Only 4 actors in Hollywood affect how much a movie will make, three of them increase it, while one female actress decreases the value of a movie.
Life is being directed more and more by mathematical calculations than by intuition or desires, and the entertainment industry is no exception.
In an article in The Economist, author Tom Whipple, examined the effects of algorithms- a process or set of rules to be followed in calculations. It is is used in various industries including the entertainment industry. The article in the Economist argues that movie stars are paid luxurious salaries because a mathematical equation tells them to.
According to movie-analysis software, there are only three actors who make money for a film and there is at least one A-list actress who is worth not paying not to star in a feature film.
Here is how they do it.
Epagogix, is a movie-analysis company that analyzes how well a movie will do. When they are first given a job by a studio, the first thing that they they do is put a numerical value on thousands of factors, drawn from the script. For example, “Are there clear bad guys? How much empathy is there with the protagonist? Is there a sidekick?”
These factors are then inputted into a computer and 83% of the time they are right.
According to his studies, a majority of the time it does not matter who stars in the feature film. Irrespective if it is George Clooney, Tom Cruise, or Robert DeNiro.
There are only four exceptions to his rules. If you hire Will Smith, Brad Pitt or Johnny Depp, you will make a larger return on your movie in comparison to other Hollywood A-Listers.
However, there is one actress who cannot be named, if she added to a movie, she actually causes a negative influence on a movie. “It’s very sad for her,” he says. But hers is a name he cannot reveal.”
Algorithms are everywhere, from Amazon, to Netflix, to Pizza Hut. Algorithms decide what would be the best route during rush hour traffic, what book you should read, what you should buy at Best Buy.
But, it is interesting to note that despite Hollywood promoting certain A-List actors in big budget movies, they have no financial effect and do not change the fact whether or not someone will see a movie. But, what does matter is the quality, and content of a movie, not the name of the actor.
What do you think? Who do you think the actress is that causes for a movie to do worse? Why do you think Will Smith, Brad Pitt or Johnny Depp increases the value of a movie? Share with us your thoughts in the comments below!
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