The Ethics of Exploitative Entertainment: - PowerPoint Presentation

Slide1

The Ethics of Exploitative Entertainment:“Spider-man: Turn Off The Dark”A Case Study

Michael Barrett

Eileen Bernardo

Kathryn Hutchinson

Mindy Romero

Arien

RozelleSlide2

Step 1: The PlayersStudy the Details and Determine the Relevant Facts of the CaseSlide3

INTRODUCTIONRock musical Book written by Julie Taymor and Glen Berger Based on comic book

Most expensive Broadway production in history

The longest preview period ever

$65 million dollarsSlide4

Julie TaymorProducer/Director/ Co-Writer

Bono

Musical Composer & Lyricist

The Edge

Musical Composer & Lyricist

Glen Berger

Co-writer

Cast of Characters

(

Primary Agents)Slide5

Source: The Daily BeastRelevant Facts: A TimelineSlide6

Jan 13: After multiple injuries, bad reviews and more opening delayed again to March 15thFeb 7th: The New York Times called it a “national joke” saying: “The sheer ineptitude of this show, inspired by the Spider-Man comic books, loses its shock value early. After 15 or 20 minutes, the central question you keep asking yourself is likely to change from “How can $65 million look so cheap?” to “How long before I’m out of here?” – Ben Brantley, Chief Theater Critic

Relevant Facts: A Timeline

Source:The

New York TimesSlide7

Feb 12: Labor Dept. issues two safety violations Feb 16: The $65 million production pushed back a 5th time to a March 15th opening night Critics give scathing reviews Songwriters Bono and The Edge bring in their producer to hone the music After a slew of injuries, production has been fine-tuning their craft

Feb 27:

Spider-Man

might push back its opening until June (6

th

delay)

March 2:

The cast of

Spider-Man

performed on “Letterman”

As of press time, opening day is March 15

th

.

Producers are deciding this week whether to open the show as planned on March 15

th

or delay it for a sixth time.

Relevant Facts: A TimelineSlide8

THERE’S A LOT TO LOSE: REPUTATION AND MONEYRELEVANT CASE STUDIES

Relevant Facts: A TimelineSlide9

Step 2: “Good” vs. “Bad” Identify the relevant moral criteriaSlide10

Four Key Decision MakersPressPublicShareholders (Investors)

Creative

Team

(Writers, Producers, Directors) Slide11

The PressObjective: Inform the publicDuty to uphold Broadway’s “agreement” not to print a review until after opening night. Duty to get publicity for the paperDuty to themselves to develop their craft, skills and careerSlide12

The PublicObjective: To be an informed consumerBuy a ticket for entertainmentPersonal BenefitBuy a ticket as patron of the artsSocial BenefitSafety Issues:Do they abstain as a personal statement and action to protect actors?

Do they buy ticket?Slide13

ShareholdersTaymor, Berger, Bono, The EdgeObjective: To maximize the return on their investment, but doing so puts

people in harm’s way

.

W

hat

should motivate their

decision?

The return?The well-being of the actors?Slide14

Creative TeamTaymor, Berger, Bono, The EdgeObjective: To produce an award-winning, profitable production, but doing so puts people in harm’s way.Duty to themselves; to develop their craft, skills and career.

Duty to not harm others and improve conditions

Duty to be honest and do what’s in the shareholders’ best interestSlide15

Changes to Normative Standards:Delayed OpeningChange the nature of “previews” for technically complicated musicals/playsChange pricing for previewsActors’ Equity could reconsider number

of hours a week an expensive show in trouble can rehearse without overtaxing

cast

and

crewSlide16

Step 3:How the Mighty Have FallenIdentify the Value ConflictsSlide17

The Value Conflicts:

Doorley

& Garcia

Morality

Legality

Ethics

Principles of “Duty” & Selfish Behavior

Egotism & The Value of Justice

Consequences:

Financial Investment

Labor ViolationsSlide18

What Makes this Case Controversial?Slide19

The Matter of Ego: The Primary ConflictAristotleHabits in Appropriate CircumstancesSt. Thomas AquinasPrideMachiavelliA Stable State (Chapter XV)

Images Courtesy of Wikipedia.orgSlide20

Execution Over EgoCORRECT INCORRECTSlide21

Step Four: The Show Must Go On?Determine the Possible Courses of ActionSlide22

Page Principles as Ethics GuideTell the truthProve it with actionListen to the customerManage for tomorrow

Conduct public relations as if the entire company depends on it

Realize a company’s true character is expressed by its people

Remain calm, patient and good-humoredSlide23

What’s Next? Option #1: Do NothingOption #2: Revise the Current ShowOption #3:

Close the Show NowSlide24

Decision-Making MatrixPrinciple/Action

Do Nothing

Revise

Shut Down

Tell the truth

✔

✔

Prove it w/action

✔

✔

Listen to the customer

✔

Manage for tomorrow

✔

Company depends on PR

✔

✔

✔

True character=people

✔

✔

✔

Calm, patient &

good-humored

✔

✔

✔Slide25

Step 5:The Utilitarian ApproachChoose the Best Course of ActionSlide26

The Best Course of ActionUtilitarianism: greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people Tweak the show!Shareholders to hire a general managerManage decisionsControl costsRevise scriptRepair, rebuild and revive Safety firstBroadway’s dedication to entertainment

Spider-man enthusiasts and others see final product

Employment retention

“The Comeback Kids”Slide27

The Best Course of ActionBest Case Scenario: Addams FamilyMixed to negative reviews Consistent:100% capacity3rd in gross to “Wicked” and “The Lion King”Success: beloved brand-name title, star power, nostalgia and successful marketingWorst Case Scenario: Charlie SheenTrain wreck with no conductorBad press is not always good pressNegative ‘N score’Slide28

Q & A