Rushfield: 23 of My Favorite Things in 2022Believe it or not, it wasn't all terrible. Before we go, a little cheerThis column kneels before no one when it comes to gloom and doom. If the apocalypse lays waste to this industry any time soon, you all know who will be in the front of the line to say: I told you so! And yet, as much as the end of the world makes for a compelling tale, in a sprawling complicated industry like this, it can't all be bad. Here and there amongst this gathering of creative spirits, a little light and courage pokes through. In the spirit of the holiday season, I wanted to close out the year, having thoroughly reviewed Hollywood's low moments, with a nod or two to some of its better ones — the things that made me, laugh, smile, touched my heart, eased the load and gave me a little hope this year. A few of my favorite Hollywood things from 2022. Fear not, we're not going to have many cream-colored ponies nor crisp apple strudels on the list. Good in Hollywood is usually what you'd call, doing slightly less bad. But baby steps should be celebrated, as should dogs that didn't bark, trees that didn't fall. Without further ado, and hopefully with the minimum possible sleighbells and schnitzel with noodles, here are a few of my favorite things from Hollywood 2022. 1. Movies Didn't Die Much of this was pushed by tech/Wall Street streaming fanboys who were anxious to see the crusty old theatrical business model ride off into the sunset, in favor of a glimmering, data-rich digital future. Headlines and articles like this which earlier saluted Jason Kilar’s Project Popcorn not as a temporary emergency measure, but the shining path forward. But even setting digital/financial hoopla aside, there was plenty of cause for despair. The film industry had suffered from a shutdown like no industry had ever seen. The streamers riding high on oceans of funding were firmly at the culture’s center. There was plenty of reason to wonder whether this 100-year tradition had reached its end. But at the very least the movie business lives to fight another year. To read the rest of today’s newsletter, we invite you to become a paid subscriber to The Ankler and not miss a single beat from the full suite of our analysis, stories or podcasts.For new subscribers only, get or give a full subscription to The Ankler at 30 percent off. Now through Christmas Day!Can’t afford The Ankler right now? If you’re an assistant, student, or getting your foot in the door, and want help navigating the craziness of this business but don’t have the money to spare, drop me a line at richard@theankler.com and we’ll work it out. No mogul or mogul-to-be left behind here at The Ankler. Got a tip or story pitch? Email tips@theankler.com. To advertise to our 39,000 subscribers, email info@theankler.com. ICYMI
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