Hollywood is Dead: The Future of Cinema is in the Streets

 By Features Desk

 Tuesday, January 30, 2018.

Dreams of Hollywood are dead. Honestly, who would want to be there anymore, anyway? Instead, the time is now to follow the footsteps of the indie filmmakers who focus on story over style. The time for those who focus on exposing the word for what it is instead of relying on nepotism, buddy’s doing favors for others, and creating cinema for the mere goal of making money. 

The world has lost faith in the blockbusters of the past. Popcorn flicks are derided but don’t look like they will be going anywhere anytime soon. We want to be intellectually and emotionally stimulated. We want to laugh and cry and feel. We’re also sick of paying extortionate ticket prices for something that may or may not leave us satisfied. 

Of course, it could be argued that it is to each their own. Sometimes people want to stare at a screen and be spoon fed the drama, the nuance, the themes - if there are any. The #MeToo movement has inspired people to speak out against actions that have been tolerated for too long, and as a result, we see legacies dying. 

But maybe not for black cinema. Black Panther, for all the dangers of Marvel slowly becoming just another blockbuster franchise, is hitting theatres this year, The Lion King is being remade with an all-African cast, for the most part. Embracing the history of black cinema is a step in the right direction, and sets the industry up well for the coming years. 

But if you want to be part of this movement, be part of this shift from explosions and forced romance, how does one achieve it? Freelancing as a cameraman, sound technician, or even scriptwriter is an option, but the market is so saturated that you are competing with a hundred people just like you who want the same thing. 

In the UK, there are companies dedicated to helping aspiring filmmakers tell their story and get their foot in the door and keep it wedged open for all. Some of the best film companies in Manchester will allow budding cinematographers achieve their dream in hopes of shifting the focus from Michael Bay-inspired hackery and instead focusing on the stories people have to tell. 

And everyone has a story to tell. Everyone carries around their own camera and notepad to film and plot. Platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat, despite its recent failings, have given people the opportunity to tell their stories, quite literally. It is an evolution of storytelling. Normal people, doing normal things that get view after view after view. It may not make them money just yet, but it brings exposure, nonetheless. 

Furthermore, programs that provide opportunities for young filmmakers. This is nothing new, but the rising dissatisfaction with mainstream cinema is inspiring people to do better. They may be ignored, and they may have to bite the bullet at some point, but it isn’t about money, it’s about sending a message. 

Indie cinema, grassroots programs, and a community of like-minded individuals seeking and striving for change is the approach that is needed. You can complain and lament all you want about the death of culture, but with the opportunities available in the modern age, there is no excuse for not doing. The only thing holding you back is yourself.