"And the inner dynamics of Hollywood are like politics. Say you give a script to a group of executives - they all sit around, afraid to voice an opinion, saying nothing, waiting to know what the consensus is. Just like focus groups, opinion polls or a cabinet"
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Joe Eszterhas, distinguished film writer for movies such as "Basic Impulse", provides a revealing point of view on Hollywood's decision-making processes in his quote. He draws a parallel in between the movie industry's culture and political environments, suggesting that the systems through which decisions are made in both spheres are noticeably comparable.
In comparing Hollywood executives to political operatives, Eszterhas highlights a habits often discovered in both realms: an unwillingness to reveal private opinions till an agreement has actually been determined. Just like political leaders may use focus groups or viewpoint polls to assess public sentiment before committing to a position, Hollywood executives may keep individual judgments on scripts or creative projects till they view a collective agreement within the group. This habits is rooted in a risk-averse state of mind. Just as political figures might fear backlash from the electorate, film executives might fear professional or monetary repercussions if they champion a project that eventually stops working.
The referral to a "cabinet" is especially informing. In politics, a cabinet is composed of advisers or heads of executive departments who support a leader, frequently taking part in deliberations to reach a unified decision that aligns with the political administration's goals. Similarly, in Hollywood, executives are expected to work collaboratively, reaching decisions that serve the monetary and strategic interests of the studios or production companies they represent.
Eszterhas' example recommends a review of the frequently uniform nature of decision-making in the movie industry. Imagination, preferably, thrives on varied viewpoints and vibrant ideas, yet the fear of deviating from the perceived standard can suppress development. In a system where awaiting agreement is focused on over taking vibrant, private stances, the landscape turns into one that favors conformity and predictability. Ultimately, Eszterhas advises a reflection on whether the market's collective decision-making method suppresses the initial and bold ideas that drive cinema forward, much like political care can suppress progressive governance.
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