The 2026 Power Shift in the Entertainment Industry
As this year comes to a close, I want to begin with gratitude. I have the privilege of working with extraordinary filmmakers, producers, authors, musicians, podcasters, and creative entrepreneurs who continue to build meaningful work in an industry that is constantly shifting. This year alone, I’ve watched clients launch production companies, option books, secure publishing deals, release films, grow businesses into serious assets, and take real ownership of their career.
Industry at an Inflection Point
Looking ahead to 2026, the entertainment industry is entering a defining chapter. Consolidation at the top is accelerating. Netflix’s buyout of Warner Brothers is the obvious example. Large platforms are seeking scale, libraries, and leverage, and I expect that trend to continue even in the face of political or regulatory resistance. Yes, I think the Netflix WB deal will go through despite the blowbacks from opposition. Netflix will be the most successful streamer and legacy IP holder.
Rise of Creators, Podcasts, and Verticals!
At the same time, content creators, podcasters, and vertical dramas are no longer operating at the margins. They are being actively integrated into streaming ecosystems and gaining real clout in negotiations, audience reach, and dealmaking. These are not side channel anymore and are becoming central to how the new stars and stories are discovered, financed, and monetized.
YouTube as the Elephant in the Room
If there is a clear winner in this evolution, it is YouTube. Although Netflix would never admit it or say it out loud, YouTube is the benchmark of eyeball attention. It has become the world’s largest development platform where audiences are built first and traditional deals follow. That reality is reshaping how projects are packaged and how leverage is created.
Expanded Opportunity for Independents
All of this points to something deeply encouraging: more opportunity for independents. We are in an era where creators can build their own production companies, publishing imprints, music labels, and even media conglomerates—without waiting for permission. While there is more conglomeration at the top, there is a ton of gaps in small and medium-sized productions where storytelling is valued and still created by humans.
Keep in mind that the independent space does not mean informality. It means building with intention from the ground up. Strong entity formation, clean chains of title, properly protected IP, thoughtful contracts, and deal structures that align with long-term goals are no longer optional. Legacy Arts Law helps creatives create strong foundations by protecting intellectual property before and during dealmaking, Structure businesses that can grow and evolve. Legal work is not separate from the creative work.
As we move into 2026, I remain optimistic. The gates are not closing. They are multiplying. For independent creators who are willing to build smart, protect what they create, and think beyond the next project, the future holds more leverage than ever before.