Studio System

studio system

from the mid 20s, American studios grew larger and there were 5 major companies: MGM. paramount, warner bros, 20th century fox and RKO. these were known as the big five and become part of the studio system. There were three smaller studios: universal, united artists and Columbia. There were many minor studios who released bee movies for a very little cast

 1. During which decades was the Hollywood  studio system at its most powerful ?

The 1930s through to the 1940s were considered the golden age of Hollywood with films like Casablanca

2. What were the major "big five " studios ?

the big 5 movie companies were MGM, paramount, warner bros, 20th century fox and RKO which became part of the studio system. These emerged in 1928.

3. What areas and roles in film production did the studio system have direct control over ?

They had the effective control of distributors and exhibition. They produced movies on their own filmmaking lot. They would use block booking where they would sell multiple films to a theatre. This meant the studios could make a lot of money. One studio could own all  theatres in the city which would mean all their films would be distributed no matter he quality of them.

4. Why was this factory method of production successful ?

The actors, directors, producers and personnel were under long term contracts so had to return when making another film. The studios would own their 'stars'. This was known as the star system.

 

5. Why did the studio system lose power and control in the 1950s and 1960s ?  

Television was now competing for audiences in the 1950s which led to studio systems losing power. They were also challenged under the 1948 supreme court ruling which was to seperate production from distribution.