The US film industry is dominated by a small number of large conglomerates that own film production studios, distribution companies, television networks and other media properties. This level of vertical and horizontal integration gives them control over the entire filmmaking process and allows them to promote their films across multiple platforms. In contrast, the British film industry relies on co-productions and distribution deals with Hollywood studios, meaning creative and financial control often rests with American companies. As a result, decisions that affect the British industry are influenced more by US audiences tastes and the goals of maximizing profits for American conglomerates.

1. US Film Industry

2. British Cinema and Hollywood
 British film production companies have co-
production and distribution with Hollywood studios
 ‘British’ films can be funded and distributed by US
companies (Fifth Estate)
 Decisions on which British films to produce and how
to market them are often based on the tastes of both
domestic and American audiences and they have
very set ideas about what it means to be ‘British’

3. Hollywood – a brief overview
 Hollywood is built around studios and
conglomerates
 Companies who aim to make money from films

4. WHAT IS A CONGLOMERATE?
a corporation consisting of a number of subsidiary
companies or divisions in a variety of unrelated
industries, usually as a result of merger or
acquisition.
They are VERY big companies that have often brought
up or taken over smaller companies

5. The BIG TEN

7. Vertical Integration
 Where a company will own/control all the steps in
the production process
 For example AOL Time Warner owns not just the
Production companies and their distribution arms, it
also owns TV networks, magazines, record labels,
radio stations. So it is in a position to not only make
and distribute films, but has the ability to play and
promote them through other media forms.

8. Horizontal Integration
 Where one step in the production process is own by a
very small number of companies
 For example, AOL Time Warner owns Warner
Brothers Studios, Castle Rock Entertainment , New
line Cinemas and Fineline features, all of which are
Production and distribution Companies. Many
companies try to do this, but it is dominated by the
big 6

9. What is a MONOPOLY?
 exclusive control of a commodity or service in a
particular market, or a control that makes possible
the manipulation of prices.
No or very little competition!
This is the Hollywood system and it has serious draw
backs for British companies
What might they be?

10. The Illusion of Choice
 Info graphic

11. Disney

12. Time Warner

13. News Corp

14. CONSEQUENCES OF CONGLOMERATES
 Media become loyal to sponsors, rather than to the
public interest.
 For the general public, there are fewer diverse
opinions and voices available.
 Only a few companies represent the interests of a
minority elite control.
 For minorities and others, fewer opportunities are
available for voicing their concerns and reaching
the public.
 Healthy, market-based competition is absent,
leading to slower innovation and increased prices.

15. Hollywood and British Films
 Hollywood realised that there is serious money
to be made in international distribution so they
invest heavily
 They retain the rights to their films so secure
profits for many years
 British film industry is production led whereby
distribution is usually through an American
company
 Any money made is not going back into the
British film industry
 ‘Cottage’ industry

16. Britain vs Hollywood
How do American successes
compare to Britain's?

17. Activity – Find out……
 What did you notice? What does this tell us?

18. UK 2010

19. UK 2011

20. UK - 2012

21. UK 2013

22. UK 2014

23. US 2010

24. US 2011

25. US - 2012

26. Us - 2013

27. US - 2014

28. What did you notice? What does this tell us?

29. Questions
 What are the advantages of Hollywood’s
domination?
 What are the disadvantages of Hollywood’s
domination
 What is good about having a British Film Industry?