Researcher Stephen Follows asks the question: "Do films with positive messages make more money than those without?". In his article he explores some of his datasets to determine if positivity delivers more revenue. As I have posited in prior posts in this lounge, the history of cinema is told through the relationship of art and business. To drive that point home, the movies comprising the Barbenheimer phenomenon could not be made without shitloads of bucks (to put it crudely). So will the drive for profit insist on a positive message? Will outlier screenplays pique the audience interest for a dark and foreboding message? Thoughts? Bueller?
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Adding one more graphic for clarity on the findings. source: stephenfollows.com (requires a paid subscription) and maybe worth it?
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It makes sense that more people watch movies with positive messages, Robert Franklin Godwin III, especially if they're dealing with negative things in their lives or they've had a long day/week.
"Will outlier screenplays pique the audience interest for a dark and foreboding message?" I think so depending on the movie's concept and message.
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Fascinating topic! I truly believe that marketing and timing can elevate any story — whether it's hopeful or harrowing.
As someone who’s currently developing two scripts — one a climate-based political thriller, the other a socially grounded horror — I’ve seen firsthand how the presentation of a message can make or break audience engagement.
A bold, dark message can resonate deeply if it’s framed with the right emotional and visual hooks. Likewise, a positive story can fall flat without authenticity. So maybe the real equation is:
Compelling message + strategic positioning = success.
In the end, the audience doesn’t just buy a story — they buy how you make them feel about it. Would love to hear more insights from folks working across genres.