Part-time blogger, full-time curmudgeon, Variety’s Editor-in-Chief Peter Bart took to his blog the other day to protest the greatest tragedy that has come with the recent economic climate, the lack of Oscar ads that usually beef up Variety this time of year.
“The studio’s seem to be pulling the plug on many projected Oscar campaigns and cutting expenditures on others. The reason? Corporate belt-tightening is one. Disappointment in the quality (or at least the Oscar potential) of key films is another.”
Bart also didn’t attempt to remain calm, and admit that if the Oscar ads weren’t there, then maybe, just maybe, life would go on, but instead decided that frantic was the path to go, “Unless trends change drastically, some damn interesting films are going to be left in limbo. It’s been proven that aggressive campaigns produce kudo nominations.” Bart was not finished and continued through his veil of tears, “With campaigns cancelled and spending cut by as much as 50%, a lot of worthy projects will be hung out to dry. Is that austerity? Or does it represent a betrayal of the talent community?”
Call us crazy but wouldn’t a steep reduction is Oscar campaigns level the playing field and allow truly worthy but less budgeted projects to be judged without the influence of aggressive ads from the studios? On the other hand, let us remember that if Variety doesn’t fill its annual quota of Oscar ads, which usually bring in massive revenue for the magazine, Bart just might find himself munching on top ramen come 2009.
Oh woe is Peter Bart. Everyone has to cut back. I am glad that oscar ads will be scaled back, then everyone has a shot at recognition, and not just the ones with money.
Cheers!