Industry in the balance

Film-makers, distributors and exhibitors all around the world are testing new ways of keeping the medium robust, while experimentation with windows, old and new, is an inevitable next step.

Screen’s August special feature explores how the world-leading Hollywood business is responding to this sea change. US editor Jeremy Kay, who has been reporting tirelessly on the US business in all its facets for seven years now, sat down with some of the biggest names in the studio and independent world to discuss the new realities.

We targeted companies which have created new business models in response to a changing global business - DreamWorks Studios, Relativity Media, Media Rights Capital, Legendary Pictures - as well as arguably the town’s leading studio, Warner Bros. We examine the success of bright new independent Summit Entertainment and gathered some of the leading independent players in two lively round-table debates at Los Angeles’ latest hotspot, Soho House West Hollywood.

The result is a picture of an industry striving to rebalance after years of excess. Companies engaged in production are conservative and cautious both in content and budget, while studios are looking to partners for finance and product. It’s a time of great opportunity, where doors and minds are open to new ways of doing business or making and exploiting movies. Indeed, for independents, entrepreneurs and foreign investors, Hollywood has never been so full of opportunity. Looking at the likes of Ryan Kavanaugh and Graham King, who are building empires of their own in league with the existing super-structure, I can’t help but be reminded of Los Angeles’ great movie pioneers such as Jack Warner or Samuel Goldwyn.

Distributor Market Share by US Box Office, Jan 1 2010 - July 1 2010

Distributor Market Share by US Box Office, Jan 2 2009 - Dec 31 2009

Top 20 Releases In The US, Jan 1 2010 - July 1 2010

Top 20 Releases In The US, Jan 2 2009 - Dec 21 2009