Cinema 4 Flashcards

Why is the term 'factory' often used to describe the classic Hollywood studios?

What is a major difference between the film industry and other machine-based industries like Ford Motor Company?

Which of the following was a 'minor' studio in the Studio Era?

What is the term for the studios' control of film production, distribution, and exhibition?

What is the tactic of forcing exhibitors to rent films in groups called?

What is a showing at a discount theatre an example of?

What is taking a film out of theatres to wait for Oscar nominations called?

What was typical of the chain of command in a major studio of the 1930s?

Which studio was best known for gangster movies?

Which studio was known for 'sex bombs'?

What was one of the biggest factors responsible for the collapse of the 'studio era'?

Hundreds of people work on the production of a single film.

Within the major studios, everyone (directors, writers, actors) was under contract. This kept production costs down.

Scenes are usually shot in the sequence in which they will appear in the film.

MGM boasted 'more stars than there are in Heaven.'

Hollywood Studios Terminology

The term "factory" reflects assembly line production methods used in classic Hollywood studios.
It signifies the reliance on cheap labor and the division of labor in film production.

Differences in Production

Film industry produces intangible goods unlike other machine-based industries, with films having a limited duration of a few hours.

Studio Era Insights

Columbia Pictures was categorized as a "minor" studio during the Studio Era.
Warner Brothers gained a reputation for producing gangster movies.
Paramount Pictures was notorious for its "sex bombs."

Industry Structure and Practices

Vertical integration denotes the studios' control over film production, distribution, and exhibition.
Block booking was a tactic compelling exhibitors to rent films in groups.

Film Exhibition and Release Strategies

Discount theatres are an example of runs, while clearance refers to taking a film out of theatres prior to Oscar nominations.

Major Studio Operations

In the 1930s, producers typically selected directors to work on their projects.
Major studios kept talent such as directors, writers, and actors under contract to control production costs.

Studio Era Collapse Factors

The collapse of the Studio Era was significantly influenced by litigation, as the Supreme Court ruled against major studios for having an unfair monopoly.

Production Realities

Production of a single film involves the collaboration of hundreds of individuals.
Scenes are often not shot in the order they appear in the final film.
MGM famously claimed to have "more stars than there are in Heaven," underscoring its extensive talent roster.

Test your knowledge of key concepts in the film industry with these flashcards. Understand the terminology and differences that define classic Hollywood studios and their production techniques. Perfect for film studies enthusiasts and students alike.