It all started in the late 80's when Vancouver B.C became the second Hollywood. Fox in its infancy produced everything there, saving millions and making Hollywood take note to no avail.
Is Hollywood the Next Detroit?
- Thread starter Captain Dunsel
- Start date
SSR
Well-Known Member
I don't know whether it is the next Detroit - I don't know whether even Detroit is the next Detroit.
Like the auto industry, things change. The film business, like all business, evolves - technology, governance and a host of other factors make it happen. When movies changed in the late 20s with the introduction of sound film companies went from outside productions in the plentiful sunshine of California to heavy padded sound stages in the same area. Productions tended to be controlled and produced by the major studios of the time with most elements carried out in-house. Anything not shot on a sound stage was likely shot on the adjoining backlot. Studios came and went, such as RKO which became Desilu then absorbed into Paramount. In the early 70s the business changed with backlots bulldozed over for real estate development. Productions sought out more real locations if their budget allowed. Independent productions flourished. You didn't need a traditional studio to make a movie or television show anymore.
Some locations, such as Vancouver, prospered but not without growing pains. A lack of production facilities and experienced crews placed a limit on how many shows could be produced outside of LA. At least, they benefited from quick access to production heads in Los Angeles. They are not alone now and many jurisdictions (including LA) have engaged in a "race to the bottom" with tax incentives and other perks to keep costs low. Technology has also changed to make it easier to manage productions at a distance from head office. Dailies. script changes, set designs can be sent for approval instantly anywhere in the world.
Hollywood is unlikley to disappear, but it may become unrecognizable - maybe that's what happened to Detroit.
Like the auto industry, things change. The film business, like all business, evolves - technology, governance and a host of other factors make it happen. When movies changed in the late 20s with the introduction of sound film companies went from outside productions in the plentiful sunshine of California to heavy padded sound stages in the same area. Productions tended to be controlled and produced by the major studios of the time with most elements carried out in-house. Anything not shot on a sound stage was likely shot on the adjoining backlot. Studios came and went, such as RKO which became Desilu then absorbed into Paramount. In the early 70s the business changed with backlots bulldozed over for real estate development. Productions sought out more real locations if their budget allowed. Independent productions flourished. You didn't need a traditional studio to make a movie or television show anymore.
Some locations, such as Vancouver, prospered but not without growing pains. A lack of production facilities and experienced crews placed a limit on how many shows could be produced outside of LA. At least, they benefited from quick access to production heads in Los Angeles. They are not alone now and many jurisdictions (including LA) have engaged in a "race to the bottom" with tax incentives and other perks to keep costs low. Technology has also changed to make it easier to manage productions at a distance from head office. Dailies. script changes, set designs can be sent for approval instantly anywhere in the world.
Hollywood is unlikley to disappear, but it may become unrecognizable - maybe that's what happened to Detroit.
gobler
Sr Member
Sound stage use is down to 62% from 98% during the last decade. Atlanta however is up to 95% booked.
