We all have our favourite Disney-animated classic. However, the company’s recent purchase of the Marvel Universe and Star Wars franchise raises the question whether a Disney-dominated cinema industry is a future we are heading towards?
We all have our favourite Disney-animated classic. However, the company’s recent purchase of the Marvel Universe and Star Wars franchise raises the question whether a Disney-dominated cinema industry is a future we are heading towards?
Firstly, a monopoly is “complete control of the entire supply of goods or of a service in a certain area or market,” according to Meriam Webster. Disney may own a lot of the big names in cinema, but it does not cover the entire industry. DC Universe is still under Warner Brothers and Dreamworks is still the animation giant’s biggest competitor. Disney is not a monopoly just yet, but would it be that bad if it was?
One company to oversee cinematography would most-probably make things a lot duller. Even with the rise of Indie films, thanks to the Internet, the dominating producer would have no real competition. That would significantly lower its motivation to improve and create better and more engaging films. However, with only one company ‘to rule them all’, they wouldn’t have to compromise because of budget cuts and the pressing of time. A one-man show means no outside stress for the producers. Complete freedom over the box-office. Speaking of box-office, it would probably disappear. You can’t have a race with only one player.
This is not the first instance in history when Disney has kept to themselves more of the film industry than anyone else. Their most iconic character – Mickey Mouse has not seen the public domain, even though he’s lived for 88 years now. This is due to the fact that every time the mouse’s intellectual property was about to expire, Disney spends millions lobbying Congress for extensions, and trading campaign contributions for legislative support to change the statute. Several acts have been enacted, just so that Mickey stays within the Disney franchise. Imagine if they did the same with every new character they created or film universe that they bought…
Even people, who don’t really know the meaning of monopoly know that it’s a bad thing. Even the board game is infamous for ruining friendships. Monopolising a creative industry is doomed to take that industry down, because of the consequential loss of diversity and competition. Ironically, there is a Disney-themed monopoly game.