Religion and Entertainment

Burbank, Dawn Pictures Headquarters.

Tom Rothman, who had just returned from MPAA headquarters, walked into Aaron's office.

"So, what did the MPAA discuss this time?"

Tom Rothman smiled. "It was about the independent film business. You know, DVDs are developing pretty quickly now, and along with the videotape market, the independent film market is doing fairly well."

Aaron nodded. "It is indeed doing well. After all, the films Hollywood releases in theaters each year amount to less than half of what it produces."

"Unfortunately, any independent film company with even a little name recognition either gets squeezed to death or gets acquired by the Big Seven."

"Now, the Big Seven almost all have their own independent film labels. Other independent film companies can only fight over scraps!"

After Sony established Sony Pictures Classics, Disney acquired Miramax, and Dawn acquired Orion Pictures and Samuel Goldwyn to form Crescent Moon Pictures;

20th Century Fox then established Fox Searchlight, Time Warner acquired New Line Cinema, PolyGram acquired Gramercy Pictures, MGM acquired October Films, and Paramount established Paramount Classics.

What well-known independent film companies were even left now? They had basically all been absorbed!

"At the MPAA, I happened to meet Lionsgate Entertainment founder Frank Gusta and its president, Jeff Sackman."

"Lionsgate just raised more than 30 million dollars on the stock market and is preparing to merge with Trimark Pictures."

Remembering something, Tom Rothman could not help reminding Aaron.

"Ha, I nearly forgot. Right, that independent distributor from Canada only became known in Hollywood late last year because of its connection to American Psycho and Leonardo DiCaprio!"

Aaron smiled. Although American Psycho had ultimately not partnered with Leonardo DiCaprio and had instead cast Christian Bale as its lead, it would be released next spring.

Lionsgate had been formed the year before last and