Producing in the New Hollywood: Reinvention, Resilience, and the Rise of Creative Risk

At the recent PGA "Produced By" Conference, a powerhouse panel of producers peeled back the curtain on what it really takes to get a film or series made in 2025 and beyond, and why, despite unprecedented challenges, producing remains one of the most visionary and vital roles in our industry.

The conversation didn’t just touch on deal structures and distribution; it painted a raw and real portrait of modern producing: where grit meets creativity, and innovation is not a luxury, but a necessity.

As a long-time Stage 32 Member, Educator, and Thought Leader, I want to share these key insights with all of you! 

The Producer’s Toolbox: Adaptability Is Everything

Blumhouse's Abhijay Prakash reminded us that sometimes, the “old school” models still work. Their upcoming Rainmaker series, airing on USA Network with streaming rights on Peacock, was built using a deficit-finance model that prioritizes ownership and back-end potential. In a world obsessed with digital-first, they’re betting on the power of second windows and linear-first strategy, a bold, calculated move that echoes the ethos of “make it for a price, play for the upside.”

What I learned from this: Even in a fragmented marketplace, owning your content and being nimble with distribution models can give you control and leverage, especially when the future of streaming back-end remains uncertain.

The Indie Way: Betting on Voice, Not Trends

Christine D’Souza Gelb of 2AM management and production, laid bare the journey of building a company in the middle of a pandemic with no studio bankroll—just conviction. Their success with *Past Lives* and other breakout indie voices proves there’s still room for artistry, risk-taking, and long-game storytelling. Their approach? Support first-time filmmakers. Build brand through taste. Protect creative vision. Pivot locations based on financing. And never let the perfect kill the possible.

What I learned from this: Visionary producers don’t chase trends. They create trust in talent, in taste, and in tenacity.

Reinventing the Deal: Jigsaw Financing & Global Hustle

Jeff Wachtel of Future Shack broke down how “Murder in a Small Town” was born from a strike-proof, pre-existing script, a pivot to Canadian co-producers, and pure timing. What began as one movie ballooned into a trilogy, then into a series. In another case, they stitched together financing across Roku, CW, Australia, and ITV, an 18-month global puzzle.

What I learned from this: The path is never linear. Producers must be international negotiators, market whisperers, and creative matchmakers, all in one.

The Back-End Battle: Why the Cost-Plus Model Is Broken

Panelists unanimously agreed: the cost-plus streaming model has gutted long-term earning potential for producers. Without meaningful back-end participation, the incentive to take big swings shrinks. But the tide may be turning. Some streamers (Amazon among them) are exploring new models to reintroduce back-end upside.

What I learned from this: As the conversation around creative ownership and producer equity grows louder, the smartest producers are structuring projects to retain rights, and waiting for the system to catch up.

The YouTube Effect: From Viral to Viable

The rise of creators like the Philippou Brothers (*Talk to Me*) underscores how digital-native talent is crashing through the gates. While producers haven’t yet cracked the model of sourcing content from platforms like YouTube and TikTok, everyone agrees: if you’re not watching what’s happening in creator culture, you’re already behind.

What I learned from this: The next breakout filmmaker may not have gone to AFI, but they might have 10 million views on YouTube.

My pat in the back moment: I personally followed this model with 10 films of my director clients in the last two years that generated 50 million streams.

Why We Keep Showing Up: Passion Over Pessimism

Despite the uncertainty, each panelist offered a clear message: *this is still the greatest job in the world, if you can stomach the marathon.* Whether it’s seeing a 30-year passion project finally get written by Steven Moffat, or the belief that today's technology and global access are empowering more diverse voices than ever, the passion was palpable.

Producers are not just dealmakers; they are dream defenders.

Yeah, that’s an instagrammable quote!

Final Reflection

What I took away from this panel wasn’t just strategy, it was soul. In a business often obsessed with the “how,” it was refreshing to be reminded of the “why.” The role of the producer is harder than ever, yes. But it’s also more essential than ever.

We are the bridge between vision and execution. Between voice and visibility.

And as the panelists reminded us so beautifully: You don’t need a greenlight to start, just conviction.

And that’s why I keep going, and most of all, I keep learning from my peers.

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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