First, while the "heart" of Hollywood (whatever that is) may be in its aspiring stars, they have little control over what the executives do. Aspiring actors and directors know that there are many others waiting to take their role - if they don't agree to the terms (however terrible) there are plenty of others waiting to take their place. Hollywood is a monopsony. They are a cartel whose absolute control of the market makes it more difficult for "the heart and soul of Hollywood" to pursue their dreams. Breaking up the Hollywood cartel would make things easier for aspiring actors and directors.
Second, while "war may rarely be the solution", that doesn't mean that there is no place for war. If the other side is willing to do whatever it takes to destroy you, you have to fight back or be destroyed. SOPA/PIPA showed that music and movie industry have absolutely no sympathy for legitimate internet users. If it comes down to a choice between accepting the SOPA/PIPA and fighting the media industry with every tool at my disposal, I'll choose to fight any day of the week.
Finally, Ben Parr brings out the "what about the masterpieces?" argument. He misses the point that masterpieces like Schindler's List and Planet Earth exist despite Hollywood, not because of it. The movie industries are not interested in taking "unnecessary risks" on a movie that may turn into the next Citizen Kane. Remember, "masterpiece" movies are not often popular or profitable. It's much safer for studios to fund yet another proven, moneymaking sequel. Breaking up the Hollywood cartel would allow those with higher tastes for risk to enter the movie funding business, making it easier for future masterpieces to gain funding.
First, while the "heart" of Hollywood (whatever that is) may be in its aspiring stars, they have little control over what the executives do. Aspiring actors and directors know that there are many others waiting to take their role - if they don't agree to the terms (however terrible) there are plenty of others waiting to take their place. Hollywood is a monopsony. They are a cartel whose absolute control of the market makes it more difficult for "the heart and soul of Hollywood" to pursue their dreams. Breaking up the Hollywood cartel would make things easier for aspiring actors and directors.
Second, while "war may rarely be the solution", that doesn't mean that there is no place for war. If the other side is willing to do whatever it takes to destroy you, you have to fight back or be destroyed. SOPA/PIPA showed that music and movie industry have absolutely no sympathy for legitimate internet users. If it comes down to a choice between accepting the SOPA/PIPA and fighting the media industry with every tool at my disposal, I'll choose to fight any day of the week.
Finally, Ben Parr brings out the "what about the masterpieces?" argument. He misses the point that masterpieces like Schindler's List and Planet Earth exist despite Hollywood, not because of it. The movie industries are not interested in taking "unnecessary risks" on a movie that may turn into the next Citizen Kane. Remember, "masterpiece" movies are not often popular or profitable. It's much safer for studios to fund yet another proven, moneymaking sequel. Breaking up the Hollywood cartel would allow those with higher tastes for risk to enter the movie funding business, making it easier for future masterpieces to gain funding.