The Hollywood Studio System emerged in the 1920s as the dominant film production model in the US. It involved the major studios known as the "Big Five" vertically integrating all aspects of filmmaking from production to distribution and exhibition. Films were mass produced using an assembly line approach with specialized roles and repetitive tasks to efficiently turn out movies. The system ensured a constant flow of films across genres and styles through its contracted stars, directors, crews and soundstage facilities. It dominated Hollywood filmmaking from the 1930s to 1950s before declining due to challenges from independent producers and new technologies.

1. The Hollywood Studio System LO: to understand the roots of the modern Film Industry

2. Pre-Hollywood? French film – Lumiere Brothers http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dgLEDdFddk Silent Films – Charlie Chaplin http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qHTS7P-PLQ The Talkies – The Jazz Singer http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkyvstNrkHo

3. The best example of a mature media production system Roots in 1920s but fully mature by mid 1930s Lasted for over 20 years Golden Age – 1930 – 1950 Hollywood – suburb of Los Angeles – chosen over East coast due to weather/ light

4. The Big Five (majors) Paramount MGM 20 th Century Fox Warners RKO The Little three (Minors) Universal Columbia United Artists (no facilities)

5. Vertical Integration: Production Distribution Exhibition Majors made money out of exhibiting their own films.

6. Division of Labour: System associated with production line manufacture ie: Ford Workers concentrated on one or two skilled or semi-skilled tasks – more efficient Repetitive and un-creative Less control over their role in production

7. Unit Based Production: A picture – 90 mins, 500,000 d A B movie – under 90 mins, 200,000 d Production – constant flow 52 weeks a year Studio/ sound stage production Staff at all levels contracted to the studio: writers, stars, directors, crew If no work, stars and facilities hired out to independents such as Samuel Goldwyn, David Selznick or maybe to England – cheap films made there in 1930s

8. Genre - conventions Auterism – directorial ‘thumbprint’ Warners’ ‘look’ – downbeat and gritty; low-key lighting; James Cagney – socially aware/ realism MGM’s ‘look’ – glossy and glamorous,: high-key lighting; Greta Garbo, Clarke Gable

9. Continuity editing – an accepted way of making a studio product Hayes Code – accepted code of behaviour Star system Collapse of system – independents rose in 1950s – BBC in 1960s and 70s organised production on a unit based system Access to means of production – new technologies