The Ankler $10 / month

The Ankler is a critical examination focusing on the turbulence within Hollywood, addressing industry leadership, evolving business models, strikes, the impact of social media, real estate challenges for entertainment professionals, and historical perspectives. It offers insight into Hollywood's future, corporate shake-ups, and the evolving landscape of storytelling and streaming services.

Entertainment Industry Leadership Hollywood Business Models Entertainment Professional Challenges Hollywood History Streaming Wars Industry Strikes Real Estate in Hollywood Industry Future Trends

The hottest Substack posts of The Ankler

And their main takeaways

Oscar, Actors and the Double Exposure Effect

923 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Film Actors TV shows Performance Entertainment
  1. Actors can benefit from the Double Exposure Effect when they have multiple great performances out at the same time, boosting their chances in award competitions.
  2. Timing is crucial in the entertainment industry; a well-timed release can elevate an actor's Oscar campaign, while an ill-timed one can damage it.
  3. The overall career and public perception of an actor can also influence their chances in award shows like the Oscars, showcasing the importance of a strong body of work.
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Hollywood's New Private School Arms Race

569 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Education Social Issues Entertainment Youth Inequality
  1. Los Angeles' private schools are becoming more competitive with an increased focus on rebranding and marketing.
  2. Private schools in Los Angeles are facing challenges such as demographic shifts, DEI curriculum overhauls, and mental health issues among students.
  3. The private school market in Los Angeles remains competitive, with parents heavily investing in the admissions process and schools needing to navigate the needs of both parents and students.

Rushfield: It's Time to Fight Back

1081 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
💼 Business Entertainment Media
  1. The box office results don't reflect the whole picture in the film industry.
  2. Hollywood seems to be struggling with the current business model of big blockbusters and streaming.
  3. There is uncertainty about how to generate profits in the industry right now.

Rushfield: The 6-Month Shutdown Scenario

1022 implied HN points • 23 May 23
📰 News Industry Analysis
  1. The duration of the strike is uncertain and may last longer than initially predicted.
  2. Various parties involved are shifting away from a settlement rather than towards one.
  3. There are multiple related plot lines, including the situation with the WGA, to be aware of.

Hollywood's Real Estate Romance is Over

923 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Film Real Estate Writing Housing Market Entertainment industry
  1. The Hollywood industry's writers are facing uncertainty about future work, impacting their ability to invest in real estate.
  2. The soaring real estate market prices in L.A. are making homeownership increasingly unattainable for writers and other entertainment professionals.
  3. The writer strike, combined with other factors like interest rates and taxes, is contributing to a slowdown in real estate transactions across Los Angeles.

Confessions of a Business Affairs Exec

884 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
💼 Business Industry Analysis
  1. Business Affairs executives play a significant role in the industry and collective bargaining.
  2. Understanding the power and limitations of Business Affairs is crucial.
  3. Lessons from past industry crises can guide the way forward in Hollywood.

'Gone With the Wind': The Explosive Lost Scenes

884 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Film History Race relations Social Impact
  1. At the Atlanta premiere of Gone With the Wind, there was a hidden civil war over how slavery should be depicted in the movie, leading to the exclusion of some intense scenes.
  2. Gone With the Wind, a highly successful film, faced criticism for its romanticized portrayal of slavery, which influenced perceptions of race relations worldwide.
  3. The legacy of Gone With the Wind is complex, with debates surrounding its portrayal of slavery, the impact on culture, and the role of key figures like Hattie McDaniel in the movie's history.

Peak Hustle on the Picket Line

805 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Writing Networking Career Socializing Community
  1. Networking on the picket line can lead to valuable connections with showrunners and industry professionals.
  2. Don't be intimidated by successful writers - they're just people too, so approach them and start a conversation.
  3. Being around other people, whether for networking or socializing, is beneficial for your career and mental well-being.

🎧 Fragile Egos Don't Take Fountain

412 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Hollywood Film Entertainment
  1. Bette Davis advised actors to 'take Fountain' for a shortcut, but really they wanted their feelings protected instead of practical advice.
  2. Executives often soften criticism with fluffy language to avoid hurting feelings.
  3. Rob Long was shocked when someone asked if his canceled show meant he was washed up, highlighting the delicate nature of egos in Hollywood.

9 Questions that Will Define 2024

452 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
💼 Business Entertainment industry
  1. 2024 will bring answers to big issues left unresolved in 2023.
  2. The entertainment industry may face potential strikes from IATSE and the Teamsters.
  3. Past assurances that unions wouldn't halt Hollywood operations were proven wrong before.

🎧 Disney's Next Decade

353 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎙 Podcasts Entertainment Media Business
  1. Disney CEO Bob Iger announced big plans for a 'sports Hulu' and gaming partnerships
  2. Theme park revenue is thriving, but linear TV profits are dropping
  3. The TV industry job market is shifting, with some areas growing while others decline

☀️SPOTIFY Crosses 600M Users, Still Loses Money

353 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
💼 Business Streaming services Entertainment industry
  1. Spotify has over 600 million users but is still facing financial losses.
  2. The NFL's expansion for the 2024 season includes a Friday game from Sao Paulo, Brazil, which is a creative move to utilize a calendar loophole.
  3. Apple TV+ is releasing a lineup of 16 scripted and documentary series within a 16-week timeframe, similar to HBO's strategies over three years.