The rational case is that it's absurdly expensive to make artistic content in term of people's time, as well as the cost in things like location, filming, and s

The rational case is that it's absurdly expensive to make artistic content in term of people's time, as well as the cost in things like location, filming, and support. This isn't saying there isn't unneccessary costs...part of the need for a publisher is to keep costs under control! But things like building sets, special effects and more really ramp up the cost and fast. You are supporting an army of workers to make a decently budgeted film, for multiple years.