The GATEKEEPERS

The force that determines “artistic worth”

Calling all artists! Whether you’re a writer, author, musician, singer, filmmaker, painter, digital artist, or any other creative mind, let’s talk about the gatekeepers that lurk in the shadows of the industries we’re in.

This mysterious force determines our artistic worth and shapes the destiny of our careers, and I want to explore this further. Who are these gatekeepers, how did this even become a thing, and what is the current situation?

Gatekeepers are the guardians — or guards — of the artistic industries. They filter the voices and determine who’s worthy of reaching the audience beyond the walls and who is not.

Just as in the movie The Hunger Games and the Netflix series 3%, the worthy are chosen by a dominating force. Whether in the realm of bookstores, literature, music, TV, or film, gatekeepers hold the door to the spotlight.

In the world of publishing, aspiring writers and authors have to prove themselves and their books or novels to agencies, managers, and esteemed publications if they want their work to reach the readers out there.

Similar challenges are encountered in Hollywood, where actors, writers, directors, and filmmakers must demonstrate their talent and worth to managers and agencies. Only then, their work will be taken to prestigious studios, networks, and production companies.

The music industry follows suit, with agents, managers, and major record labels selecting the few who will make it big. We’ve all heard the story of superstars being discovered. Justin Bieber, for example, was discovered by Scooter Braun. Ariana Grande was selected to play a role in Nickelodeon. And we all hear the stories of Disney stars, don’t we?

On the other hand, we also witness the rise of indie artists, filmmakers, and authors who choose to self-publish their works, challenging the gatekeepers’ authority.

Traditionally, gatekeepers hold control over artistic exposure. For example, major record labels will give the latest “hit music” to popular shows or films. So, they end up dictating trends.

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