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Hollywood is a factory. You have to realize that you are working in a factory and you're part of the mechanism. If you break down, you'll be replaced. – Mel Gibson (Hollywood Quotes)
The sad thing about this quote is that Mel Gibson is absolutely right. What was once a glamorous, magical, and wholesome place for productions to be made has now become a mechanical system where originality has (mostly) gone down the drain. The result of Hollywood's factory-like mechanism is the consistent release of what I like to call "conveyor belt" films – productions that seem to come out at alarmingly rapid rates, particularly legacy sequels, remakes, spin-offs, etc. While there have admittedly been exceptions and enjoyable films in these categories, I think it would be fair to say that a substantial amount of these films have been disappointing misfires. However, it is essential to consider the filmmaker experience when it comes to working under Hollywood's creative control.
It's extremely rare for filmmakers to have complete creative freedom when a colossal Hollywood production scrutinizes their every decision. As creatives, filmmakers are responsible for making a film to the best of their ability, yet, it's monumentally easy for them to fall victim to Hollywood's financial and artistic demands. A filmmaker can be fired from their task in the blink of an eye, so these "conveyor belt" films frequently contain very little to no soul. One plus? It has allowed for independent filmmaking to, currently, dominate the industry.
What is it about independent filmmaking that means so much to people? Why is it so appealing to film lovers? Not only is it because of lower budgets and the heralding of new cinematic voices, but both questions can be answered in a single and simple word: originality. Critics and audiences alike hunger for original, captivating storytelling, and the recent rise of a certain group of individuals have demonstrated that cinema is still alive and thriving.
YouTuber Filmmakers
Who would've thought? With YouTubers like Danny and Michael Philippou, Chris Stuckmann, Mark Fischbach, Kane Parsons, and Curry Barker making giant waves in the industry these days, there's a lot that can be learned here. I'll allow legendary director David Lynch to illustrate the bridge between indie and mainstream filmmaking:
Most of Hollywood is about making money - and I love money, but I don't make the films thinking about money (Hollywood Quotes).
I mean, who doesn't like making money? I know I do, and I guarantee YouTubers love it too. Yet, a reason why films Obsession and Backrooms have been incredibly successful is because these filmmakers clearly prioritize art rather than dollar signs.
A filmmaker does not need a $150 million budget to captivate an audience, and that has unquestionably been demonstrated according to Box Office Mojo. Granted, some land more than others; Shelby Oaks grossed an estimated $8.1 million from a roughly $1.4–2 million budget, whereas Obsession grossed over $375 million from an astonishing $750,000 budget. Reasons for this vary, but my point follows:
YouTubers generally understand the state of the film industry, and so they allow their creative concepts – NOT motivation for making money – to carve a pathway to success.
Why Horror?
To harken back to Mel Gibson's quote, Hollywood is now ultimately a machine that repeatedly produces and releases projects with well-known intellectual property for financial purposes. But now it feels like a new Hollywood is being born and the world is witnessing a gradual rise of new, unexpected talents within the indie filmmaking category of YouTubers. Audiences crave original concepts and voices that they can strongly resonate with, and YouTubers are taking that desire to thrilling heights, primarily in the horror genre.
Publisher, critic, and author Jesse Hassenger, of The Guardian words it quite eloquently in his published article: To YouTube and beyond: how online gen Z directors stormed Hollywood:
For a while, the more whimsical or irreverent superhero movies served as a comedy substitute; now horror and comedy, natural bedfellows in their desire to produce a visceral reaction, are sharing that space, and horror has often thrived with up-and-coming voices from outside the Hollywood system, with its less risky budgets. Horror is also typically a youth-driven genre at the box office, and these younger film-makers seem to have a better idea of what resonates with their peers than a lot of older film-makers.
Gen Z is a highly popular demographic where movie theater audiences are concerned; YouTubers as younger, aspiring filmmakers understand the growing connection between youth and horror. Considering they also receive consistent feedback for their past work on YouTube, they implement those critiques into their projects. The result is fresh stories and aesthetically pleasing productions that highlight their skills as artists – without huge corporations threatening their vision. Horror is arguably the genre where the biggest risks take place, and where the most creative instincts blossom.
Is There Hope... ?
In order for Hollywood to regain its footing in the film industry, it needs to keenly observe YouTube filmmakers (and indie filmmakers as a whole), and recognize that art is so much more valuable than money. If not taken to heart, then the world will fail to see a second Golden Age of Hollywood. As of now, it won't be long before a YouTuber creates the next Casablanca, Halloween, or Jaws. If Hollywood plays its cards right by creating meaningful, original works of art for the sake of impacting audiences... hope can be found.
YouTubers may be dominating the industry, but Hollywood may just find its calling once again.
