They don’t have billions. 99% pop culture is basically made by five companies — News Corp., Sony, Viacom, Time/Warner and Disney. However, movies are so expensive, even these companies can’t foot the bill themselves — they have to pre-sell the movies to foreign and domestic distributors, TV rights, etc. etc.
Don’t make any mistake about it — movie making is hardcore capitalism.
Yes, but you have to admit that it’s a popularity contest as well.
When Oliver Stone wants to make a film, which most people don’t care to see, he gets the backing.