George Lucas believes that the days of blockbuster movies are numbered. The creator of the Star Wars series as well as a highly successful producer, he says that he perceives that the change will happen because of other entertainment mediums such as the internet and multi-channel TV.
Lucas says that as far as Lucasfilm is concerned, they will be going into television. The cost of making a movie is too high. The? $200 million dollars spent on making a single movie will produce 50 to 60 two hour movies; and as he perceives it quantity is the key element for future productions.
He also perceives that everything will eventually be pay-per-view or downloadable but he isn’t rushing to get his movies onto the iTunes catalog. The tastes of the people are becoming even more diversified as they gain more control, and have more choices of what to see. The big screen will hold less and less attraction for people.
There will however always be a need for great film makers, irregardless of whether they make films for a big screen or a small one. To that end, George Lucas has donated $175 million dollars to his Alma matter, the University of Southern California. His contribution is meant to be used to create a new School of Cinematic Arts.
Founded by actor Douglas Fairbanks in 1929, the USC School of Cinematic Arts is the oldest film school in the country. In the world of academia, he knows that movies are not well respected. He hopes that with his contribution, other universities will sit up and take notice of its importance. He points out that films are the major form of communication of the 21st century.
[tags]hollywood, entertainment, George Lucas, Star Wars, film making, movies[/tags]
Originally posted on October 6, 2006 @ 3:25 pm