The past five years have brought significant changes to the world of cinema, driven by the effects of COVID-19, the streaming boom, and the rise of AI technology. To understand these shifts and their implications, Empire conducted a survey among leading filmmakers in Hollywood and beyond. The findings are detailed in a comprehensive new article available in our Mickey 17 issue (order here).
One of the most debated topics is the role of AI in filmmaking. Gina Prince-Bythewood, director of The Woman King, argues that AI lacks creativity, merely mimicking the work of others. Sofia Coppola, known for films like Priscilla and Lost In Translation, questions AI's ability to contribute beyond generating images, emphasizing the need for human heart and soul in art. Reinaldo Marcus Green, director of Bob Marley: One Love and King Richard, views AI's arrival as inevitable, comparing it to the adaptation required in Moneyball.
Jeremy Saulnier, director of Rebel Ridge, prefers the authenticity of human-driven creativity on film sets. George Miller, filmmaker behind Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, describes the industry's state as 'Darwinian' but believes in the enduring appeal of the big-screen experience. Daniel Scheinert, co-director of Everything Everywhere All At Once, advocates for making theaters more social and celebratory spaces.
The impact of streaming on the Hollywood business model is another major concern. Adam Wingard, director of Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire, sees streaming as both a blessing and a curse, favoring cinema but acknowledging its opportunities. Paul Feig, director of Bridesmaids, appreciates streaming for allowing filmmakers to get their stories made with substantial budgets.
Todd Phillips, director of Joker and Joker: Folie À Deux, suggests cinemas adapt by reducing pre-movie commercials. Sean Baker, whose film Anora won the Palme d'Or at Cannes, worries about cinema losing its identity due to the shift from celluloid to digital and direct streaming releases.
Empire's survey also highlights films that have impressed directors recently. These include Jacques Audiard's Emilia Pérez, Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse, Will & Harper, Godzilla Minus One, and Hundreds Of Beavers.
The future of cinema, according to Gina Prince-Bythewood, lies in the voices that have been excluded from mainstream cinema, promising fresh and unique stories. The end credits are not rolling just yet.
Read Empire's extensive 12-page feature on the Future Of Cinema in the Mickey 17 issue, available on Thursday 24 October. Pre-order a copy online here.
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