I’m Mad, and You Should Be Too
Look, I’ve been in this industry for 20-something years, and I’ve seen alot of changes. But one thing that’s been driving me nuts lately is Hollywood’s complete disregard for mid-budget films. I mean, honestly, it’s like they’ve forgotten that not every movie needs to be a $200 million spectacle or a $1 million indie darling.
I was at a conference in Austin last year, and I’m gonna name names here—let’s call him Marcus—Marcus Green from Paramount said something that stuck with me. He said, “The middle is where the heart of cinema beats.” And I was like, “Damn straight, Marcus.” But look at what’s happening. Studios are either chasing those massive franchises or scrambling for the next tiny indie that can get Oscar buzz. And the stuff in the middle? Forget about it.
I get it, I do. Big films make big bucks. But so do mid-budget films. Remember Get Out? Made on a $4.5 million budget, grossed over $255 million. Or Mad Max: Fury Road? $150 million budget, $684 million worldwide. These aren’t small indies, and they’re not $300 million tentpoles. They’re right in the middle, and they’re killing it. But you’d never know it from looking at most studio slates.
And don’t even get me started on streaming. I had coffee with a colleague named Dave last Tuesday, and he was telling me about how streaming platforms are just throwing money at big names and big ideas. No one’s taking a chance on something that’s not a sure thing. It’s like they’ve forgotten that sometimes, the best stuff comes from taking a risk on a good script and a talented director, even if they’re not household names.
I mean, look at Parasite. It was a mid-budget film by any stretch, and it won the Oscar for Best Picture. But how many films like that get made these days? Not enough, that’s how many.
But What Can We Do About It?
Okay, so I’ve ranted. Now what? Well, first of all, we need to support the mid-budget films that are out there. Go see them. Talk about them. Share them on social media. Make some noise. Studios notice when people care about something.
And if you’re a filmmaker, don’t be afraid to fight for your vision. I know it’s tough out there, but there are still people who want to make movies that matter. Find them. Work with them. Make something amazing.
Oh, and if you’re looking for some inspiration, check out outfit ideas casual style tips. I know, I know—what does fashion have to do with filmmaking? Nothing, really. But sometimes, a little change of scenery can help you see things in a new light. And who knows? Maybe you’ll come up with the next great mid-budget hit while you’re at it.
Anyway, I’m gonna wrap this up. I could go on for hours, but I won’t. Just remember: the middle is where it’s at. And if we don’t fight for it, who will?
About the Author
Sarah Mitchell has been a senior editor at various publications for over 20 years. She’s worked with some of the biggest names in entertainment and has a deep love for mid-budget films. When she’s not editing, she can be found ranting about the state of Hollywood or trying out new outfit ideas casual style tips.
