Part 7/10:
However, reliance on sequels and franchises points to a troubling trend: original mid-budget projects are struggling, and studios seem to cling to proven formulas rather than risk producing standalone, original content. This reliance on sequels highlights an industry increasingly driven by guaranteed returns rather than artistic diversity.
The Future of the Mid-Budget Movie
The consensus among critics and industry insiders is that unless there is a significant change, the mid-budget film may become a relic of Hollywood's past. The combination of high production costs, short theatrical windows, a fragmented audience, and a saturated streaming marketplace has rendered these films less viable financially.