It was a record year at the box office for the movie business. And yet an uncomfortable truth is settling in on Hollywood – technology and a changing economy are causing widespread layoffs throughout the California movie industry. – Variety 01/04/00
- CAN’T GET HOLLYWOOD INTERESTED in that new film? Independent filmmakers turn to the web where the distribution’s easy – and cheap. New websites offer an alternative distribution outlet for indies, and the idea’s taking off. – New York Times 01/04/00
- TOO MANY BAD MOVIES: “We make too many films in Britain,” says Alan Parker, director and chair of the British Film Council. “It’s an odd business in which people call themselves film producers without ever having produced anything.” His solution? Don’t make so many movies in the first place. – The Telegraph (UK) 01/04/00
- OVER (A)-TROPHIED? Never one to shy away from self congratulation, the movie industry racked up a record number of awards shows in 1999. The movie-meisters handed out 3,182 trophies to themselves at 332 ceremonies. That’s almost one awards show for every day of the year. – Variety 01/04/00