary cinema refers to the current era of filmmaking, characterized by the impact of modern technology and changing audience preferences. In the video, it's discussed as a period that is difficult to define but marked by the influence of media conglomerates and the reliance on blockbusters, sequels, and remakes. The script mentions how this era is shaped by the internationalization of Hollywood and the shift towards global marketing strategies.

💡Media Conglomerates

Media conglomerates are large companies that own multiple media outlets, including film studios. The script explains how the consolidation of major studios by these conglomerates, such as Sony's purchase of Columbia and News Corp's acquisition of 20th Century Fox, has significantly altered the landscape of cinema by promoting diversification and global control over the film industry.

💡Blockbusters

Blockbusters are high-budget films with the potential for high box office returns, often characterized by their mass appeal and marketing campaigns. The video script discusses the growing reliance on blockbusters in contemporary cinema, emphasizing their role in driving profits and shaping Hollywood's focus on international markets.

💡Sequels and Remakes

Sequels and remakes are follow-up films or reimaginings of previously successful movies. The script points out the trend in contemporary cinema towards producing these types of films as a safer bet for studios, ensuring predictable profits and minimizing financial risks.

💡International Markets

International markets refer to the global audience outside of the United States. The video highlights that 70% of box office revenues come from these markets, illustrating the importance of catering to international tastes and the influence they have on Hollywood's production decisions.

💡Hollywood's International Presence

Hollywood's international presence denotes the global reach and influence of American cinema. The script describes the last twenty years as a period when Hollywood expanded its international footprint, amassing a level of global dominance and profit returns that is unparalleled in its history.

💡Mass Media

Mass media encompasses various forms of media that reach a large audience, including film, television, and the internet. The video script discusses Hollywood's superiority in mass media, indicating its dominance in shaping cultural narratives and entertainment consumption worldwide.

💡Harvey Weinstein

Harvey Weinstein is a prominent film producer known for his influence on modern cinema. The script details his career, from co-founding Miramax to establishing The Weinstein Company, and his role in producing critically acclaimed and commercially successful films. His innovative distribution strategies, such as slow release, are highlighted as a key to his success.

💡Digital Cinema

Digital cinema refers to the use of digital technology in the production, distribution, and exhibition of films. The script discusses the revolution brought about by digital cinema, including the shift from film purists preferring traditional cameras to the widespread adoption of digital photography, and the misconceptions about its cost-effectiveness.

💡Cinema as an Ever-Changing Art

The concept of cinema as an ever-changing art emphasizes the evolution and adaptability of the medium over time. The video argues against the notion that cinema is dying, instead framing it as a dynamic form of expression that has survived and thrived through various technological and societal changes.

💡In the Mood for Love

In the Mood for Love is a film by Wong Kar-Wai, celebrated for its artistic achievements and unique narrative style. The script describes the film as a departure from conventional storytelling, focusing on mood and emotional tension rather than explicit love or violence, and its significance as a representative work of modern global cinema.

Highlights

Introduction to the video series 'A Timeline of World Cinema' and the focus on contemporary cinema and modern technology.

Discussion on the consolidation of major studios by media conglomerates and its impact on the film industry.

Mention of significant mergers such as Sony's acquisition of Columbia, News Corp's purchase of 20th Century Fox, and the Time-Warner merger.

Explanation of Hollywood's growing focus on international markets, with 70% of box office revenue now coming from overseas.

Hollywood's shift toward safer plots and less nuanced dialogue to cater to non-English speaking audiences.

The rise of blockbusters, sequels, and remakes, with a reliance on established franchises like comic book superheroes and young adult novels.

The impact of Hollywood's focus on young adult audiences, leading to an increase in sex and violence in films.

Analysis of the mutual dependence between TV and movie theater markets, with significant revenue coming from secondary markets.

Harvey Weinstein's influence on modern cinema, from co-founding Miramax to founding The Weinstein Company, and his success with films like 'Pulp Fiction,' 'The English Patient,' and 'The Artist.'

Weinstein's innovative slow release strategy for films, maximizing revenue for studios.

Overview of global cinema's growth, with mentions of influential directors like Michael Haneke, Lars Von Trier, Guillermo Del Toro, and Hayao Miyazaki.

Detailed discussion of Wong Kar-Wai's 'In the Mood for Love' as a celebrated film in modern cinema.

Examination of the digital cinema revolution and its impact on film production and costs.

Debunking the myth that cinema is in decline, instead presenting it as an evolving art form that continues to thrive.

Final reflection on cinema's resilience and its future in the digital age.

Transcripts

Hello everyone and welcome to our video series, "A Timeline of World Cinema"

I'm Bradley Weatherholt and I will be your host on this journey through the history of film.

In this episode we will discuss contemporary cinema and the impact of modern technology on it.

We will also discuss the growing reliance on blockbusters, sequels and remakes.

Now, because we live in this period, it is a difficult era to define.

However, one thing is certain.

The consolidation of major studios by media conglomerates forever changed the world of cinema.

Under a strategy of diversification, the technology firm Sony purchased Columbia and media company

News Corp bought 20th Century Fox.

In 1989 Time and Warner consolidated for 20 billion dollars.

And with a renewed interest, Hollywood sought to concentrate the power and profit of global

marketplace under the American studio control.

Most name the 1930s and 1940s as the peak of Hollywood’s international footprint.

But the last twenty years stand as an era when Hollywood amassed an international presence,

superiority in mass media, and profit returns unparalleled in its history.

According to recent numbers from the MPAA, 70% of box office revenues come from international markets.

To achieve this, Hollywood spends more time and energy in marketing to international audiences.

In fact, studios now consider the influence on foreign markets over domestic markets when

determining which projects to greenlight.

Scripts now rely on less nuanced dialogue so as not to confuse a non-English speaking

country, and narratives involve safer plots, for fear of offending other cultures.

Unlike the bold, risky adaptations of the Golden Age, Hollywood now relies on already

established franchises.

Blockbusters now depend on everything from comic book superheroes to pre-teen novels

to bring in predictable profits.

Although Hollywood still produces some films for the family audience, particularly animations

films, the vast majority films are principally designed for young adult audiences.

Take, for instance, the 13 Harry Potter and Twilight films.

To continue to impress this demographic, Hollywood continues to escalate the amount of sex and

violence in each picture.

Blockbusters shy away from realism in favor of racy, exciting characters who can do all

the things basic TV cannot show.

By now, TV and movie theater markets are mutually dependent.

The majority of revenue earned by over half of films produced now comes from secondary

markets such as TV and video.

The argument can be made that seeing film on the small screen does not constitute a

cinematic experience.

Cinema at its purest relies on the theater experience, even in the increasingly complex

world of multimedia.

Neither video nor television could self-sufficiently market a feature length film.

Only theatrical distribution could sustain the businessmodel.

Studios realize this and continue to draw audiences to theaters.

One producer, Harvey Weinstein, completely understands this need for theater attendance.

Harvey Weinstein is one of the most influential producers of modern day.

In 1979 Weinstein co-founded Miramax with his brothers and ran the company until 2005.

Miramax had an early string of releases, but in 1989 with the release of Sex, Lies, and

Videotape, Miramax became a major independent studio.

In 1993 Disney purchased Miramax under the condition that the Weinsteins could still

manage the studio.

Disney allowed Weinstein the freedom to produce risky pictures such as Clerks and Pulp Fiction.

By this time, Weinstein was a Hollywood power player, commissioning critically acclaimed

films such as Shakespeare in Love, Good Will Hunting, and the Academy Award winning The

English Patient.

In 2005, Weinstein broke from Miramax, and with the help of other studio executives founded

The Weinstein Company.

Under TWC Weinstein has released almost an unbroken chain of successful films.

Academy Award nominated Inglorious Basterds, The Reader and Django Unchained, as well as

Best Picture winners The Artist and The King’s Speech, all released under Weinstein’s commission.

Many factors explain Weinstein’s success.

His lucrative distribution of foreign films, his courage in producing risky art productions,

and his creative business practices elevated him to the top of Hollywood.

His strategy of slow release, a practice where a studio opens a film in few theaters, then

gradually increases the theater count over the following weeks, highlights his business

savvy.

Since most of the box office revenues from opening weeks go to theater companies, slow

release ensures the revenue is generated in weeks where the studios receive the largest share.

The strategy is just another way Harvey Weinstein continues to influence modern cinema.

Harvey Weinstein is not only a figure of American cinema, but world cinema as a whole.

In the last few decades, global film has grown exponentially.

European productions from directors such as Michael Haneke and Lars Von Trier continue

to push the artistic boundaries of cinema.

In Latin America, director Guillermo Del Toro fantasizes worlds of color and horror, while

Alfonso Cuaron uses his films as a platform for philosophical investigation.

Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki produced the best animation films since Walt Disney.

Taiwanese director Edward Yang’s Yi Yi heralded a series of Asian art house dramas.

Thai director Apichatpong Weerasethakul, who cinephiles endearingly call Joe, has had a

prolific career, spanning several acclaimed films which are highly innovative in their

narrative and structure.

However, one film, Wong Kar-Wai’s In the Mood For Love serves as the movement’s most

celebrated film.

In the Mood for Love is probably the most and least aptly named movie.

On one end, the title perfectly describes the film, from the soundtrack motif to the

lush colorscape, the entire movie is mood.

At the opposing end, not much love happens, or in the very least, not much is consummated.

When two married couples move into a Hong Kong apartment in 1962, an affair takes place.

Rather than follow the husband/wife portion committing the affair, the film involves the

faithful half as they meet to discuss the pain they feel from their unfaithful spouses.

The sexual tension is palpable, but rather than settle for the obvious, Wong Kar-Wai

does not allow the couple any relief.

Like so much in the film, the narrative goes against convention.

In a time where audiences demand either violent or sexual fulfillment from their protagonist,

In the Mood for Love strays from both.

The result is not only a beautiful film, but one which is truly authentic.

One, that like life, is ambiguous and riddled with questions.

In the Mood for Love, like most artistic developments after the 1970s, happened outside of the mainstream.

For the most part, the changes in world cinema since 1945 have happened gradually.

However, occasionally an event transpires that revolutionizes the industry.

Sound, the studio system, and television all belong to these revolutions.

And now, a new one, the birth of digital cinema, revolutionizes what is possible with cinema.

Film purists such as Quentin Tarantino refuse to adopt video cameras.

But now digital photography is the standard.

Many love digital for the cost saving measures.

But is cinema really getting cheaper?

It’s easy to forget that most of the costs associated with movie budgeting is not related

to camera technology at all.

SAG wages don’t change with digital productions, nor do the costs of food or locations.

And make up, labor and almost every other aspect of cinema production remain the same

regardless of the capturing medium.

In fact, some digital technologies such as 3D actually increase production cost.

Another misconception of digital is that in somehow heralds the beginning of the end of cinema

To say that cinema is dying or in the state of decline since the 1940s, is to define cinema

only in terms of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

It is to arbitrarily limit cinema to one period of history.

One might as soon say that painting died with the Renaissance.

One could just as soon say cinema died with The Birth of a Nation, given that their definition

of cinema was that of the theater of attractions.

Instead of limiting cinema to one interpretation, why not define cinema as an ever-changing art?

If one chooses to see cinema as an evolving medium that has survived the birth of sound,

the revolution of color, the censorships of government, the rise of television, and much

more, one will see cinema is far from dying.

It is alive and changing.

And will continue to thrive even in the coming century with the concerns of digital filmmaking

and the internet.