In the world of cinema, a fascinating debate has emerged, shedding light on the role of family connections and industry dynamics. The recent Locarno Pro industry program, held alongside the Locarno Film Festival, provided an insightful glimpse into the inner workings of the film industry.
The Nepo Baby Creative Phenomenon
Stephen Follows, a film industry data analyst, presented a thought-provoking session titled "Fear, Lies, and the Illusion of Control." One of the most eye-opening revelations was the extent of family ties in the top-grossing films of this century. A staggering 70% of the top 100 films from 2000 to 2025 featured a "nepo baby creative" - a term referring to individuals with family members already working in the industry.
This statistic might shock some, but Follows clarified that it's not always about blatant nepotism. He explained, "It's about access and exposure. These individuals often grow up around the industry, which gives them an early start and faster progression."
The Benefits of Family Connections
Family connections offer distinct advantages. Those with industry ties tend to direct their first feature at a younger age and climb the ladder faster. They also have more opportunities to direct second features and produce more films throughout their careers. However, Follows emphasized that these films are not necessarily better or more successful in terms of box office performance or ratings.
The Role of Producers and Education
Follows' research also highlighted the significance of experienced producers for first-time directors. He noted that three out of four directors fail to make a second feature within five years of their debut. However, those who do often have worked with an experienced producer on their first film.
Additionally, film school graduates seem to have an edge. Films directed by film school alumni tend to outperform others, with identical quality ratings. Film school provides an accelerator ramp, allowing graduates to enter the industry younger and reach the top 100 film list more frequently.
The Reality of Indie Films
The data on indie films is a sobering reminder of the challenges they face. Only 3.4% of indie films generated a profit up until 2018, with a mere 33% of the 10% that made it into cinemas turning a profit. In contrast, 51% of studio films were profitable.
Power Laws and Unpredictability
Follows attributed this to "power laws," where a small number of films reap the majority of the rewards. He emphasized that the film business is inherently unpredictable, unknowable, and unfair. Despite various risk-mitigating strategies like focusing on stars, test screenings, franchises, and algorithms, the underlying unpredictability remains.
Finding Success in an Uncertain Industry
In his presentation, Follows suggested that success in the film industry lies in embracing the unknown and focusing on what one can control. He recommended making oneself desirable to work with, creating original films, and recognizing the importance of curation over algorithms.
Conclusion
The insights shared at the Locarno Pro industry program offer a unique perspective on the film industry's inner workings. While family connections and industry dynamics play a significant role, the path to success is far from certain. As Follows aptly put it, "You are not in control of almost anything." It's a reminder that the film industry, much like life itself, is a journey filled with unpredictability and the need to adapt and embrace the unknown.
