Hollywood is dying: How screenwriters can benefit from this
Hollywood isn’t what it used to be, anyone can see that. The golden age is long gone, and what’s left is a mess of sequels, reboots, and superhero overload.
People are bored, frustrated, and fed up with the same tired formula. This isn’t just internet chatter, it’s obvious in the numbers.
Box office bombs, streaming fatigue, dwindling interest in overhyped projects, and the fact that many YouTubers have larger audiences than network shows tells you everything you need to know about the state of mainstream media.
The death spiral: what’s wrong with Hollywood?
Too many sequels and reboots
It feels like everything is a “part 2” or a remake. Studios keep rehashing old favourites because they’re too scared to gamble on fresh ideas. Audiences have caught on, and they’re not interested. Why watch a reboot of a classic when the classic is still available, and still awesome?
Superhero burnout
Marvel, DC, you’ve seen one, you’ve seen ’em all. What used to be exciting is now a bloated parade of generic CGI and predictable plots. People are over it.
Too much “fringe” content
Far too many projects focus so much on niche or political topics that they alienate most viewers. It’s great to represent different voices, but balance matters.
The rise of social media
Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and even indie film apps are giving creators a way to bypass Hollywood altogether, and that’s where audiences spend most of their time. People want the real, the raw, the unscripted, like they’ve never seen it before. Hollywood simply can’t compete with cat videos and gaming streams.
Tired of celebrities
The mystique of movie stars has worn off. People are tired of seeing the same faces in every big-budget project, especially when their performances don’t deliver.
Celebrities are no longer untouchable icons — they’re overexposed on social media, caught in scandals, or seen as out of touch. Audiences are gravitating toward creators and influencers who feel more relatable and authentic.
Bad writing – cookie-cutter
Many stories nowadays lack depth and nuance. Characters are flat. Dialogue feels lazy, hackneyed. Compare today’s blockbusters to films from the 90s or early 2000s — it’s night and day.
So why is this good news for screenwriters?
Hollywood’s collapse is an opportunity. If you’re a screenwriter with bold ideas and a willingness to break the mould, now’s your time. Let me explain why…
People are craving fresh stories
Audiences are desperate for originality. Something different, something human, something that doesn’t feel like it was churned out of an algorithm.
DIY filmmaking is easier than ever
Affordable animation tools like Plotagon, indie-friendly software, and free platforms mean you don’t need Hollywood to make your vision a reality. You can create, share, and grow your audience on your own terms.
Alternative platforms are booming
YouTube and TikTok have proven that good content doesn’t need a blockbuster budget. Short films, series, even experimental storytelling, all of it can thrive outside the system.
Big studios are paying attention
As mainstream Hollywood keeps flopping, studios will eventually start looking for fresh ideas from outsiders. This could be your ticket in (if “in” is something you actually want), but only if you’ve already made a name for yourself.
What you can do
- Write the stories you want to see: forget what Hollywood’s doing. If you’ve got an idea that feels risky or out of the box, run with it.
- Embrace new tools: animation, DIY editing software, and simple storytelling platforms are game changers. They’re cheap and accessible, so there’s no excuse not to experiment.
- Build your own audience: post your scripts, create short films, or pitch your ideas directly to people online. Social media and forums are full of potential viewers.
- Focus on quality: nuanced characters, unpredictable plots, and authentic dialogue stand out now more than ever. Hone your craft, and don’t settle for mediocrity.
Hollywood’s decline isn’t the end of storytelling; I’d go as far as saying it’s the beginning for creators who dare to be different.
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