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Hollywood’s Future, Fincher's Genius, and Blackmagic’s Trip to 'Rocky Horror'

Author

Ryan Koo
March 20, 2025

Hollywood’s Future, Fincher's Genius, and Blackmagic’s Trip to 'Rocky Horror'

Hey Readers,

Welcome to this week’s newsletter, where Hollywood might be in a holding pattern, but we’re definitely not hitting pause! With the industry in a bit of a limbo, we're diving into the bold, creative moments that are keeping Tinseltown alive. And as we wait for the next big blockbuster, we're bringing you an exciting lineup that'll make you feel the buzz of cinema’s energy.

Get ready to sink your teeth into an expert breakdown of David Fincher’s greatest hits, from the twisted genius of Seven to the mind-bending brilliance of Fight Club. Plus, don’t miss our exclusive interview with filmmaker Warren Kommers as he dives into how he used the Blackmagic Pocket 6K Pro to revisit the glitzy splendor of Rocky Horror in his SXSW documentary.

It's a whirlwind of stories, passion, and movie magic, so grab your popcorn—this edition is packed with some serious film gold! 🎬️✨

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📽️ Industry

Hollywood in 2025 feels like it's stuck in neutral. The industry is still reeling from the long-term effects of the pandemic and last year’s strikes, which caused massive delays and left studios with fewer fresh projects. Instead of taking big creative swings, many are relying on leftover content—films and shows that were already in development before everything shut down.

There's also a noticeable lack of momentum. With so many executives hesitant to greenlight bold, original work, the energy in the industry feels stagnant. Everyone’s waiting for a major shake-up—like the potential Paramount and Skydance merger—to breathe new life into the business.

Until then, it's a lot of waiting and watching, with creativity caught in the crossfire of corporate uncertainty. Are we really just left with “a plate of leftovers” or will we see a resurgence of bold, fresh ideas? 🎬✨🎥

🗞️ Quick Reads from Industry

• Did Harvey Weinstein Kill Blockbuster Awards Chances? 'Avengers' Director Thinks So. - Marvel director Joe Russo says that Weinstein basically pulled a Thanos on blockbusters vying for Oscars.

• 'Reacher' Star Alan Ritchson Understands Something Most Action Stars Completely Ignore - The reason audiences flock to someone is not just wish fulfillment but vulnerability.

• Hot Film Marketing Trends from a 'Barbie' Advertising Campaign Insider - Learn the future of film marketing from an editor who worked on marketing campaigns for Barbie, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and Avatar: The Way of Water.

🎞️ Movies & TV

Are you a cinephile looking for your next movie night pick? Dive into the world of David Fincher with a breakdown of his 7 best films. From the psychological thriller Seven to the mind-bending Fight Club, Fincher's movies are a masterclass in storytelling and direction. Each film is a rollercoaster of emotions, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very last frame.

With a keen eye for detail and a unique storytelling style, David Fincher has solidified his place as one of the greatest directors of our time. Whether you're a fan of suspense, drama, or mystery, there's a Fincher film for everyone. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to experience movie magic at its finest with these cinematic masterpieces. Which one will top your list?"

🗞️ Quick Reads from Movies & TV

• 7 Iconic F1 Movies You Need to Race to See - Which one of his classics tops your list?

• How They Got 'That' Shot On Netflix's 'Adolescence' - The Netflix show has some of the most insane camera work we've ever seen.

• What Are Martin Scorsese's Favorite Movies About New York? - The director has some strong opinions about which movies highlight his beloved home.

📷 Tech

Speaking at a panel celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, director Linus O'Brien engaged in a lively discussion with his father, Richard O'Brien, the writer of the original 1973 musical stage show.

Now, fifty years and a million cultural touchstones and references later, Richard’s son Linus has brought the story of Rocky Horror full circle with his film Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror. It premiered at SXSW 2025 at the Paramount Theater, one of the few theaters to expand Rocky Horror’s reach.

To fully understand and appreciate the filmmaking feat of bringing this decades-spanning documentary project together, we chatted with Strange Journey cinematographer Warren Kommers about his Blackmagic Design-powered camera arsenal, his vision for revisiting this sacred text, and the film’s lasting impact today.

🗞️ Quick Reads for Directing

• 3 New Canon Cameras Rumored to Be Announced Later This Month - Here’s what rumors are indicating about a potential upcoming announcement of a EOS R50 V, EOS RV, and a PowerShot V1.

• Meet the World’s First Cinema-Grade Mobile Lenses for iPhone - Check out this Kickstarter for the Tusk Cinema Series, the world’s first cinema-grade lens and filter system for iPhone filmmakers.

• The Panasonic LUMIX GH7 is Now Under $2K - One of Panasonic's most popular Micro Four Thirds cameras gets a notable price drop. Here’s what you need to know before potentially investing in the LUMIX GH7.

🗳️ Community Poll

What is the greatest David Fincher movie of all time?

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See you next time with more filmmaking goodness! 🎬