E531 Kevin Smith

At a Glance

• Disruption in Entertainment - “Netflix came in, disrupted the business…Television viewership is down to almost nothing.” This point is significant as it highlights the massive shift in the entertainment industry due to streaming platforms like Netflix.

• Indie Films and Streaming - “I think the indie film was taken over by Netflix.” This quote is crucial as it discusses the impact of streaming services on independent cinema, suggesting that these platforms have absorbed what was traditionally considered indie film territory.

• Extended Content - “Instead of doing, you know, and you’ll see it, like an eight, six or eight episode show where you’re like, could have done it in three.” Reflects the modern trend of stretching content to fill programming slots, a critical observation about current entertainment production practices.

• Creative Control and Streaming - “You walk into these cats and they’re like, what’s it about? How esoteric is it interesting? Can you make it six episodes? Can you make it eight?” This quote is important as it shows how streaming platforms are not just passive distributors but actively shape the creative process.

• Comedy in Modern Times - “I think there are less movies, period.” This response to a question about the decline of comedy films underscores a broader trend in the film industry, where fewer films are being made across genres, not just comedy.

• Challenges for Indie Filmmakers - “Now is the time for an indie filmmaker to come out and be like, here’s a fucking story nobody’s ever heard.” Encourages indie filmmakers to seize the current moment to tell unique stories, suggesting a silver lining amidst industry challenges.

• Cultural Representation in Film - “Shouldn’t every country have its own fucking Jaws?” This humorous yet insightful point discusses the idea of cultural representation in film, suggesting that universal themes can be localized to reflect diverse perspectives.

• The Future of Theatrical Releases - “It used to be tough to get screens now. Are you fucking kidding me? You can make a deal with AMC.” This quote is crucial as it reflects the current state of the movie theater industry and the opportunities it presents for independent filmmakers.

What to Do

• ‘Stay out of the past because the past is depression’ - Focusing on past events, especially negative ones, can lead to feelings of sadness and depression because you cannot change what has already happened.

• ‘Avoid living in the future because the future is anxiety’ - Constantly worrying about what might happen in the future can cause anxiety and stress because it is unpredictable and largely out of your control.

• ‘Live in the present moment’ - The only time you can actually live in and influence is the present, and focusing on it can help reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.

• ‘Breathe to ground yourself’ - Taking deep breaths can help center your thoughts and bring you back to the present moment, which is beneficial when you find yourself overwhelmed by past regrets or future anxieties.

• ‘Flip the script on negative thoughts’ - If you find yourself imagining negative scenarios, try to counteract these with positive thoughts. This can help balance your outlook on life and reduce unnecessary stress.

• ‘Remember that the body stores trauma’ - Recognizing that physical symptoms like shaking or distress can be manifestations of past trauma can help you understand your reactions and seek appropriate treatment or coping mechanisms.

• ‘Engage in mindfulness’ - Practicing mindfulness can help you stay connected to the present moment and reduce rumination on things that cannot be changed or controlled.

What to Get

• Celsius Fridge - Used for storing energy drinks, mentioned as a significant item received by one of the speakers.

• Dirty Dancing - A movie mentioned in a note as a part of a significant memory related to the Atlantic Highlands Twin Cinema.

Summary

This podcast episode delves into an energetic and candid conversation between the hosts and their guest, focusing primarily on the evolving landscape of media, particularly in comedy and film. The participants discuss the shift from traditional movie production to the rise of streaming platforms and how these platforms have transformed the way content is created and consumed. They touch upon how comedians and filmmakers are adapting to these changes, using direct distribution methods like podcasts and live shows to connect with their audiences and monetize their work.

The dialogue also explores the concept of hosting comedy tours that double as movie screenings, followed by interactive Q&A sessions, highlighting the personalization of entertainment experiences. This approach not only brings a unique format to the audience but also allows creators to maintain control over their content and directly reap the financial benefits without the need for middlemen.

Additionally, the conversation shifts to discuss the broader implications of streaming services on the entertainment industry. They argue that streaming platforms have not only disrupted traditional film and TV production but have also created new opportunities for storytelling. This includes turning what could have been indie films into extended series, thus allowing for deeper narrative development and character exploration.

The episode is rich with insights on the intersection of technology, media, and entrepreneurship, reflecting on how these elements converge to shape the future of entertainment. It provides a glimpse into the minds of creators who are navigating this shifting landscape, leveraging their established audiences to experiment with and ultimately transform how stories are told and experienced.