Paramount

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the Golden Age of Hollywood, major studios like Paramount Pictures held paramount influence over film production and distribution.
2. Paramount Pictures was one of the first studios to implement vertical integration, controlling every aspect of filmmaking from production to exhibition.
3. The success of blockbusters helped establish a model where studios prioritized high-budget films to maximize profitability.
4. Paramount's approach set the standard for film marketing and distribution strategies, which many other studios would follow.
5. The cultural impact of films produced during this era by paramount studios shaped societal views and trends, reflecting and influencing public opinion.

Review Questions

• How did Paramount Pictures exemplify the concept of paramount influence in the Hollywood Studio System?
  • Paramount Pictures exemplified paramount influence by becoming one of the leading studios in the Hollywood Studio System. With its innovative strategies in production and marketing, Paramount established itself as a key player that shaped industry practices. Its ability to control both production and distribution allowed it to dominate the market, influencing what films were made and how they were received by audiences.
• Discuss the implications of Paramount's dominance on smaller studios and independent filmmakers during the rise of Hollywood.
  • The dominance of Paramount created significant barriers for smaller studios and independent filmmakers, making it challenging for them to compete in a market that favored big-budget productions. As major studios controlled distribution channels and marketing, they overshadowed smaller entities, often limiting their access to resources necessary for success. This led to a lack of diversity in film offerings and reinforced a monopolistic environment in Hollywood, where only certain narratives received attention.
• Evaluate how the concept of paramount influence in Hollywood contributed to broader cultural shifts in American society during the 20th century.
  • The concept of paramount influence in Hollywood significantly contributed to broader cultural shifts by shaping public perceptions and societal norms through cinema. As Paramount and other major studios produced films that reflected contemporary issues or popular ideals, they not only entertained but also influenced attitudes toward race, gender, and class. The narratives promoted by these dominant studios played a crucial role in setting cultural trends, impacting everything from fashion to social movements, ultimately reflecting and sometimes challenging prevailing values in American society.

Related terms

Hollywood Studio System: A dominant form of filmmaking in the early 20th century where a few major studios controlled production, distribution, and exhibition of films.

Blockbuster: A term used to describe films that achieve significant commercial success, often defining trends in the film industry.

Cultural Hegemony: The dominance of one culture over others, shaping societal norms and values, especially in media and entertainment.