Hollywood has been producing more sequels, prequels, remakes and films based on existing properties in recent years compared to original films. In 2021, only one of the top 10 grossing films was an original idea.
This trend is due to consolidation in the film industry where there are fewer major players and studios. Consolidation has also led to fewer films being produced.
The rise of streaming services like Netflix has led to vertical integration where one company controls both content production and distribution. This gives them more control over who profits.
Creators and independent producers have less control and profit due to the lack of a clear marketplace to sell their content. Writer pay has actually decreased in recent years.
The UK has been more successful at producing original content due to government regulations that require broadcasters to commission a portion of their programming from independent producers and allow them to retain secondary rights.
Small to mid-sized production companies have been able to thrive in the UK due to these regulations.
There are questions over whether the current streaming model in Hollywood is sustainable in the long run.
Wall Street investors want to see profitability after years of growth investment in streaming companies.
Creators are fighting for terms that give them the ability and incentive to make great original content.
The outcome of this fight will determine whether the next great original film gets made.
Solar energy prices have dropped significantly in the last few decades, making it cheaper than fossil fuels like coal in most places.
However, investment and deployment of solar energy have stagnated despite the lower prices, as profitability remains an issue.
Companies like Shell have pledged to transition to renewables, but they have conditioned it on renewables delivering high profit margins of 8-12%, which is unlikely.
Returns on renewable energy projects are typically around 4-8%, much lower than what companies like Shell require.
Fossil fuel companies and asset management firms are not investing substantially in renewables, as profit remains the main driver rather than sustainability goals.
The parts of the solar business that are profitable involve manufacturing and mining, where exploitation and poor conditions remain.
Profit, not price, determines what gets produced. Without profit potential, the transition to renewables will not happen at scale.
Like water power in the past, solar energy is a cheaper source of energy but less profitable due to difficulties in privatization and exploitation.
The transition to renewables will likely come with major drawbacks as long as profit remains a requirement.
Systemic changes are needed to make the transition to renewables in a just and sustainable manner.
Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu pay writers significantly less in residuals compared to traditional networks, which is a major issue in the current Writers Guild strike.
The shift to shorter seasons and fewer episodes per season on streaming also means fewer opportunities for writers to earn residuals.
Mini-rooms, where writers help develop shows but often don’t get staff writer jobs if the show is picked up, are another issue in the current strike.
The 2007 writers strike led to an increase in reality TV shows and helped launch The Apprentice and Keeping Up With the Kardashians, which benefited Donald Trump and the Kardashians.
Labor disputes in entertainment have major consequences for the media itself and the culture around it.
While AI cannot independently write good TV shows yet, it can produce content at massive scale for a fraction of the cost, which media companies find attractive.
Consolidation in the media industry through mergers has led to layoffs and content culling to cut costs and increase profits for shareholders, despite record profits in the industry.
Media companies are using AI as a way to cut costs and increase margins, even if the end product suffers creatively or for consumers.
The structure of how we consume TV and film is constantly changing and is defined by business models and labor disputes.
The writers’ fight for fair compensation from large corporations sets them on the front lines of a broader fight against automation that many workers may face.
The video argues that corporations have co-opted identity politics for their own interests, pretending to care about social justice issues while doing little to actually help marginalized groups. True progress requires solidarity and constructive politics that focus on positive outcomes for working people, uniting them against corporate elites. While identity and acknowledging differences are important, we must identify our shared adversaries and mutual interests to build solidarity and achieve true economic justice for all. Corporate capture of identity politics through symbolic gestures is meant to divide the working class and maintain elite power.
Republicans have been increasingly concerned about a “woke corporate agenda” where corporations pretend to care about social issues like racism and sexism to defend their wealth and power.
The real problem is not that corporations care too much about social justice, but the amount of power and control they have over working people.
Identity politics was originally coined by Black feminists to fully participate in political movements and engage in politics.
Identity politics focuses on undoing inequality and building solidarity, not just solutions based on identities.
Corporations have captured identity politics because they see how valuable it is, but they don’t actually change the unequal structures.
Corporations use progressive and identity politics language to defend their interests and union bust.
Corporations engage in “deference politics” where they recognize marginalized voices within power structures but don’t change the unequal structures.
We need “constructive politics” focusing on positive outcomes for working people, starting with identity but arriving at solidarity.
True solidarity unites working people against corporate elites and fights for a more equitable distribution of wealth and power.
Once we realize who is trying to divide us (the elite), we can work towards solidarity and economic justice for all.
The video argues that movies have shifted from a modernist to a postmodernist and now to a metamodernist style. Modernist movies had straightforward stories and advocated for specific values. Postmodernist films questioned narrative itself and deconstructed traditional storytelling. Now, metamodern films incorporate elements of both modernism and postmodernism, oscillating between sincerity and deconstruction. They use meta elements and references not just to deconstruct but also to find meaning. This metamodern shift reflects broader cultural changes and an attempt to make sense of our hyper-modern, narrative-saturated world. Metamodernism brings back an appreciation for storytelling itself.
Modernist movies are straightforward with traditional storytelling and advocate for specific values in an unapologetic way. They promote ideals like individualism and determination.
Postmodernist movies critique and deconstruct modernist narratives and values. They question the idea of objective truth and are skeptical of overarching narratives. They use techniques like irony, pastiche and self-reflexivity.
Metamodernist movies incorporate both modernist and postmodernist elements. They oscillate between modernist sincerity and postmodern deconstruction. They use meta elements and references but in a way that finds meaning.
Metamodernism is a response to both postmodernism and hypermodernity. It tries to make sense of the multiple perspectives and narratives we are exposed to in the digital age.
Self-reflexivity is used by both postmodern and metamodern movies, but postmodern movies use it to deconstruct while metamodern movies use it to construct meaning.
Metamodernism recognizes the value of different genres and philosophies rather than just deconstructing or rejecting them.
Metamodernism brings back an appreciation for storytelling and art for its own sake.
Irony and cynicism can get tiring, so metamodernism finds optimism and sincerity again.
Storytelling still has value in providing comfort and meaning to people’s lives.
Breaking the fourth wall can be used by metamodernism to invite the audience into the story rather than take them out of it.
The video discusses the concept of hierarchy and differentiates between hierarchy in general and hierarchical power structures. Hierarchy refers to any list of order or importance while hierarchical power structures concentrate power at the top and enforce it through domination. Hierarchical power structures are rare in nature and tend to exist in less intelligent species. In contrast, horizontal power structures distribute power through libertarianism and mutuality. While hierarchical power structures are universally bad, some hierarchies can be acceptable if they are consensual like competitive sports. The key is to oppose non-consensual hierarchical power structures that seek to monopolize power and limit alternatives.
The speaker defines anarchism as the opposition to all hierarchical power structures. Many people ask what hierarchy means in this context.
The speaker distinguishes between hierarchy in general and hierarchical power structures. Not all hierarchies are power structures.
A hierarchical power structure is one where power is concentrated at the top and maintained through coercion, violence, and deception.
The speaker contrasts hierarchical power structures with horizontal power structures, which distribute power widely and are based on principles of sharing and cooperation.
The speaker argues that hierarchical power structures are universally bad as they restrict complexity, autonomy, and knowledge sharing.
Some hierarchies, like competitive sports, can be consensual if people choose to opt in or out. But hierarchical institutions like sports leagues are still power structures.
Hierarchical power structures seek to expand and monopolize power, making it harder to opt out of them.
Horizontal power structures, in contrast, aim to distribute power and enable autonomy.
The speaker proposes making a new video series responding to comments on their videos to provide more content and engagement.
The speaker asks viewers to provide feedback on this idea in the comments.
The video discusses terms like “Himbo”, “Soy Boy”, and “Soft Boy” used to describe men who exhibit softer or more feminine traits. While some view these terms as insulting, others find Himbos pleasant and uncomplicated. However, embracing femininity can be risky for men in a patriarchal society where masculinity is tied to humanity and desirability. The video argues that men embracing a soft life can help escape narratives of Black male hypermasculinity and violence. Allowing men to express a wider range of emotions and traits could help them achieve self-actualization. Ultimately, these archetypes should be seen as fun and not used to limit men.
There is a push to make boys and men more soft, feminine and emotional which some see as a threat to masculinity. Terms like “Himbo”, “Soy Boy” and “Soft Boy” have emerged to describe this trend.
These terms are often used in a joking or lighthearted manner by some, but others see them as insulting and feminizing.
Some argue that embracing softer masculinity could help address issues like toxic masculinity and the #MeToo movement. It could enable men to be more emotionally intelligent and respectful.
However, embracing femininity can be risky for men in a patriarchal and misogynistic society where masculinity is tied to power and humanity. Men may lose desirability and worthiness.
For men of color, embracing femininity is seen as even more unacceptable due to socialization that hypermasculinity is a prerequisite for manhood and respect.
Expressing softer emotions and traits can be beneficial for men’s mental health, relationships and self-actualization. It allows them to escape narratives of Black male beasts.
Boys and men are socialized from a young age to hide emotions and be “tough”. This can be emotionally damaging.
We seem to be in a time period where more boys and men are feeling comfortable embracing softer expressions of masculinity.
Ultimately, people should be free to express masculinity in healthy ways that feel authentic to them, without being limited by rigid gender roles or archetypes.
Terms like “Himbo” are often used in good fun by queer communities, but they should not be used to limit men in a patriarchal way.
social issues and etc
Hollywood has been producing more sequels, prequels, remakes and films based on existing properties in recent years compared to original films. In 2021, only one of the top 10 grossing films was an original idea.
This trend is due to consolidation in the film industry where there are fewer major players and studios. Consolidation has also led to fewer films being produced.
The rise of streaming services like Netflix has led to vertical integration where one company controls both content production and distribution. This gives them more control over who profits.
Creators and independent producers have less control and profit due to the lack of a clear marketplace to sell their content. Writer pay has actually decreased in recent years.
The UK has been more successful at producing original content due to government regulations that require broadcasters to commission a portion of their programming from independent producers and allow them to retain secondary rights.
Small to mid-sized production companies have been able to thrive in the UK due to these regulations.
There are questions over whether the current streaming model in Hollywood is sustainable in the long run.
Wall Street investors want to see profitability after years of growth investment in streaming companies.
Creators are fighting for terms that give them the ability and incentive to make great original content.
The outcome of this fight will determine whether the next great original film gets made.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4GERuvdhYI
Solar energy prices have dropped significantly in the last few decades, making it cheaper than fossil fuels like coal in most places.
However, investment and deployment of solar energy have stagnated despite the lower prices, as profitability remains an issue.
Companies like Shell have pledged to transition to renewables, but they have conditioned it on renewables delivering high profit margins of 8-12%, which is unlikely.
Returns on renewable energy projects are typically around 4-8%, much lower than what companies like Shell require.
Fossil fuel companies and asset management firms are not investing substantially in renewables, as profit remains the main driver rather than sustainability goals.
The parts of the solar business that are profitable involve manufacturing and mining, where exploitation and poor conditions remain.
Profit, not price, determines what gets produced. Without profit potential, the transition to renewables will not happen at scale.
Like water power in the past, solar energy is a cheaper source of energy but less profitable due to difficulties in privatization and exploitation.
The transition to renewables will likely come with major drawbacks as long as profit remains a requirement.
Systemic changes are needed to make the transition to renewables in a just and sustainable manner.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gSzzuY1Yw0
Tenants often have little leverage to negotiate with their landlords, unlike workers who can collectively bargain or threaten to quit.
Landlords use LLCs to hide their identities and avoid accountability, making it difficult for tenants to negotiate or push back.
Many landlords leave apartments vacant to artificially restrict supply and drive up rents.
Landlords collude through platforms like RealPage to fix rent prices and increase them together.
Tenants who fight back risk retaliation like eviction or being blacklisted.
Organizing with other tenants and getting pro bono legal help can help push back against unfair rent increases.
Proposed bills like the LLC Transparency Act and Good Cause Eviction could increase tenant protections and leverage.
Tenant movements are mobilizing for change and more affordable housing.
Even tenants with more stability and resources struggle to negotiate with anonymous landlords.
The narrator’s landlord only contacted them after they moved out to withhold part of their security deposit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uq59qGkwXlE
Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu pay writers significantly less in residuals compared to traditional networks, which is a major issue in the current Writers Guild strike.
The shift to shorter seasons and fewer episodes per season on streaming also means fewer opportunities for writers to earn residuals.
Mini-rooms, where writers help develop shows but often don’t get staff writer jobs if the show is picked up, are another issue in the current strike.
The 2007 writers strike led to an increase in reality TV shows and helped launch The Apprentice and Keeping Up With the Kardashians, which benefited Donald Trump and the Kardashians.
Labor disputes in entertainment have major consequences for the media itself and the culture around it.
While AI cannot independently write good TV shows yet, it can produce content at massive scale for a fraction of the cost, which media companies find attractive.
Consolidation in the media industry through mergers has led to layoffs and content culling to cut costs and increase profits for shareholders, despite record profits in the industry.
Media companies are using AI as a way to cut costs and increase margins, even if the end product suffers creatively or for consumers.
The structure of how we consume TV and film is constantly changing and is defined by business models and labor disputes.
The writers’ fight for fair compensation from large corporations sets them on the front lines of a broader fight against automation that many workers may face.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BK6oCDm9MyY
The video argues that corporations have co-opted identity politics for their own interests, pretending to care about social justice issues while doing little to actually help marginalized groups. True progress requires solidarity and constructive politics that focus on positive outcomes for working people, uniting them against corporate elites. While identity and acknowledging differences are important, we must identify our shared adversaries and mutual interests to build solidarity and achieve true economic justice for all. Corporate capture of identity politics through symbolic gestures is meant to divide the working class and maintain elite power.
Republicans have been increasingly concerned about a “woke corporate agenda” where corporations pretend to care about social issues like racism and sexism to defend their wealth and power.
The real problem is not that corporations care too much about social justice, but the amount of power and control they have over working people.
Identity politics was originally coined by Black feminists to fully participate in political movements and engage in politics.
Identity politics focuses on undoing inequality and building solidarity, not just solutions based on identities.
Corporations have captured identity politics because they see how valuable it is, but they don’t actually change the unequal structures.
Corporations use progressive and identity politics language to defend their interests and union bust.
Corporations engage in “deference politics” where they recognize marginalized voices within power structures but don’t change the unequal structures.
We need “constructive politics” focusing on positive outcomes for working people, starting with identity but arriving at solidarity.
True solidarity unites working people against corporate elites and fights for a more equitable distribution of wealth and power.
Once we realize who is trying to divide us (the elite), we can work towards solidarity and economic justice for all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQUf9cBtcHc
The video argues that movies have shifted from a modernist to a postmodernist and now to a metamodernist style. Modernist movies had straightforward stories and advocated for specific values. Postmodernist films questioned narrative itself and deconstructed traditional storytelling. Now, metamodern films incorporate elements of both modernism and postmodernism, oscillating between sincerity and deconstruction. They use meta elements and references not just to deconstruct but also to find meaning. This metamodern shift reflects broader cultural changes and an attempt to make sense of our hyper-modern, narrative-saturated world. Metamodernism brings back an appreciation for storytelling itself.
Modernist movies are straightforward with traditional storytelling and advocate for specific values in an unapologetic way. They promote ideals like individualism and determination.
Postmodernist movies critique and deconstruct modernist narratives and values. They question the idea of objective truth and are skeptical of overarching narratives. They use techniques like irony, pastiche and self-reflexivity.
Metamodernist movies incorporate both modernist and postmodernist elements. They oscillate between modernist sincerity and postmodern deconstruction. They use meta elements and references but in a way that finds meaning.
Metamodernism is a response to both postmodernism and hypermodernity. It tries to make sense of the multiple perspectives and narratives we are exposed to in the digital age.
Self-reflexivity is used by both postmodern and metamodern movies, but postmodern movies use it to deconstruct while metamodern movies use it to construct meaning.
Metamodernism recognizes the value of different genres and philosophies rather than just deconstructing or rejecting them.
Metamodernism brings back an appreciation for storytelling and art for its own sake.
Irony and cynicism can get tiring, so metamodernism finds optimism and sincerity again.
Storytelling still has value in providing comfort and meaning to people’s lives.
Breaking the fourth wall can be used by metamodernism to invite the audience into the story rather than take them out of it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xEi8qg266g
The video discusses the concept of hierarchy and differentiates between hierarchy in general and hierarchical power structures. Hierarchy refers to any list of order or importance while hierarchical power structures concentrate power at the top and enforce it through domination. Hierarchical power structures are rare in nature and tend to exist in less intelligent species. In contrast, horizontal power structures distribute power through libertarianism and mutuality. While hierarchical power structures are universally bad, some hierarchies can be acceptable if they are consensual like competitive sports. The key is to oppose non-consensual hierarchical power structures that seek to monopolize power and limit alternatives.
The speaker defines anarchism as the opposition to all hierarchical power structures. Many people ask what hierarchy means in this context.
The speaker distinguishes between hierarchy in general and hierarchical power structures. Not all hierarchies are power structures.
A hierarchical power structure is one where power is concentrated at the top and maintained through coercion, violence, and deception.
The speaker contrasts hierarchical power structures with horizontal power structures, which distribute power widely and are based on principles of sharing and cooperation.
The speaker argues that hierarchical power structures are universally bad as they restrict complexity, autonomy, and knowledge sharing.
Some hierarchies, like competitive sports, can be consensual if people choose to opt in or out. But hierarchical institutions like sports leagues are still power structures.
Hierarchical power structures seek to expand and monopolize power, making it harder to opt out of them.
Horizontal power structures, in contrast, aim to distribute power and enable autonomy.
The speaker proposes making a new video series responding to comments on their videos to provide more content and engagement.
The speaker asks viewers to provide feedback on this idea in the comments.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFZZiRmZxoU
The video discusses terms like “Himbo”, “Soy Boy”, and “Soft Boy” used to describe men who exhibit softer or more feminine traits. While some view these terms as insulting, others find Himbos pleasant and uncomplicated. However, embracing femininity can be risky for men in a patriarchal society where masculinity is tied to humanity and desirability. The video argues that men embracing a soft life can help escape narratives of Black male hypermasculinity and violence. Allowing men to express a wider range of emotions and traits could help them achieve self-actualization. Ultimately, these archetypes should be seen as fun and not used to limit men.
There is a push to make boys and men more soft, feminine and emotional which some see as a threat to masculinity. Terms like “Himbo”, “Soy Boy” and “Soft Boy” have emerged to describe this trend.
These terms are often used in a joking or lighthearted manner by some, but others see them as insulting and feminizing.
Some argue that embracing softer masculinity could help address issues like toxic masculinity and the #MeToo movement. It could enable men to be more emotionally intelligent and respectful.
However, embracing femininity can be risky for men in a patriarchal and misogynistic society where masculinity is tied to power and humanity. Men may lose desirability and worthiness.
For men of color, embracing femininity is seen as even more unacceptable due to socialization that hypermasculinity is a prerequisite for manhood and respect.
Expressing softer emotions and traits can be beneficial for men’s mental health, relationships and self-actualization. It allows them to escape narratives of Black male beasts.
Boys and men are socialized from a young age to hide emotions and be “tough”. This can be emotionally damaging.
We seem to be in a time period where more boys and men are feeling comfortable embracing softer expressions of masculinity.
Ultimately, people should be free to express masculinity in healthy ways that feel authentic to them, without being limited by rigid gender roles or archetypes.
Terms like “Himbo” are often used in good fun by queer communities, but they should not be used to limit men in a patriarchal way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9G_f4qVyjs