50 Cent: Don’t Shoot A Film, Shoot A Series
Curtis 50 Cent Jackson Courtesy of 'Million Dollars Worth of Game'
In a recent podcast interview with Million Dollars Worth of Game, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson recently stated, "Don't shoot a film, shoot a series." He argues that while films require stars and a limited time frame to attract an audience and recoup investment, series only need talent, allowing for a longer period to develop the story, characters, and world, ultimately fostering a loyal viewership. This now viral clip (below) sparked an ongoing debate amongst filmmakers online. Here are several key reasons and examples that lean into supporting his argument and why.
1. Extended Character Development
Reason: Series allow for deeper exploration of characters, giving them time to evolve over multiple episodes or seasons.
Example: The Chi (2018–present), created by Lena Waithe, develops a rich tapestry of characters that reflect the complexities of life on Chicago’s South Side. The series format allows characters to grow and change, providing depth that a film like Judas and the Black Messiah (2021) may not fully capture within its limited runtime.
2. Complex Storytelling
Reason: A series can delve into intricate plots and subplots that might not fit within the confines of a film.
Example: P-Valley (2020–present) navigates themes of identity, community, and the struggles of individuals working in a strip club over multiple seasons. The series' ability to weave together multiple storylines contrasts with a film like The Woman King (2022), which must focus on a singular narrative arc.
3. Engaged Audience Base
Reason: Series build a loyal viewership over time, allowing for sustained audience engagement and community discussions.
Example: Insecure (2016–2021) created a strong community around its relatable characters and themes, with viewers eagerly awaiting each episode. Similarly, Power (2014–2020) developed a massive following, allowing its spin-offs—Power Book II: Ghost and Power Book III: Raising Kanan—to flourish due to established fan engagement. Films like The Harder They Fall (2021) generate initial buzz but typically lack the same ongoing interaction with audiences.
4. Job Stability for Cast and Crew
Reason: Working on a series offers more consistent employment opportunities for cast and crew compared to the one-off nature of films.
Example: Certain shows like Black-ish (2014–2022) provided long-term roles for its cast, allowing them to grow with their characters. In contrast, certain actors in films like Nope (2022) might work for a few months and then may face uncertainty about future projects.
5. Flexibility in Storytelling
Reason: Series can adapt and respond to audience feedback, allowing showrunners to adjust plots and character arcs as needed.
Example: Bel-Air (2022–present), a reimagining of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, has adjusted its narrative based on viewer reactions, enhancing character depth and plotlines over time. A film like If Beale Street Could Talk (2018) must adhere to a pre-determined story arc, making it difficult to respond to audience sentiment post-release.
6. Diverse Themes and Perspectives
Reason: Series can explore a variety of themes and perspectives, often highlighting issues that may not fit into a single film narrative.
Example: The Underground Railroad (2021) addresses complex themes of slavery and freedom over its limited series format, allowing for a broader exploration of characters and events. In comparison, a film adaptation would likely condense these themes, losing nuanced perspectives.
7. Evolving Cultural Conversations
Reason: Series can reflect and engage with ongoing cultural conversations more dynamically than films.
Example: The New Edition Story (2017) not only chronicles the rise of the iconic group but also engages with themes of fame and identity across its three-night event. Such nuanced storytelling can evolve as cultural discussions shift.
8. Financial Considerations
Reason: Films require significant star power and marketing within a short window to recoup investments, whereas series can cultivate an audience over time with strong storytelling.
Example: A film like Black Panther (2018) was driven by its star-studded cast and massive marketing efforts for a successful box office. In contrast, series like The Chi allow for gradual audience growth, enabling the production team to build a loyal following without the immediate pressure of box office returns.
Conclusion
Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson's assertion that “Don't shoot a film, shoot a series” highlights key differences in production dynamics, audience engagement, and storytelling depth. The recent series mentioned illustrate how the episodic format fosters rich narratives and character development, allowing for a more immersive viewer experience. In contrast, shooting films, while impactful, can often have limitations that a series format can transcend. This does not mean that films, when done right, can’t deliver in ways that a series can. Ultimately, the choice between the two formats should align with the story's nature and the creators creative vision behind it.
