Meaning: The quote "We're going to see a very, very commercial kind of picture-making" by Peter Bart, the former editor of Variety, reflects a prediction about the future of the film industry. This quote was made in the context of a changing landscape in Hollywood and the entertainment industry as a whole. Peter Bart's statement suggests that the film industry is heading towards a more commercialized approach to movie-making, with an emphasis on profitability and marketability.

The statement implies that there will be a shift towards creating films that are designed to appeal to a broad audience, with a focus on generating significant box office returns. This prediction is indicative of the ongoing trend in the film industry towards big-budget, high-concept films that are intended to be financially successful on a global scale.

Peter Bart's background as a prominent figure in entertainment journalism and his experience in observing the evolution of the film industry lends weight to his prediction. As the former editor of Variety, Bart was privy to insider knowledge and industry trends, which likely informed his perspective on the direction of commercial picture-making.

The increasing globalization of the film market and the rise of streaming platforms have contributed to the emphasis on commercial viability in film production. With the potential for films to reach audiences around the world, studios are motivated to invest in projects that have mass appeal and the potential for significant financial returns. As a result, there has been a proliferation of franchise films, sequels, and adaptations of popular intellectual properties, as these are perceived as safer bets for generating revenue.

In addition, the quote may also allude to the influence of marketing and branding in the contemporary film industry. The emphasis on commercial picture-making suggests that the marketing and promotion of films will play an increasingly crucial role in determining their success. Studios are likely to invest significant resources in advertising and promotional campaigns to ensure that their films are able to capture the attention of audiences and drive box office sales.

Furthermore, the quote may reflect a broader cultural shift towards entertainment that is designed to be easily digestible and accessible to a wide audience. This trend is evident in the popularity of blockbuster franchises, superhero films, and other high-concept, visually spectacular productions that are engineered to captivate audiences and drive ticket sales.

It is worth noting that while the commercialization of the film industry may lead to an abundance of visually stunning and entertaining films, there is also a concern that it could potentially limit the diversity and originality of cinematic storytelling. As studios prioritize commercial success, there is a risk that less commercially viable, but artistically ambitious projects may struggle to find support and funding.

In conclusion, Peter Bart's quote "We're going to see a very, very commercial kind of picture-making" encapsulates a prediction about the trajectory of the film industry towards a more commercially driven approach to movie-making. This shift reflects a complex interplay of factors, including the globalization of the film market, the influence of marketing and branding, and broader cultural preferences for easily accessible entertainment. While this trend may lead to an abundance of visually captivating and commercially successful films, it also raises important questions about the impact on the diversity and originality of cinematic storytelling.