1. Task 6: Research into Film Companies
Capitol Films
Capitol films were a film company that were what we
would consider part of the niche sector. It was founded in
1989 as a British owned company but later was sold in
2006 to American David Bergstein who is an entrepreneur
and film producer for American Mobius Pictures. Capitol
films after it was turned over was involved in the making
more than fifty productions, some of which were Lucky
Number Slevin, Elvis Has left the building and Death and the Maiden. Unfortunately the company
was forced into bankruptcy in 2012 most likely due to the fact that they didn't break even on their
films and therefore had no choice but to not carry on.
Dream Works
Dream Works, unlike Capitol Films is a mainstream sector
company and produces young children films like Shrek
and Chicken run, I am aware that this company is not
traditionally involved in action films but in the past they
have collaborated with Paramount in the production of
War of the Worlds where aliens invade Planet earth. This
film was an attempt to escape bankruptcy as children's
film are not always popular among all. Dream Works are
in an industry that is largely in competition with Disney
who are a traditional company for producing animated motion pictures. As this company isn't largely
in on the action type industry I still think it is interesting that they can create a good film like the War
of the Worlds when it is not their forte and is something to be impressed by even with a
collaboration with a company who is heavily involved in movies in this genre. Dream Works are also
heavily involved in the creation of games in the specific films that are created by them as a way of
getting more merchandise.
20th Century Fox
20th Century Fox is a mainstream company that has had some
very high involvement with many blockbuster films such as Star
Wars, Ice Age, Planet of the Apes and Fantastic Four. The
company is one of the major film studios in America. The
company was founded in May 31st 1935 which means that the
company has had long lasting success and this is due to them
being involved with popular television shows such as Family Guy, this has in some respect propelled
them and also secured them financially in recent years. The company is a part of the Motion Picture
Association of American (MPAA) which means the company has someone to help them with
copyright infringement issues and to advance business interests of its members, in some ways you

2. could call it a trade union. 20th Century Fox in their early years produced legendary productions
that are still watched today like Les Miserables and eighteen other productions that were all
successful apart from one which was called 'Born to be bad' showing that the company has had
success through their early years and present productions.
Orion
Orion is an American Independent production company that is in
the niche sector compared to some of those in the big six such as
Fox and Universal for example. It was created in 1978 until 1998
where it went on a hiatus and returned to television in 2013.
Orion was in high collaboration with Warner Bro's when it was
first made but is known to have high quality motion pictures
although it was never a large producer. Orion won many awards
for their work, they won four for their work on Dances with Wolves and the Silence of the Lamb. As
Orion returned in 2013 it came back with a new series called Paternity Court which became quite
popular among the public eye. Some notable films that Orion have produced were Terminator,
Platoon and RoboCop. Which is a notable success as Robocop and terminator are still being watched
today as well as Robocop receiving a remake in 2014.
Universal Studios
Universal Studios, like 20th Century Fox is part of that
mainstream industry and part of the 6 companies in Motion
Picture Association of American (MPAA). Universal Studios are
heavily involved in tourist visiting and having people look at what
has been achieved by them, awards for example. Universal is
probably the biggest motion picture production company as it
has been involved with many films in its time from 1912, in
present times Universal is seen to be supporting films ranging
from Jaws and Jurassic Park, both of these were directed by Stephen Spielberg, a very well known
actor among the world and has created some of the best films that we have seen in recent years as
well. Universal have a studio in Hollywood, a Universal resort in Orlando, Florida where events on
Halloween for example are held in the theme of films that are created in that genre, most of the
year this is a theme park though. There is also one in Japan and Singapore both of which are theme
parks.
My Choice
I think that the companies that will benefit me the most and are most relevant to me are Universal
and although it is shut down now, Capitol Films. I feel as though that Capitol films have a good style
in their action movies like The Lucky Number Slevin where the narrative is more clever. With this
Universal Studios would help as they have such a good reputation with the support of films and
seem to have many blockbusters in their past. Both of these two companies combined would mean

3. that I would get a niche point of view and a mainstream one which could give me new ideas and also
put those ideas together to create something better. As Capitol Films don't carry on with their
productions anymore Universal Studios would be my choice as I believe it is the safest choice and
they provide the most support financially and in other areas such as production advice.