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Should Apple buy Disney? Plus: Apple's $1B blockbuster bet and more with Lon Harris | E1831

This Week in Startups

Wed Oct 18 2023



Apple's Push into Hollywood Blockbusters:

  • Lon expresses initial skepticism towards Apple's foray into content creation but acknowledges their success so far.
  • Rumors of Apple potentially acquiring Disney are discussed, along with the implications for creative communities and consumers.
  • The anti-Netflix "auteur" approach that Apple is taking is highlighted, focusing on quality over quantity in their content offerings.

Film Budgets:

  • Concerns about high budgets for film and TV projects are mentioned, emphasizing the need for more sustainable profitability.

Approach to Film Marketing and Releases:

  • The different approaches taken by Apple and Netflix in marketing and releasing their content are compared.
  • The importance of eventizing films or bringing back older movies to generate buzz and increase viewership is emphasized.

Update on WGA Strike and AI's Place in Film:

  • Updates on the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike negotiations are shared, including concerns surrounding AI's role in generating ideas and scripts.

Update on SAG-AFTRA Negotiations:

  • Details about the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) negotiations are discussed, focusing on profit sharing based on revenue or subscriber count.

Importance of Original IP:

  • The significance of original intellectual property (IP) is emphasized, using examples such as "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer."

The Appeal of Auteur Approach:

  • The focus on quality, individual products, branding, marketing, and holistic thinking in Apple's approach is highlighted as a reason behind its success.

Bridging Creativity and Technology:

  • Different perspectives regarding AI's role in creative brainstorming are discussed, highlighting the benefits of utilizing AI for data entry tasks while keeping creativity human-driven.

Overall Recommendations:

  • Lon recommends shows like "Fall of the House of Usher," "The Mill," and movies like "The Diplomat."
  • Jason mentions his excitement for upcoming films like "Killers of the Flower Moon" and "Joker 2."
  • The potential benefits of profit sharing for actors, motivation, career growth, and attracting talent are discussed.
  • Jason recommends the TV show "Mr. Inbetween," describing it as a mix between "Sopranos" and "Breaking Bad."

Indie Films:

  • "After Sun" is a deeply personal drama about a father-daughter relationship during adolescence and adulthood.
  • "Past Lives" follows the lives of a boy and girl who reunite every 10 years, exploring themes of missed connections and deep love.
  • Both films require the viewer to be engaged and thoughtful, with slow pacing that allows for meaningful storytelling.

A24:

  • A24 is known for its successful business model and branding as a film studio.
  • The company sells merchandise in addition to producing films, creating a lifestyle brand around their work.
  • Rumors circulate about potential buyers for A24 due to its success and savvy marketing approach.

Tommy Lee Jones:

  • Tommy Lee Jones stars in the film "The Burial," playing the owner of funeral parlors involved in a legal battle against a Canadian corporation.
  • The film combines elements of comedy, drama, and charm reminiscent of nineties courtroom movies.
  • Jason Clarke also delivers a standout performance in this film.

Other Film Recommendations:

  • Quentin Tarantino's podcast, Video Archive's Podcast, offers discussions on unique and weird movies worth checking out.
  • Bret Easton Ellis provides interesting takes on films through his podcast, offering different perspectives on well-known works.

Changing Opinions on Films:

  • Sometimes opinions on films change after multiple viewings or hearing others' perspectives.
  • Paul Thomas Anderson's movie "The Master" is an example where initial uncertainty turned into appreciation after subsequent viewings.