As we emerge (or emerge-ish) from the COVID nightmare, into the maw of the Great Streaming Wars, there’s plenty of geniuses about to tell Hollywood exactly what it should be doing on every little thing.
As is ever the case, a person could make a lot of money doing the opposite of whatever the trade media geniuses demand. But you can’t entirely blame them for being wrong right now. We’re at a moment where — take any direction from the crossroads — the highway trails off into the mists.
There’s a lot more questions than answers on the table right now. Some days it seems like there’s nothing but questions. So I thought it was a good moment to take a tour through some of the Known Unknowns — some big, some small — whose outcome in the months ahead will change just about everything.
1. Does Anyone Besides Bob Chapek Have to Speak Out on Florida?
Last I checked Disney isn’t the only company that does business in Florida. It’s not the only company with production in Florida. And it’s not the only entertainment company that writes checks to the Florida Republicans. And it’s not even the only studio that has a theme park there.
But so far as I can tell, Bob II is the only executive from whom a stand on Florida has been required, and an abject apology demanded when that stand wasn’t good enough. If Jeff Shell or Brian Roberts have brought down the Comcast hammer (Universal Studios Orlando is lovely this time of year), I’ve missed it.
Is backbone only required when you’re in Hollywood’s hazing corner? Only successors to sainted executive icons need take the tough stands on social issues? Let’s see which members of the press decide to take a roll call of our beloved leaders.
2. How Does Hollywood Work With a Smaller Globe?
Pre-Ukraine invasion, the bloom was already off the rose of Hollywood’s groveling relationship before the People’s Republic of China, but now we’ve entered an entirely different field of play.
For 30 years now, Hollywood’s policy has been not just an open door to all autocrats and dictators, but an open door lined with a red carpet, cheering fans, adoring stars and starlets and a gift bag with a free TiVo and Swarovski crystal unicorn waiting at the end.
There was no market too odious for us to try and insert ourselves into; no dictator too corrupt or brutal that we wouldn’t reach out to for financing, or accept a Picasso from as a birthday present.
Suddenly, after Ukraine, groveling out the feet of tyrants for a few crumbs from their table doesn’t look so terrific. And worse still — there’s the threat that people may be watching.
This has been a sneak preview of today’s edition of The Ankler, the industry’s secret newsletter. To read the rest of this issue, subscribe today for just $17 a month and don’t miss out on who’s in the hot seat next!
Also on The Ankler:
Boz enters the Hall of Fame! Guess who’s coming to Star Wars? And an Academy members lockout. It’s all in this week’s edition of The Transom, our weekly round up of the scuttlebutt on the street.
We just wrapped Anxiety Week! Check out an unemployed TV writer sharing her Hollywood Unemployment Agony.
The Entertainment Strategy Guy takes a hard look at the numbers behind our collective feeling of instability and stares straight into The Content Bubble’s Sum of All Fears.
Then go deeper. For an understanding of why so many of us feel this way, start with The Pit in Your Stomach is Real, and continue on to “It Feels Like the Last Days of Rome” from new contributing editor Nicole LaPorte.
On the departure of Netflix’s flamboyant marketing chief, Bozoma Saint John, and her clap back.
The Glossy is up! Men, ditch your jackets for the shacket! And Power of the Dog’s Kodi Smit-McPhee has a surprising new player in his corner.
If you’re not already a subscriber, we invite you to join our audience of the most influential and powerful members of the entertainment community.
On The Optionist:
It’s March Madness in the literary world! This week – hot properties about basketball – the most culturally exciting sector at work today.
The new recommendations are up! What just fell out of option and is ready again? How about this story about a family cruise gone awry.
Subscribe during the free beta period here (it’s almost over!).
WE NOW HAVE GROUP SUBSCRIPTIONS! Please email Kymber Allen at kymber@anklermedia.com for more information,
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING on The Ankler, The Ankler Hot Seat, The Glossy, or The Optionist, please contact Kymber as well.
Can’t afford The Ankler right now? If you’re an assistant, student or getting your foot in the door of this industry, and want help navigating the craziness of this business but don’t have money to spare right now, drop me a line at richard@theankler.com and we’ll work it out. No mogul or mogul-to-be left behind at The Ankler.
The Ankler is an independent voice covering Hollywood. If you’re a subscriber, feel free to share this edition with a friend but just a couple, please. The Ankler depends on its paid subscribers.
