The Shifting of Hollywood

This Sunday marks the return of Game of Thrones.   

I know I am certainly not the only individual who is looking forward to this HBO television series.  The last two episodes of Season 3 destroyed me, and I don’t know how this season could possibly top the Red Wedding episode. (Spoiler Alert: everyone dies).

But, this makes me reflect about my own transition into following television.  I find myself talking about watching television shows more often than films.  In my own personal opinion (this certainly does not speak for anyone else), but I’m beginning to enjoy watching television more than films.  If I see a film commercial, I can immediately tell if it is a box office success, why it will appeal to individuals, and why I will or will not see it.  I’ve seen the films done time and time again.  I never thought I would say it, but films are predictable, and I don’t bother to check them out because of this. Traditionally, big blockbusters are going to be inspired by Michael Bay’s sound department.  

I’ve personally noticed a shift in accolades and open viewership from film to television.  When people say entertainment, people immediately answer with Breaking Bad, House of Cards or the Wire.  Actors themselves are shifting to television when 20 years ago, acting in television signaled a decaying career.

What has created this transition?

Netflix and the ability to binge-watch several episodes at time? The always ever-increasing rigors of studios green-lighting a script?

My curiosity peaked when hearing about Discovery’s Upfronts.  (Upfronts, for those of you who are unfamiliar with the term – is an event when networks promote their upcoming programming to advertisers in the hopes that the advertisers will decide to pay for promotional slots on the networks).

 I learned that Discovery was going to be adding a scripted series called The West produced by Hollywood’s own Robert Redford.

“Announced as part of Thursday's Discovery Communications upfront presentation, the network is launching The West, a series spanning 40 years between the end of the Civil War and after the turn of the 20th century.” - Source

Frankly, I wish there were more high-quality Western mini-series, and the fact that Robert Redford is going to produce the series is fascinating.  Actors are both featured in and producing more and more television series. 

The long-running idea is that there is now more creative freedom in television while movie studios still adhere to stifling conditions.  The effects are being noted all around Hollywood.  The Los Angeles Times offered a sly remark on the subject.

“In case you hadn't heard, the film industry is having a tough time producing anything other than franchise fodder and Oscar bait, while high-production scripted television is busting out all over.” - Source

The Los Angeles Times hit the nail right on the head!  Also, the Los Angeles Times hinted that actors will follow the viewership, and in turn, land in television.

"But actors and writers and directors, like most of population, also follow the love. And right now, audiences are in love with television." - Source

Actors will want to appear where the viewers are watching.  And right now that is on television.  More and more television shows will feature prominent actors.  

I am excited for this continuing trend because ultimately I'm the individual who benefiting from the mass move.  I get to watch television series with (potential) accoladed actors and dynamic stories.