Wade Major on Hollywood’s Pathway during COVID-19

In a video interview, Wade Major, a renowned film journalist, sheds light on the impact of COVID-19 on the film industry. The pandemic disrupted various aspects of film production, leading to increased costs and delayed release dates. However, Major also highlights how the animation and visual effects fields managed to continue working remotely. The pandemic has forced Hollywood to confront its vulnerabilities and shortcomings, leading to new developments and changes in leadership. Major also raises concerns about the growing cultural divide between Hollywood’s elite and the general population, questioning whether movies are becoming a potential source of division akin to politics.

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on various industries, and the film industry is no exception. In a recent video, Wade Major, a renowned film journalist, shared his insights on Hollywood’s pathway during this challenging time. Let’s delve into the key points discussed by Major and explore the implications for the film industry.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Hollywood

According to Major, the pandemic dealt a significant blow to Hollywood, especially concerning theatrical film distribution. Major studios heavily rely on theaters to distribute their films. However, with the closure of theaters, the entire distribution process suffered. This resulted in limited opportunities for films to reach the marketplace, crippling many companies. Major also highlighted the challenges faced by movie productions in adhering to testing regimes, public health guidelines, and union requirements. These additional measures increased logistical issues, raised production costs, and affected the release dates of several films. Despite these challenges, streaming platforms like Netflix experienced a surge in popularity as people spent more time at home.

The Challenges of Film Production

The pandemic disrupted every aspect of film production, from testing to location changes. Major emphasized that both big-budget and low-budget productions were significantly impacted. The requirement for extensive testing and quarantine measures disrupted schedules, leading to higher costs and delayed releases. Even short films were affected, with productions being canceled due to the challenges of testing and quarantining the entire cast and crew. Major also noted the gradual shift of film production away from California to states like Georgia, which offer better incentives. However, certain productions, such as major studio projects like Batman, require specialized facilities that Georgia may not provide. Major predicts a slow return to normalcy in the film industry by 2023, with a complete recovery by 2024.

Impact on Local Productions and Safety Protocols

The impact of COVID-19 on local film productions varied based on union and non-union regulations. Union productions across different locations, including Georgia, California, New Mexico, and overseas, were required to follow strict protocols. However, non-union productions had more flexibility in adhering to safety measures. Major mentioned Netflix as an example of a company adhering to protocols while leveraging its content strategy to navigate the challenges. Despite some pushback from Hollywood against mandates, most individuals within the industry prioritize safety and are willing to follow the necessary protocols. However, pandemic fatigue has started to affect some workers who find wearing masks and dealing with the situation increasingly burdensome.

Adaptation to the Pandemic and Film Release Delays

The film industry has gradually adapted to the pandemic, with productions slowly ramping back up. However, theaters have not performed as well as initially expected. While films like Avatar achieved significant success in theaters, many other films experienced multiple release date delays. This unpredictability made it challenging for studios to gauge audience interest and profitability. On the other hand, animation and visual effects fields fared better, as individuals could work remotely. Nonetheless, studios still needed to release movies to offset their overhead costs, leading to a more critical evaluation of non-essential projects.

Shift in the Film Industry’s Focus

An interesting topic raised during the discussion was the potential shift in the film industry towards prioritizing commercially successful films rather than politically driven projects due to COVID-19. Major did not notice an overt impact, but he mentioned a few films that addressed the pandemic in their storytelling. He also highlighted instances where actors speaking out against vaccine mandates resulted in consequences such as losing their soap opera roles. However, Major believes that in a few years, the pandemic will become a distant memory, and the industry will return to its usual storytelling themes.

The Backlog of Scripts and Economic Pathway

The pandemic created a backlog of scripts and movies awaiting economic pathways. Major mentioned two significant mergers that took place during the pandemic, namely Amazon’s acquisition of MGM and Discovery’s merger with Warner Brothers. These mergers caused disarray in the industry and affected the release plans of various projects. Major also discussed the influence of China on Hollywood, stating that China has been a strong market for Hollywood films despite occasional conflicts. Major predicts that Hollywood’s storytelling will continue to be influenced by China, given its substantial viewership.

Hollywood’s Relationship with China and Global Expansion

Hollywood has been the dominant force in the film industry, attracting talent from around the world to work in the United States. However, its relationship with China has been complex. While Hollywood invested in building theaters in China, the Chinese market eventually rejected Hollywood movies and began producing their own films. Major suggests that studios might shift their focus to the rest of the world, including Europe, anglophone countries, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Pacific Rim, to offset the challenges posed by the Chinese market.

Impact on the Chinese Film Industry and Censorship Policies

The Chinese film industry has also been significantly impacted by COVID-19, along with the country’s censorship policies. Major explains that the Chinese market is sensitive to issues related to gender roles, religion, and morals. Including such content in films would result in revenue loss from populations in the Middle East, Asia, Malaysia, and Indonesia, where strict censorship regimes are in place. The pandemic has further complicated matters for the Chinese film industry.

Hollywood’s Cultural Divide and Potential Audience Alienation

Major draws attention to the cultural divide between the higher echelons of Hollywood and the general population. He emphasizes the need for Hollywood to create opportunities for individuals from all walks of life to participate in filmmaking, rather than exclusively relying on graduates from elite film schools with established connections. Major raises concerns that movies might ignore, downplay, or alienate a significant portion of the potential audience, similar to what is happening in the political sphere. He questions whether movies are becoming another source of division in society.

Democratization of Content Creation and Gatekeeping

The democratization of content creation has led to an abundance of diverse voices and perspectives. However, this has also resulted in an overwhelming amount of content and self-siloing. Major acknowledges that new gatekeepers are needed to filter out content and maintain quality standards. While this evolution brings optimism for the future, he believes that the film industry will continue to face hardships and transitions for at least another year. The ultimate challenge lies in convincing filmgoers to return to theaters and experience movies in the traditional way.

Increase in Movie Releases and Decrease in Quality

The pandemic has witnessed a surge in the volume of movie releases, particularly on streaming platforms and video-on-demand (VOD) services. Major observes that almost every film is now being reviewed, irrespective of their low budgets and limited cultural impact. Many of these films lack longevity and fail to resonate with broader audiences. Major emphasizes the importance of big mainstream movies that appeal to a wide range of viewers, rather than solely catering to niche interests. Despite the economic damage caused by COVID-19, Major is hopeful for the future of the industry, citing new leadership and developments at major companies such as the Academy Awards and Disney.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed immense challenges to the film industry. From disrupted production processes and delayed releases to cultural and political divides, Hollywood has had to navigate a complex landscape. However, these challenges have also forced the industry to reflect, recognize vulnerabilities, and adapt to new circumstances. With the hope for recovery on the horizon, Hollywood continues to evolve and strive for inclusivity and innovation.

FAQs

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has tested the resilience of the film industry. Despite the hardships faced, Hollywood has the opportunity to emerge stronger, more inclusive, and adaptable to changing circumstances.

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