Film & TV Hot Takes That Nobody Asked For
Hey Creators!
I know so many of us have big thoughts about this industry and I figured that I’d share mine. Now before y’all come for me, I stand on these hot takes. They aren’t meant to offend. And if you’re so inclined, share some of your hot takes in the comments. I will read em.
Ok so let’s just jump right in with a banger.
Film Industry Hot Takes
Indie filmmakers have more grit and fire. It’s because we know what it’s like to show up without a budget and thug it out. We master networking, bartering, and people skills due to lack of just throwing money at problems we face in the filmmaking process. We don’t have the “work my up” and “pay my dues” career because we’re busy doing all of the jobs. Learning to do all of the jobs helps us be better leaders due to knowing what each person in those positions faces to make the project a success. Speaking the language of our crew members is super important when giving direction or asking for what you need. Plus, the empathy and just respect for every position goes a long way. People like when their producer and directors know their names and respect their contribution to the project. It also just makes us better storytellers because we can see the story from different perspectives. We also build the confidence in ourselves that isn’t needed as much when you’re union. I can say this because I have worked union projects. Neither is better than the other, but I find more fulfillment in indie these days for what it’s worth.
Filmmakers that have experienced more adversity in life make better storytellers. It’s simple, really. The stakes are higher. They want it badly. I’ll give you an example. Y’all know how singers disappear until they experience heartbreak and come out with the most devastatingly beautiful album? Because it’s relatable. And when the same singer puts out an album where they are expressing how happy they are in life, it doesn’t hit the same. I, personally, love both because I love happy people and can also hold space for someone’s happiness without it being my current experience. I’m digressing. I do that a lot lol. Anywho, the singer example is more of a broader critique for a lot of audiences and they tend to be the loudest, but I can say, the songs about pain just hit differently. They make us feel seen and like someone else is hugging us. That’s how other mediums of storytelling are for me.
Remakes and reboots every 5-20 years is predatory. I know. I just wrote about sequels. I still believe every word I said. But for companies to focus so heavily on remakes and reboots when writers like myself are RIGHT. HERE. is wild. It’s a giant middle finger to us and to audiences. They also are just operating out of “how can I make the most money?” instead of “how can I make good stories?” and I don’t like that. Capitalism and tech moguls being in charge of the industry was the worst thing that happened to the art form. Bring back real patrons of the arts. The rich folks who would donate because they appreciated it and knew how important it was to our survival. The school system did a number on us when they heavily pushed STEM and defunded art. I will never forgive them for that.
The reason Black creators and Black stories are excluded and stifled is because we’d be more popular and put more money into our communities. Y’all see the numbers that Jordan Peele and Ryan Coogler are pulling in. Y’all see the cult following of Insecure. We are craving stories that don’t just center whiteness and men but Hollywood is bending the knee and going in the other direction again for no other reason than because they can. It’s really sad cause they’d make more money overall. Who turns good money down? They aren’t beating the allegations of how dumb racism makes them look. That’s why nobody will sell to Byron Allen. That’s ok. Y’all know I love me a DIY and if I have to craft this film career with my bare hands, I will continue to do so. My mama didn’t raise a punk. I rise to the challenge.
The propaganda is obvious. We’re seeing a push of young women characters having babies again. But a specific brand. IYKYK. We’re also being programmed to normalize incest. Game of Thrones universe, I am looking directly at you. But also in shows like Boardwalk Empire. I even felt a tinge of it in the most recent season of Wednesday. That just doesn’t sit right with me. I’m not the kinda person that’s quick to condemn people, but I feel like even without someone having any religious affiliation that some stuff we don’t need to see on tv. This is one of them.
Sex scenes are unnecessary. Before my smut lovers get upset, I am a Kennedy Ryan and Bridgerton stan. I just sometimes feel like sex scenes in movies are lazy and add nothing to the story. I long for the days where we could leave it to the imagination or we just don’t see as much. Call me a prude if you want to, but sometimes I be clutching my pearls.
If your movie is gonna be 3 hours long, throw a little cartoon in the intermission. I love a palate cleanser for stories. The longest movies are usually thrillers and tend to be the darker ones, so in between the dark stuff, give me a little 5-10 minute episode of Rugrats or Rick & Morty. Like could we just have a minute to decompress?
