In a groundbreaking move for the concert film industry, Taylor Swift's recent release, "The Eras Tour," has set the stage for a potential boom in the genre. According to The Hollywood Reporter, insiders note that Swift's film has served as a rising tide that lifts all boats, with artists and their teams already seeking inspiration from Swift's success.

"The Eras Tour," directed by Sam Wrench, showcases the spectacle of Swift's live performances at Los Angeles' So-Fi stadium. The film utilized an impressive 40 camera operators and advanced camera technology, raising the bar for concert films in terms of production value. Swift's deal for the film allows her to retain a significant portion of the $160.4 million global box office earnings after its second weekend of release.

A survey conducted by NATO's Cinema Foundation reveals that there is a strong demand for concert films, with 72 percent of the 6,000 moviegoers surveyed expressing a desire to see more of these films on the big screen. However, the genre has historically suffered from poor execution, as they were produced with minimal resources and limited camera coverage.

Swift's success with "The Eras Tour" highlights the distinction between concert films and music documentaries. While concert films thrive in theatrical experiences, music documentaries have found success in streaming platforms. Recent examples include Billie Eilish's documentary "The World's a Little Blurry," which secured a massive $25 million deal with Apple, and nonfiction projects from Selena Gomez and Tina Turner.

With the announcement of Swift's film, traditional Hollywood studios have begun seeking partnerships within the concert film space. While studios argue that they possess the infrastructure for successful distribution and marketing, it is unlikely that artists at Swift's level would be swayed by their propositions. Partnerships may become a key consideration for artists who can capitalize on both theatrical releases and streaming deals.

Furthermore, the concert film industry offers opportunities for bands or artists who are no longer touring, as well as posthumous releases. Archives can be explored to unearth never-before-seen concert footage, as evidenced by the success of titles like "Moonage Daydream" and the potential distribution of a David Bowie concert film from the '70s. Re-releases of iconic concert films, such as Martin Scorsese's "The Last Waltz," also garner interest from nostalgic audiences.

As a result of Swift's impact, industry experts suggest that the way concert films are released and distributed may undergo a reevaluation. RadicalMedia, the production company behind "The Eras Tour," is already rethinking their strategies for future productions, aiming to break away from traditional means of distribution. It is anticipated that other Hollywood entities will also adapt to this evolving landscape.

The success of Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour" has not only solidified her status as a superstar, but has also shed light on the immense potential of the concert film genre. As Hollywood studios seek partnerships and artists consider new distribution models, the future of concert films appears promising, with varied content catering to diverse audiences.