Do you feel like you’re consuming the same content? Or maybe the only new movies and tv shows to come out in the last few years are remakes or reboots? I think modern entertainment is in an originality deficit.
Let me explain:
Why are the most recent movies always seemingly “movie title 4″ or “reboot of popular tv series” instead of original works? Kristen and I had a discussion the other day about this. I have a few theories and most of them have to do with capitalism (of course).
Our algorithms are not helping us by producing the same videos and the same content. We scroll, interact, and then get the same video. And when we post videos, we all copy what’s “trending” to get the most views. This leads into an infinite loop of content regurgitation.
And in the same breath I want to also stress that nothing is actually original. Everything is a copy of something in some way. But every creative project seems like it’s getting farther and farther from original and closer to copy and paste.
As for movies and tv shows, sequels are getting pumped out like there’s no tomorrow. Moana was only out for 10 years before Disney made a live action of it. That’s a money grab. Not only is it easy profit, but they can keep the same creative people in office until they literally die. Why hire new people with new ideas when they can keep milking the same cash cow?
The older generation that’s still sitting pretty in these creative offices need to retire. They’re running out of original ideas and just copying the same things that have already succeeded. These old movies and tv shows have run their course…now let it die. Hire new people with fresh ideas and let them come up with new stuff. New people bring new ideas and perspectives on different creative things.
I understand these execs don’t want to throw all their eggs into one basket, but they need to take more leaps of faith. The entertainment industry is leaving it’s beautiful color for a more black and white future. Adaptations of books and 5 sequels for a franchise.
They’re saving money on labor too with these animated movies. Why create something original when they have the same animations from 5 movies ago?
Again, I understand why it’s being done. Saves them money while their pockets get stuffed with cash. They’re using nostalgia as the drug it is and everyone is falling for it. We give these execs and companies a pass because we’re suckers for some of these stories. Not to say these stories aren’t good, because they were popular for a reason. But when do we stop the live action remakes?
If the world is evolving, why aren’t our stories?
We need more risk!
In the eyes of cinema, risk = loss. Studios like what’s familiar. They like what’s comfortable. So what can we do about it?
Support Independent Films
If someone you know (or even don’t know!) makes a film, support it. Show the entertainment industry we want movies made by REAL people. Get out of your comfort zone and watch something you haven’t before. That’s where you’ll get real ideas and new perspectives. Hey! Maybe it’ll even teach you something.
There are PLENTY of film festivals (affordable too!) to attend. Check out your city’s film festivals and make it a day/night to go see them. You have no idea how much you’re helping these people.
Takeaways
In this day and age, audiences do have a say. If people can make enough noise on social media, creators have no choice but to listen (since they care so much about profit). Remember when we bullied them to change Sonic? Exactly.
Also, go out and create. Don’t look at what’s trending. Don’t try to get the most viral video. Just make something you’re interested in and share it. Find what makes you you, and there’s your original idea. Put yourself in your creative work and people will find it and support.
Don’t let originality die. The world is a prettier place when it’s colorful and full of expression. Don’t feed into the lazy entertainment creation. Studios are trying to push out as much as they can for the maximum amount of money in return. Your time is better spent on something that gives you a new perspective or makes you appreciate something more.
You deserve more than a 14th sequel to a dead horse. Don’t beat it anymore. Save originality.
