A less salacious but equally fascinating sub-genre focuses on the money. The Offer (though a dramatized series) and the documentary Showbiz Kids (2020) look at the structural economics. Why do child actors almost always go broke? How does a movie studio decide to greenlight a $200 million gamble? These films turn spreadsheets into suspense. They appeal to the aspiring filmmaker who wants to know how to pitch a script, and to the cynic who knows that art is usually an accident that happens while business is being conducted.
The rise of streaming services has also had a significant impact on the entertainment industry, and documentaries have been quick to respond to this shift. "The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters" (2007) explores the world of competitive gaming, highlighting the rivalry between two gamers competing to be the best Donkey Kong player. More recently, "The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez" (2020) examines the tragic story of a young boy who was murdered by his mother and her boyfriend, and the failures of the social services system that failed to protect him.
: Tells the history of the independent filmmakers who challenged the "Edison Trust" in the early 1900s to create the feature-length dramas we know today. Hollywood is Dying. Documentary is Thriving.
This outline provides a solid foundation for a documentary series that explores the complexities and nuances of the entertainment industry. The actual content and structure can be adjusted based on creative vision, resources, and audience feedback.
