10.3 Hollywood and the rise of the entertainment industry
2 min read•july 22, 2024
Hollywood's rise in the 1920s transformed California into the global film capital. From the first LA studio in 1911, major players like and flocked to the state, drawn by its perfect filming conditions and cheap labor.
The big studios dominated every aspect of filmmaking, from production to distribution. They shaped American culture, influencing fashion, values, and social attitudes. Hollywood's reach extended globally, exporting American culture and dominating .
The Rise of Hollywood and the Entertainment Industry
Development of Hollywood film industry
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- Early film industry established in California in 1911 with the first movie studio in Los Angeles
- Abundant sunshine, diverse landscapes (beaches, mountains, deserts), and inexpensive labor made California an ideal location for filming
- Major studios (Paramount, MGM, ) relocated from New York to Hollywood in the 1910s and 1920s, establishing a vertically integrated that controlled production, distribution, and exhibition
Role of movie studios
- of major studios dominated the film industry, controlling all aspects of filmmaking and distribution
- Owned theater chains for exclusive screenings of their films, ensuring maximum profits
- Implemented the studio system with long-term contracts for actors, directors, and other talent, often actors in specific roles or genres
- Exerted strict control over the creative process and content of films to maintain a consistent brand image and appeal to mass audiences
Hollywood's cultural influence
- Shaped American cultural values and norms by promoting , materialism, and glamorous lifestyles through and depictions of wealth and fame
- Influenced fashion trends, hairstyles, and beauty standards, with moviegoers emulating the styles of popular actors and actresses
- Reflected and shaped social attitudes towards race, gender, and sexuality, often reinforcing stereotypes and traditional roles
- Exported American culture and values to international audiences through the global distribution of Hollywood films, dominating foreign markets and influencing filmmaking practices worldwide
Experiences in 1920s Hollywood
- Actors faced strict control by studios through long-term contracts, limiting their creative freedom and ability to choose roles
- Typecasting pigeonholed actors into specific genres or character types (romantic lead, villain, comic relief), making it difficult to break out of established roles
- Pressure to maintain a public image consistent with their on-screen persona, blurring the lines between their professional and personal lives
- Directors and creative professionals navigated the tension between and studio control, balancing innovation with the need to produce commercially successful films
- Other industry professionals (writers, technicians) worked within the hierarchical structure of the studio system, facing long hours and demanding schedules but benefiting from steady employment and opportunities for skill development
Key Terms to Review (15)
Artistic vision: Artistic vision refers to the unique perspective and imaginative concept that guides an artist's creative process, influencing the themes, style, and overall message of their work. In the realm of the entertainment industry, particularly in Hollywood, artistic vision shapes not only individual projects but also broader trends in filmmaking, allowing creators to express their ideas and connect with audiences on deeper levels.
Consumerism: Consumerism refers to the cultural and economic ideology that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts. This phenomenon gained significant traction in the early to mid-20th century, particularly in urban areas, where mass production and advertising fueled a desire for new products. It often emphasizes the importance of material possessions as a means of achieving personal satisfaction and social status.
Creative control: Creative control refers to the ability of artists, producers, or directors to maintain authority over the artistic direction and content of their work. This concept is crucial in the entertainment industry, as it affects how stories are told and how cultural narratives are shaped, especially in Hollywood where creative visions can be influenced by studio executives and market demands.
Founding of Hollywood: The founding of Hollywood refers to the establishment of the area as a center for the film industry in the early 20th century, marked by the arrival of filmmakers and the creation of studios. This transformation from a quiet agricultural community into a bustling film production hub set the stage for the emergence of a new cultural phenomenon, where cinema became a major source of entertainment and a powerful influence on American society.
Gender roles: Gender roles are the social and behavioral norms that are generally considered appropriate for individuals based on their perceived gender. These roles dictate how men and women are expected to behave, influencing aspects such as occupation, family responsibilities, and personal interests. In the context of Hollywood and the rise of the entertainment industry, gender roles have shaped the portrayal of characters, influenced audience perceptions, and affected the opportunities available to male and female actors and filmmakers.
Golden Age of Hollywood: The Golden Age of Hollywood refers to a period from the late 1920s to the early 1960s when the American film industry flourished, producing a wealth of iconic films and establishing Hollywood as the epicenter of global cinema. This era was marked by the rise of the studio system, star power, and innovations in filmmaking technology, leading to an explosion of creativity and a cultural impact that resonates to this day.
Hollywood's influence on American culture: Hollywood's influence on American culture refers to the significant impact that the film and entertainment industry, centered in Hollywood, has had on shaping societal norms, values, and behaviors in the United States. This influence extends to various aspects of life, including fashion, language, lifestyle choices, and collective attitudes towards issues like love, conflict, and morality. The growth of Hollywood as a cultural powerhouse played a crucial role in the rise of the entertainment industry and transformed the way Americans perceive themselves and their world.
International markets: International markets refer to the global arenas where goods, services, and investments are exchanged across national borders. They play a crucial role in shaping economic relations and cultural exchanges between countries, influencing industries like entertainment that rely on global audiences for growth and sustainability.
MGM: MGM, or Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, is a major film studio known for its significant impact on the Hollywood film industry. Founded in 1924, MGM quickly became one of the most prominent studios during Hollywood's Golden Age, producing iconic films and launching the careers of many famous stars. The studio is recognized for its distinct roaring lion logo and for creating memorable films that shaped American popular culture.
Oligopoly: An oligopoly is a market structure characterized by a small number of firms that dominate the market, leading to limited competition. In this setup, the actions of one firm can significantly impact the others, resulting in strategic behavior and interdependence among the firms. This is particularly relevant in industries where a few companies control a large share of the market, like the entertainment sector, which affects pricing, product offerings, and innovation.
Paramount: Paramount refers to something that is of utmost importance or significance, often taking precedence over all other factors. In the context of Hollywood and the rise of the entertainment industry, it indicates the dominance of major film studios and their influence on culture, trends, and the economy during the early to mid-20th century. This concept highlights how certain companies or ideas can overshadow others, establishing a hierarchy in the entertainment landscape.
Product placement: Product placement is a marketing strategy where brands pay for their products or services to be featured prominently in films, television shows, or other media. This technique aims to subtly promote products to audiences while they are engaged with the entertainment, creating a blend of advertising and content. It has become a significant aspect of Hollywood's entertainment industry as filmmakers and brands collaborate to enhance storytelling and generate revenue.
Studio system: The studio system refers to the method of film production and distribution that dominated Hollywood from the 1920s to the 1960s, where a few major studios controlled all aspects of the filmmaking process, including production, distribution, and exhibition. This system allowed studios to manage star contracts, set production schedules, and maintain creative control over films, significantly shaping the entertainment landscape in Hollywood during its rise.
Typecasting: Typecasting refers to the practice of repeatedly assigning an actor to similar roles based on their previous performances or perceived characteristics. This phenomenon has significant implications in Hollywood and the entertainment industry, as it can limit an actor's opportunities and the diversity of roles available, reinforcing stereotypes and influencing audience perceptions.
Warner Bros.: Warner Bros. is a major film and entertainment company founded in 1923, known for producing and distributing some of the most iconic movies and television shows in Hollywood history. As one of the big five studios, it played a significant role in shaping the entertainment industry, introducing innovations in filmmaking and contributing to the rise of Hollywood as the center of global entertainment.