In today’s fast-paced culture, entertainment industries, particularly Hollywood, are increasingly trimming what they consider the “fat” of movies—the first act. This act sets the stage, introduces characters, and lays the groundwork for the journey that viewers are about to embark on. It is a fundamental and enriching aspect of storytelling that has been significantly reduced. As production studios rush towards conflict and action, the richness and depth of storytelling are being sacrificed. This is a concerning shift that not only impacts the art form but also diminishes the audience’s experience.
The narrative rush isn’t limited to the film industry. Similarly, cable news has long catered to a need for brevity, forcing complex stories to be neatly packaged into short segments. As a result, viewers get quick snippets of information rather than deep dives into important topics. The loss is palpable as audiences become distanced from understanding the full scope of the world’s complicated issues. With such compressed coverage, it’s easy to see why the public might crave something more substantial, more enlightening.
Enter the world of podcasting and longer-form storytelling. This format offers a breath of fresh air, allowing creators and audiences alike to delve into stories with depth and nuance. Just as an eight-part TV series can captivate with complexity, podcasts can afford listeners the luxury of exploring stories at length, providing richer insight and understanding. This approach is akin to reading a novel rather than scanning a headline, offering consumers a full-bodied exploration of characters or issues rather than a mere glance.
As technology evolves, and media consumption changes, there’s potential for a cultural shift back towards longing for more comprehensive narratives. People don’t just want to be told what to think or enjoy rapid-fire entertainment; they want to understand, to feel, and to connect with stories on a deeper level. This is the attraction of longer-form content—it respects the viewer’s intelligence and emotional capacity, offering them something more than a surface-level experience.
While there is certainly a place for quick, action-packed films and brief news summaries, a balance must be maintained. The art of storytelling, whether through film, news, or audio, should strive for depth and engagement, not mere expediency. As audiences increasingly seek out these meaningful conversations and narratives, industries must take note and cater to this desire. After all, in a world where information is abundant, it’s not just about the quantity of what one consumes, but the quality and fullness of the experience.
