In modern filmmaking, where having successful content is the key to success, the quest to provide original ideas has become increasingly elusive. From the never-ending reboots and remakes, to the formulaic narratives that all seem to echo one another, it’s easy to feel like we’ve seen this all before. Coming up with “new” ideas has become something of a diamond in Hollywood, difficult to find. So how is the industry surviving, considering the lack of originality? In this article we will explore the factors that have lead to this creative stagnation and discuss whether innovative storytelling will be a path towards success in a world where people tend to prefer the comfort of the known.
Content Saturation
The oversaturation of content in Hollywood has been at an all time high due to the rise of streaming services. Apps like Netflix, Hulu, Max, etc. have all resorted to creating their own original shows and films which has meant that there is mass overproducing of media happening. In addition to this, a large majority of this media is cheaply made and low-quality, which means the turn-around isn’t even good. People are spending way more time searching and sifting through the overhaul of trash media to find the gems and often resort to watching the same stuff they already know instead of putting their trust in something “new.” By this thought process, the algorithm is finding that remaking these familiar pieces will gain more income for the company, so they’ll stick to what gets them money.
Reboots, Remakes, & Sequels- Oh My!
Similarly to what we discussed above with content saturation, the safest and easiest money-making route is to remake something that people already responded well to. Consider the Star Wars series that just keeps going and going and making new movies and shows left and right. That’s what we’re talking about here. Remaking a film or show comes with a built-in audience of people who are already fans of the original and will see the remake regardless if they are on board or think it will be good. It is easy to recognize something that we already know, hence remakes being so successful and eye-catching above original stories that people know nothing about. However, all this being said, this is what makes it so difficult to push out a new idea, because people will prefer to see a familiar story than something they aren’t completely sure they’ll like or not.
Cultural Recycling
I find this specific topic to be particularly interesting, because as a society we tend to make a full circle of trends and ideas. Things that everyone loves always come back around, because we realize again that we still like these things. The same happens with film and tv, because topics that audiences responded to well in the past can bring on a sense of nostalgia in the audience in the present day. A current trend is 80’s films and TV shows. Stranger Things, while being a pretty unique idea, has taken the styles and storytelling tactics from the 80’s and made it modern. Mind Hunter is another favorite of mine that has done the same thing with the 70’s. Taking eras that were once very popular for fashion, movies, and breaking barriers in society. So taking eras like these that were important pieces of American history and expanding on them with a modern perspective is very fascinating and brings a lot of interested viewers as well. Another way cultural recycling is being used is by taking the original themes and messages from older stories and remaking them into a new story. A great example of this is Romeo and Juliet or Cinderella; but would it be me if my favorite weren’t something a bit more robust? My absolute favorite version of recycling an original story idea into something new is The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and The Incredible Hulk. These two stories are the exact same themes, messages, and ideas but completely used differently, which is why I love this type of adaptation.
Overall, the standards for what can be considered “new” or “innovative” ideas are so much higher than they used to be, because people don’t want a story they’ve seen a million times before. But if there’s something they know they liked, they’ll be more likely to go see it in theaters, because they have high hopes that they’ll like the remakes. It’s all a very fine line to walk in order to get your audience on board with your ideas. Despite all these hurdles, finding originality remains a vital part of the creative process and the biggest thing that will make or break incoming writers and filmmakers to the industry. Our job, as the new generation of storytellers, is to continue reminding the world that productions can push the boundaries of mainstream media and innovation in filmmaking is still possible. The key is to find balance, in honoring the great stories that built us while daring to explore new frontiers. In the end, the survival of storytelling not only lies in the voices of the creators, but in the audience being willing to embrace the unfamiliar and welcome in the new.
