Hollywood has undergone many changes over the past century. New equipment, advances in technology and pop culture trends have altered how we watch and interpret films. It is crucial for those in the industry to be on top of these alterations in society so they can implement them into motion pictures.
One of the most apparent changes in Hollywood has been adaptations to new technology that enhances our experience in the theater. Or does it? With each new technological advancement, comes a device that is smaller and more portable. Though this can be convenient for laptops or mobile phones, it can generate complications with professional cameras or microphones. Back in the day, tech appliances were very large and expensive. Though this made it more difficult to film, it allowed for a more clear audio that the audience had no difficulty hearing. In fact, most people listen to movies with subtitles in this day and age due to poor quality microphones that get really quiet when the movie scene isn’t action packed. It has gotten to the point where many have to adjust the volume in the middle of the movie in order to hear what someone said, this is most obvious in movies with louder scenes such as action or horror.
Movie watching as a whole has gotten very casual since the beginning of Hollywood. Before every home had a television, folks would dress up to go to the movie theater and bring their loved ones to enjoy the newly released film. Since streaming has become so popularized, the majority has found it easier to watch their favorite movies on services like HBO, Netflix and Hulu. Even if they do decide to attend the theater, it is a lot more relaxed and informal. Since accessing movies is so easy these days, streaming services try to produce as many films as possible in order to create profit. With the large quantity of film releases, one may ask if every movie is up to the same standard as they used to be. The general answer is no.
I have decided to interview a good friend of mine, Mumbi, who is going into film school after graduation. She was asked about her opinion on the changes in movie production, saying that “The change in technology in movies has made film more accessible to people, but has also been abused by major studios, and has taken the life and emotion out of certain genres. I feel like the quality of movies has changed since in the past studios used to be more directed towards artistic appeal and filmmakers would take more risks. I also think that filmmaking is more about profit than art now and in turn Hollywood is churning out films that are guaranteed to make money even if it’s the most brain numbing piece of garbage known to mankind as long as it promises profits.” She agrees that the standard for movies has decreased drastically over the years and the industry is headed towards some struggles.
To produce movies quicker, companies have veered away from creative ideas and instead are focusing on remakes and sequels. Though this is not the fact for every studio in the industry, this theme has definitely been acknowledged by the masses. On the contrary, there are those who want to break through the lazy cycle of movie continuations and are creating feature films that have a unique and thought provoking storyline.
The movie industry in Hollywood has been going through many changes as of late and studios are struggling to find order in the transitions that come with new technology. With the adaptation of streaming services, film trends are quickly recycled giving the screenwriter new challenges that leave the future of Hollywood as a mystery.