2023 changed a lot for the industry, but how much of it will stick?
By Tia Harish
New year's resolutions have had their time in the spotlight. With a new year comes a promise to do better, to grow and to ultimately do something different. The past year has encouraged casual viewers to think a little harder about an industry that may not often cross their minds. The film and TV industry is far from perfect. Just like the content it creates, it is a mirror of our world’s merits and flaws. Coming into this new year, nearly two years post-pandemic and roughly 3 months after the SAG-AFTRA strikes ended, and 5 months after the WGA strike came to an end, this industry has a lot of rebuilding to do. So what's in and what's out for this new year in film?
Out: Objectifying Celebrities
Heartthrob of the season Jacob Elordi’s infamous bathtub scene in Saltburn inspired a scented “bath water” candle that his co-stars were asked to sniff on a red carpet. The Bear actress Ayo Edibiri was asked about co-star Jeremy Allen White’s very suggestive Calvin Klein campaign. It's easy to forget that actors are real people with real feelings, especially since it's challenging to connect with them in a non-parasocial way. Recently, Elordi has also been accused of assault after a radio producer joked about the aforementioned scene, a classic example of not being able to separate the character from the actor. Actors should be given enough respect and not be treated like objects for sexual gratification or degrading sexual humour. This should have always been an "out,” but I think we'll still be talking about this for a few years to come.
In: Intimacy Coordinators
Intimacy coordinators (ICs) are effectively stunt coordinators for scenes that involve nudity or simulated sex. ICs often work closely with the cast and crew to effectively choreograph sex scenes. In The Idol, the first episode features a plotline where the IC is ridiculed and locked in a bathroom so a model can be more exposed during her photoshoot. This is not the kind of energy we need in the new year. ICs were not compulsory until the SAG-AFTRA strikes concluded. This mandate will hopefully reduce sexual assault cases on set, power imbalances between cast and crew and create a better environment for everyone involved in film and TV production.
Out: Movie & TV Reboots for the sake of Cash Grabs
There's been a disappointing amount of lacklustre reboots released in the past few years. Off the top of my head are How I Met Your Father, Velma and Gossip Girl. None of them stand up to the legacies of the originals. Velma, in particular, was an offence to the gift that is Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. And that's putting it lightly. These reboots were all marketed towards fans of the original. They made waves despite their poor reception and with no clear value added to the narrative, it is clear they were made to bank off the profit of the originals.
In: Reboots & Sequels that can stand alone
In the past few years, we've seen some reboots & sequels that have rivalled the originals. Scott Pilgrim Takes Off came out during my Scott Pilgrim hyperfixation, so perhaps I am biased. The reboot included everything the original movie lacked, particularly character development and lore. It was also definitely fleshed out enough to stand on its own. Similarly, the Bridgerton prequel, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, could have functioned as its own story, independent of the primary series. These shows exhibit the kind of creativity we the audience still crave, and will hopefully continue to get.
Out: So. Many. Streaming Services
If the goal of creating a streaming service like Netflix or Amazon Prime was to move people away from the inconvenience of cable, it has failed spectacularly. These days, bundles of streaming services with small discounts are growing more common. Frankly, it’s annoying. Cable TV today is genuinely better, with more channels and shows available, sometimes at a lower price. And you can usually set certain shows to be recorded, so you can watch them even if you miss them live. Streaming services seem overrated these days, especially when there are so many better alternatives.
In: Actively Supporting the (big and small) Film Industry
This past year, we have seen the industry strike for better wages, job security and labour rights. The creative industry will always be a volatile one and profit will always be at the forefront of large media outlets. By making donations to companies that fight for these rights, or going to the local theatre to watch a movie instead of waiting for it to come out online, you can show your support for an industry that is far more essential than people give it credit for. Perhaps you want to attend a film night at a park or help crowdfund an indie movie. If you don’t have any cash to spare, consider learning more about the issues in the film industry and what you can do to help.