On today's podcast, Brian and Mandy delve briefly into the latest controversy surrounding Neil Gaiman and his hiatus. Then they discuss whether Hollywood is still necessary in the age of New Media. They highlight the success story of Mark Fischbach (Markiplier) and his independent film 'Iron Lung,' which challenges traditional film distribution methods. Additionally, they explore the resurgence of independent cinema, the influence of fan bases, and the evolving landscape of content creation as technology and digital platforms democratize the industry.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:38 Neil Gaiman's Controversy

04:05 Iron Lung: A New Kind of Success Story

06:49 The Changing Landscape of Independent Cinema

14:48 The Power of Fans and Influencers

20:06 Conclusion and Sign-Off