A film blog for students of my classes at Santa Clara University. Use this blog to discuss the films we are studying, classic films, current releases or production issues you encounter while making your own films.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Hollywood Studio System
Why do you think the Hollywood Studio system was so important to American cinema?
The Hollywood Studio system grew in the time where film was becoming a major industry. Wall Street became heavily involved for both political and economic reasons. They began to realize the true money making potential of the business. And in the time of the Red Scare, film would be used as a propaganda tool to enforce the message of the American dream in a positive light and communism as a threat to this dream. Because these businessmen were so invested in these studios, they became overseers of the companies. The Wall Street men were more interested in ways to make film that will make money, including strategies that are still used today like using big name actors, or showy productions. With their new roles and influences, the producers became more important and the director's role declined. Films were made in an efficient assembly-line manner, and the process became conventional and predictable. When the Great Depression came, the film industry was hardly affected. With the new technologies of sound, watching films was as popular as ever and the industry was able to survive the Great Depression with little losses. Consequently, the studio system is still in use today. Many of the companies that were pioneers in the use of the studio are still huge and influential companies in Hollywood.
The studio system was important because it provided an efficient way to mass produce and distribute films in America. The major studios owned and controlled their own movie theaters, making vertical integration a key element of the system. The domination of Hollywood both nationally and internationally showed its influence around the globe. The power of this system is also clear as it endured through troubled times such as the Great Depression without much negative effect. Another important aspect of the studio system is that it established story types, otherwise known as genres that endure today. With these new genres as well as new regulations regarding censorship, the studio system created the expectations audiences have for a variety of kinds of films today. The studio system also helped some of the Big Five establish a strong base and profit that would keep them in business all the way to the present day. Though the studio system deteriorated with the advent of television in the late 40s to early 50s, it laid the basic foundation and principles of Hollywood.
The American Studio System was ultimately so important to American cinema because it facilitated profit. Like almost all things American, American cinema was built around Wall Street, and made possibly by Wall Street investments. The Wall Street involvement further drove American cinema to be mainly concerned with making money. Film studios became more factory-like, and less creatively driven. By the end of WWI, it was clear Hollywood was a major industry and Financial people started to take control of the studios and making money was their main concern. The American Studio System was centered on distribution rather than production, because 94% of the studios assets were in the exhibition of films. The American Studio System was the most efficient way to produce and distribute films, and stayed that way for decades. The financial people who took control of the studios wanted to produce less unpredictable films, and exploit proven successes so films because more formulaic as the commercial production was codified. These practices and the American Studio System helped establish film studios that are still around today.
I agree with the previous posts. The American studio system was important because it generated revenue and really emphasized distribution. Wall Street began investing in the film industry due to its obvious growing market and its potential to serve as propaganda during the "Red Scare". The studio system created an efficient production and distribution system and as someone mentioned before, it also gave rise to many more genres. Since the system was dominated by only a few major studios, each one developed their own kind of trademark genre which lasted for years after establishment. Overall, the studio system was important to American cinema because it allowed many of the major studios to survive until present day.
The Hollywood Studio system was so important to American cinema because it created a cultural ritual in which audiences became an active participant in the evolution and production of values and ideals in film. The studio system provided a structure that allowed the audience to define filmic genres indirectly with the writers and directors of Hollywood, and as Andre Bazin described, it showed American society “just as it wanted to see itself.” Although the Hollywood Studio system was all about profit, it was because of this commercial feedback system that defined films as a socializing force and pushed filmmakers to be a little more original each time while still incorporating audience expectations.
We talked a little bit about vertical integration on Tuesday, and I think that was instrumental to the impact the studio system had on Hollywood. Vertical integration allowed for all the major studios to own their own supply chain; creation, marketing, distribution, exhibition. Since the big five were largely distribution based companies (that’s where they got a load of revenue) this created a kind of localized, concentrated income. Of course, immense vertical integration will also lead to a homogenous output, which would mean that a lot of the major studios’ productions would have similar themes, styles, and “looks” as opposed to independent companies. However, I think that, while in most cases homogenization in an industry makes for less innovation, in this case it created a legacy. Hollywood gained a model and a label because with the studio system it became a sort of concentration of itself—and very successful. I think that establishment and that branding was one of the reasons Wall Street invested, which allowed Hollywood to stay afloat during the Great Depression. After the Paramount ruling and its collapse, that concentrated impression the studio system left still lingered. That image we apply to Hollywood, that glamour we associate with it came from the studio system era, which many people call the “Golden Age of Hollywood.”
The American Studio System was so important because it made the process of filmmaking more efficient and more profitable, which was extremely important to the Wall Street investors. While this system wasn’t necessarily the best for creatively driven films, it did ensure the output of a film that was created in the most economically efficient way. Since the system eliminated the unpredictability of the film industry by creating somewhat of a formula to produce film, they were able to make films in the same manner that previous successful films were made in, so that they were confident the films would also be successful. Vertical integration was also a major part of the success of many of the studios, as they would gain profit from all aspects of the film process, especially exhibition.
I believe that the Hollywood Studio system was so important to American cinema because it was the studios that really turned hollywood movie making into a business. Being part of a studio enabled easier distribution, which in turn allowed more people to watch the films that were being made. Since the largest amount of profit was coming from ticket sales, the companies wanted films to be made quickly and efficiently to release them to the theaters in order to make more money. Studios gave them this ability, with already established production and distribution methods. Wall Street also soon took notice in the profit that was being generated by the studios, which caused them to invest in hollywood. All of these factors contributed to a successful studio system that is still in use today.
The studio system was significant in the mid 1900's because it allowed film to be produced and distributed in order to gain major profit. It was funded by Wallstreet because they saw the potential the film industry had in becoming extremely wealthy and influential. The studio system established control, structure, organization and a hierarchy in the film business. While it was dominated by a few major production companies in Hollywood, it gave everyone a chance to produce and distribute films and bring in a steady income. New technology in the industry such as sound, music, and animation was helping the film industry grow and become more popular, attracting everyone's interest. Soon enough, Hollywood and Wallstreet became a business and financially superior men were becoming the leaders of film companies. Their goal was to make more films for less money, and to gain more than they spent. World War II and the Great Depression brought about change to the film industry as well, and in the 60's, the studio system began to break down. Nevertheless, the top studios that helped boom the system long ago are still major corporations in Hollywood today.
I think the Hollywood Studio System was so important to American cinema because it followed a very specifically American assembly line tradition of production. This falls in line with previous posts that emphasize the importance of efficiency to mass produce and distribute films. I think the studio system's greatest achievement goes hand in hand with today's reading in that producers were concerned with making films that shared elements of previously successful films to ensure that these films would generate profit. Thus, they stuck to predictable formulas of successful films which helped to create and define the genres we know today- slapstick comedies, melodramas, romantic comedies, westerns, film noir, etc. Additionally, the studio system also helped to define the auteur director, who had to remain within the constraints of the studio's demands while still exercising creative freedom and leaving their mark on a film, even if the film remained within a given genre. The Hollywood Studio system is important to the legacy of film because it forced the studios and directors to strike a balance between proven formulas of success and the director's own vision. It established the genres we know today and allowed directors to become known for their specific styles and themes.
The Hollywood Studio system was important to American cinema for many reasons, the biggest probably having to do with financial benefits that go along with it. Wall Street being strongly involved also contributed to the importance as well by investing money into the studio system. More so, the studio system relies on the production and distribution of the films they make, gaining money from ticket sales in theaters. Also timing was very important in its success especially in lieu of the Great Depression, the power of the system was able to remain even through those desperate times. Another aspect are the rules and regulations that were developed in terms of what was allowed to be included in films, some of which still remain in how Hollywood is shaped today. All in all, the Hollywood studio system created a huge business that revolves around the strategies that they believe can make them the most money.
With the economy growing and more and more people wanting to watch films, the studio system was in a way a natural response to a market demand. Studios created a market monopoly with just a few leaders dictating the rules and regulations for the industry. One of the reasons why the studio system was so important to the history of American film was the large impact it was able to make. From its creation the studios dictated most of the trends and set up what is now knows “the star system.” Nevertheless, a lot of the times due to the fact that the studios were driven by profits, their decisions held back the development of the industry. It happened with sound, when studios were afraid of loosing money of the already produced silent films they had. In addition, adding sound to the picture would have meant changing the way movie theaters were set up, which required further expenses. This fear of adopting new technology (especially in regards of sound) was reflected by the studios making an agreement not to use sound in their pictures unless completely necessary. History repeated itself when color was introduced. Although maybe not as strong, but studios did fear adopting new technology and change. One more important part about the studio system, which I briefly mentioned earlier is its incentive. While most of the European films were being made as an art form, the studio system created a profit driven incentive that a lot of the times did not allow the filmmakers use film as purely an art form, especially if this art did not bring much cash back. It is remarkable how nowadays, so many decades, later we still see a strong influence of the studio system. Despite its loosing its power in the second half of the 20th century, most of the production now is still being made by the big studios. This probably proves how strong and influential of entity this system is; and something is telling me it is going to be around for a while.
The Hollywood Studio system had a major and lasting impact on American cinema in a variety of ways. First, I agree with the above blog posts that Wall Street being heavily involved in funding the industry economically allowed it to grow and prosper. I believe that the American cinema was able to grow and profit because the studio system offered organization and a hierarchy with in the film industry. The studio system turned Hollywood into a business, specifically the booming and prosperous business we continue to see today. The studio system also introduced the concept of contracting certain director, actors and storylines for specific studios. This allowed different studios to almost brand themselves and the genre of film/work they pushed out. Since there were many different size studios and profit margins, this also allows some of the smaller studios to push the envelop with the genres and types of movies they produced. For example, Universal studios coined to honor film genre with films like Dracula and Frankenstein. Clearly, since we still see the same big studio names today that we saw more than 80 plus years ago, the studio system has had a major impact on American cinema; as well as staying power.
The American Studio System was so important because it completely changed the way filmmaking is looked at. Through it all, filmmaking was and is still now seen as more reliable as well as the huge aspect that it can turn a big profit now. The Wall Street investors were most interested in that aspect, (the money). Not only that but studious played a huge role in Hollywood because that transitioned cinema into a business. In addition, people were able to watch the work that was being done on a large screening film. Most of the money came from ticket sales and because of that, companies put pressure on films to be made fast so they could get into theaters as quick as possible and in turn make money.
My classmates have made some intellectual comments about why the studio system was so important to American cinema. The studio system defined American cinema today, and this can be seen from the fact that many of the old major studios, and some of the minor studios, still are around and thriving today. The rise of the studio system brought the rise of the active audience and led to an evolution of film and the industry. The studio system is all about profit. Studio heads buy into what has worked and what they believe will continue to work. That means showing the audience a perfect society they want to see in the way they want to see it. Thus, the studio system gave rise to classic genres and major studios began to develop trademarks. In some cases, these trademarks lasted for years and some even last today. The studio system also generated lots of revenue which began to transform the industry from focusing solely on production or distribution into focusing on vertical integration. The importance of production was weighed on the importance of distribution and the importance of exhibition. Major studios owned supply chains which allowed them to control the industry. While the studio system may have slowed down innovation and originality of filmmakers, it has created a legacy that created classic genres. Many films created during the studio system's "golden era" were so new for their time, and they are still viewed as some of the best films in their genres more than half a century later.
The hollywood studio system made the film making process which was perviously an artistic pleasure or pastime, into a multi million (now billion) dollar industry that not only was and is a huge part of american culture and storytelling, but has spread to a massive global scale that makes a majority of the the industry's money. The hollywood studio system created rules and regulation for what could be put on screens and catered to audiences and the theater houses that made them money. The studio system had several large companies who each had their own theaters and the introduction of celebrity star actors who would play in majority of that studio's films. The studio system is very important to american cinema because of the increased distribution and profit.
When the American Studio System was born audiences reacted in a way that producers, directors, and those making the films probably did not expect. The Studio System allowed full length features to made and distributed very fast so many different audiences were aware and could see the films. The Studio System at the time had to make films and get them out quickly because of the such high popular demand. From this very beginning of the Studio System to today it is still important when discussing American Cinema. It is still how we make movies today her and all across the world. Like many of my other classmates have stated, the big production companies that are still around today. True Wall Street was involved in the process at the beginning but the Studio System was overall needed due to the right time right place situation happening and building up to the "Golden Age of Hollywood." It's amazing to look back and see how influential the Studio System was back then and still is today.
The studio system was the bridge that connected the artists with the business men. Studios were able to provide artists with the means to turn out films faster than ever before; and with the addition of sound movies had never been more popular. Even the great depression was unable to shake the strong foundation of the film industry. Today, the studio system has grown to a level where its almost impossible to make a film that isn't a guarantee. The main difference about Studios today is that they are focused on quality over quantity. Major studios only put out an average of twelve films a year and if even one of those is a flop they studio could be in financial trouble. Many film writers talk about the lack of originality in the major studios recent releases. We live in a time of sequels and remakes which is a business model for film but there are still a great number of independent studios and filmmakers that are creating films closer to the artistic side of the business. The bridge has turned into a tollbooth where the box office is the teller.
20 comments:
The Hollywood Studio system grew in the time where film was becoming a major industry. Wall Street became heavily involved for both political and economic reasons. They began to realize the true money making potential of the business. And in the time of the Red Scare, film would be used as a propaganda tool to enforce the message of the American dream in a positive light and communism as a threat to this dream. Because these businessmen were so invested in these studios, they became overseers of the companies. The Wall Street men were more interested in ways to make film that will make money, including strategies that are still used today like using big name actors, or showy productions. With their new roles and influences, the producers became more important and the director's role declined.
Films were made in an efficient assembly-line manner, and the process became conventional and predictable.
When the Great Depression came, the film industry was hardly affected. With the new technologies of sound, watching films was as popular as ever and the industry was able to survive the Great Depression with little losses. Consequently, the studio system is still in use today. Many of the companies that were pioneers in the use of the studio are still huge and influential companies in Hollywood.
The studio system was important because it provided an efficient way to mass produce and distribute films in America. The major studios owned and controlled their own movie theaters, making vertical integration a key element of the system. The domination of Hollywood both nationally and internationally showed its influence around the globe. The power of this system is also clear as it endured through troubled times such as the Great Depression without much negative effect. Another important aspect of the studio system is that it established story types, otherwise known as genres that endure today. With these new genres as well as new regulations regarding censorship, the studio system created the expectations audiences have for a variety of kinds of films today. The studio system also helped some of the Big Five establish a strong base and profit that would keep them in business all the way to the present day. Though the studio system deteriorated with the advent of television in the late 40s to early 50s, it laid the basic foundation and principles of Hollywood.
The American Studio System was ultimately so important to American cinema because it facilitated profit. Like almost all things American, American cinema was built around Wall Street, and made possibly by Wall Street investments. The Wall Street involvement further drove American cinema to be mainly concerned with making money. Film studios became more factory-like, and less creatively driven. By the end of WWI, it was clear Hollywood was a major industry and Financial people started to take control of the studios and making money was their main concern. The American Studio System was centered on distribution rather than production, because 94% of the studios assets were in the exhibition of films. The American Studio System was the most efficient way to produce and distribute films, and stayed that way for decades. The financial people who took control of the studios wanted to produce less unpredictable films, and exploit proven successes so films because more formulaic as the commercial production was codified. These practices and the American Studio System helped establish film studios that are still around today.
I agree with the previous posts. The American studio system was important because it generated revenue and really emphasized distribution. Wall Street began investing in the film industry due to its obvious growing market and its potential to serve as propaganda during the "Red Scare". The studio system created an efficient production and distribution system and as someone mentioned before, it also gave rise to many more genres. Since the system was dominated by only a few major studios, each one developed their own kind of trademark genre which lasted for years after establishment. Overall, the studio system was important to American cinema because it allowed many of the major studios to survive until present day.
The Hollywood Studio system was so important to American cinema because it created a cultural ritual in which audiences became an active participant in the evolution and production of values and ideals in film. The studio system provided a structure that allowed the audience to define filmic genres indirectly with the writers and directors of Hollywood, and as Andre Bazin described, it showed American society “just as it wanted to see itself.” Although the Hollywood Studio system was all about profit, it was because of this commercial feedback system that defined films as a socializing force and pushed filmmakers to be a little more original each time while still incorporating audience expectations.
We talked a little bit about vertical integration on Tuesday, and I think that was instrumental to the impact the studio system had on Hollywood. Vertical integration allowed for all the major studios to own their own supply chain; creation, marketing, distribution, exhibition. Since the big five were largely distribution based companies (that’s where they got a load of revenue) this created a kind of localized, concentrated income. Of course, immense vertical integration will also lead to a homogenous output, which would mean that a lot of the major studios’ productions would have similar themes, styles, and “looks” as opposed to independent companies. However, I think that, while in most cases homogenization in an industry makes for less innovation, in this case it created a legacy. Hollywood gained a model and a label because with the studio system it became a sort of concentration of itself—and very successful. I think that establishment and that branding was one of the reasons Wall Street invested, which allowed Hollywood to stay afloat during the Great Depression. After the Paramount ruling and its collapse, that concentrated impression the studio system left still lingered. That image we apply to Hollywood, that glamour we associate with it came from the studio system era, which many people call the “Golden Age of Hollywood.”
The American Studio System was so important because it made the process of filmmaking more efficient and more profitable, which was extremely important to the Wall Street investors. While this system wasn’t necessarily the best for creatively driven films, it did ensure the output of a film that was created in the most economically efficient way. Since the system eliminated the unpredictability of the film industry by creating somewhat of a formula to produce film, they were able to make films in the same manner that previous successful films were made in, so that they were confident the films would also be successful. Vertical integration was also a major part of the success of many of the studios, as they would gain profit from all aspects of the film process, especially exhibition.
I believe that the Hollywood Studio system was so important to American cinema because it was the studios that really turned hollywood movie making into a business. Being part of a studio enabled easier distribution, which in turn allowed more people to watch the films that were being made. Since the largest amount of profit was coming from ticket sales, the companies wanted films to be made quickly and efficiently to release them to the theaters in order to make more money. Studios gave them this ability, with already established production and distribution methods. Wall Street also soon took notice in the profit that was being generated by the studios, which caused them to invest in hollywood. All of these factors contributed to a successful studio system that is still in use today.
The studio system was significant in the mid 1900's because it allowed film to be produced and distributed in order to gain major profit. It was funded by Wallstreet because they saw the potential the film industry had in becoming extremely wealthy and influential. The studio system established control, structure, organization and a hierarchy in the film business. While it was dominated by a few major production companies in Hollywood, it gave everyone a chance to produce and distribute films and bring in a steady income. New technology in the industry such as sound, music, and animation was helping the film industry grow and become more popular, attracting everyone's interest. Soon enough, Hollywood and Wallstreet became a business and financially superior men were becoming the leaders of film companies. Their goal was to make more films for less money, and to gain more than they spent. World War II and the Great Depression brought about change to the film industry as well, and in the 60's, the studio system began to break down. Nevertheless, the top studios that helped boom the system long ago are still major corporations in Hollywood today.
I think the Hollywood Studio System was so important to American cinema because it followed a very specifically American assembly line tradition of production. This falls in line with previous posts that emphasize the importance of efficiency to mass produce and distribute films. I think the studio system's greatest achievement goes hand in hand with today's reading in that producers were concerned with making films that shared elements of previously successful films to ensure that these films would generate profit. Thus, they stuck to predictable formulas of successful films which helped to create and define the genres we know today- slapstick comedies, melodramas, romantic comedies, westerns, film noir, etc. Additionally, the studio system also helped to define the auteur director, who had to remain within the constraints of the studio's demands while still exercising creative freedom and leaving their mark on a film, even if the film remained within a given genre. The Hollywood Studio system is important to the legacy of film because it forced the studios and directors to strike a balance between proven formulas of success and the director's own vision. It established the genres we know today and allowed directors to become known for their specific styles and themes.
The Hollywood Studio system was important to American cinema for many reasons, the biggest probably having to do with financial benefits that go along with it. Wall Street being strongly involved also contributed to the importance as well by investing money into the studio system. More so, the studio system relies on the production and distribution of the films they make, gaining money from ticket sales in theaters. Also timing was very important in its success especially in lieu of the Great Depression, the power of the system was able to remain even through those desperate times. Another aspect are the rules and regulations that were developed in terms of what was allowed to be included in films, some of which still remain in how Hollywood is shaped today. All in all, the Hollywood studio system created a huge business that revolves around the strategies that they believe can make them the most money.
With the economy growing and more and more people wanting to watch films, the studio system was in a way a natural response to a market demand. Studios created a market monopoly with just a few leaders dictating the rules and regulations for the industry. One of the reasons why the studio system was so important to the history of American film was the large impact it was able to make. From its creation the studios dictated most of the trends and set up what is now knows “the star system.”
Nevertheless, a lot of the times due to the fact that the studios were driven by profits, their decisions held back the development of the industry. It happened with sound, when studios were afraid of loosing money of the already produced silent films they had. In addition, adding sound to the picture would have meant changing the way movie theaters were set up, which required further expenses. This fear of adopting new technology (especially in regards of sound) was reflected by the studios making an agreement not to use sound in their pictures unless completely necessary. History repeated itself when color was introduced. Although maybe not as strong, but studios did fear adopting new technology and change.
One more important part about the studio system, which I briefly mentioned earlier is its incentive. While most of the European films were being made as an art form, the studio system created a profit driven incentive that a lot of the times did not allow the filmmakers use film as purely an art form, especially if this art did not bring much cash back.
It is remarkable how nowadays, so many decades, later we still see a strong influence of the studio system. Despite its loosing its power in the second half of the 20th century, most of the production now is still being made by the big studios. This probably proves how strong and influential of entity this system is; and something is telling me it is going to be around for a while.
The Hollywood Studio system had a major and lasting impact on American cinema in a variety of ways. First, I agree with the above blog posts that Wall Street being heavily involved in funding the industry economically allowed it to grow and prosper. I believe that the American cinema was able to grow and profit because the studio system offered organization and a hierarchy with in the film industry. The studio system turned Hollywood into a business, specifically the booming and prosperous business we continue to see today. The studio system also introduced the concept of contracting certain director, actors and storylines for specific studios. This allowed different studios to almost brand themselves and the genre of film/work they pushed out. Since there were many different size studios and profit margins, this also allows some of the smaller studios to push the envelop with the genres and types of movies they produced. For example, Universal studios coined to honor film genre with films like Dracula and Frankenstein. Clearly, since we still see the same big studio names today that we saw more than 80 plus years ago, the studio system has had a major impact on American cinema; as well as staying power.
The American Studio System was so important because it completely changed the way filmmaking is looked at. Through it all, filmmaking was and is still now seen as more reliable as well as the huge aspect that it can turn a big profit now. The Wall Street investors were most interested in that aspect, (the money). Not only that but studious played a huge role in Hollywood because that transitioned cinema into a business. In addition, people were able to watch the work that was being done on a large screening film. Most of the money came from ticket sales and because of that, companies put pressure on films to be made fast so they could get into theaters as quick as possible and in turn make money.
My classmates have made some intellectual comments about why the studio system was so important to American cinema. The studio system defined American cinema today, and this can be seen from the fact that many of the old major studios, and some of the minor studios, still are around and thriving today. The rise of the studio system brought the rise of the active audience and led to an evolution of film and the industry. The studio system is all about profit. Studio heads buy into what has worked and what they believe will continue to work. That means showing the audience a perfect society they want to see in the way they want to see it. Thus, the studio system gave rise to classic genres and major studios began to develop trademarks. In some cases, these trademarks lasted for years and some even last today. The studio system also generated lots of revenue which began to transform the industry from focusing solely on production or distribution into focusing on vertical integration. The importance of production was weighed on the importance of distribution and the importance of exhibition. Major studios owned supply chains which allowed them to control the industry. While the studio system may have slowed down innovation and originality of filmmakers, it has created a legacy that created classic genres. Many films created during the studio system's "golden era" were so new for their time, and they are still viewed as some of the best films in their genres more than half a century later.
The hollywood studio system made the film making process which was perviously an artistic pleasure or pastime, into a multi million (now billion) dollar industry that not only was and is a huge part of american culture and storytelling, but has spread to a massive global scale that makes a majority of the the industry's money. The hollywood studio system created rules and regulation for what could be put on screens and catered to audiences and the theater houses that made them money. The studio system had several large companies who each had their own theaters and the introduction of celebrity star actors who would play in majority of that studio's films. The studio system is very important to american cinema because of the increased distribution and profit.
When the American Studio System was born audiences reacted in a way that producers, directors, and those making the films probably did not expect. The Studio System allowed full length features to made and distributed very fast so many different audiences were aware and could see the films. The Studio System at the time had to make films and get them out quickly because of the such high popular demand. From this very beginning of the Studio System to today it is still important when discussing American Cinema. It is still how we make movies today her and all across the world. Like many of my other classmates have stated, the big production companies that are still around today. True Wall Street was involved in the process at the beginning but the Studio System was overall needed due to the right time right place situation happening and building up to the "Golden Age of Hollywood." It's amazing to look back and see how influential the Studio System was back then and still is today.
The studio system was the bridge that connected the artists with the business men. Studios were able to provide artists with the means to turn out films faster than ever before; and with the addition of sound movies had never been more popular. Even the great depression was unable to shake the strong foundation of the film industry. Today, the studio system has grown to a level where its almost impossible to make a film that isn't a guarantee. The main difference about Studios today is that they are focused on quality over quantity. Major studios only put out an average of twelve films a year and if even one of those is a flop they studio could be in financial trouble. Many film writers talk about the lack of originality in the major studios recent releases. We live in a time of sequels and remakes which is a business model for film but there are still a great number of independent studios and filmmakers that are creating films closer to the artistic side of the business. The bridge has turned into a tollbooth where the box office is the teller.
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