Downfall of Film and the Industry

Rarely has there been an event to shake up the entertainment industry. Two months ago when the world trade center was attacked by terrorists, the U.S. economy was hit as well as one of its most successful international businesses: the film industry.

Since then, security has tightened up and everyone involved is keeping on eye on the news and one eye on the business. For one, the Emmy Awards, television’s version of the Academy Awards, have postponed their October 7th gala twice due to security reasons and have even considered having the ceremony at a military base. Metal detectors and limo searches were replaced by screaming fans upon the bleachers and some celebrities decided not to go.

Meanwhile, the Academy Awards themselves will proceed with the March 24 awards at the new Kodak Theater at the Hollywood & Highland development in Hollywood. Surprisingly like the Emmy Awards, just last week the Academy’s were considering holding the show on a military base combining the awards handout with a salute to the military. Now the awards must not only worry over the usual last minute crisis about presenters, organizers and decorators, they have to add accommodating talent cautious of flying, book backups in case organizers and networks back out, and the decision to get rid of the long tradition of red carpet arrivals and fan filled bleachers.

Nevertheless, award shows are more than just a show for the glitz and glamour of Hollywood stars, but a multimillion dollar industry itself serving as one of the driving forces of showbiz income. Annually the networks air approximately 40-50 shows while the academy rakes in just $45 million from the Oscars plus billions in TV ads. This can boost not just the box office but, talent salaries and studio bottom lines, to income for hairstylists and limo drivers. A big plus for the industry is awards season can be a big boost for the economy. If, and only if, it is successful.

Freelance writers also have security issues to deal with. Security is heavy among the studios and producers accepting scripts have assistants to open the mail. The US Postal Service has initiated a return policy on mailed packages over 1 lb. Now writers must present their scripts to a postal clerk rather than placing it in the mail receptacle. This has caused such contests such as the popular Moondance Film Festival to extend their deadlines and return their entries to their writers.

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