Hollywood in the Studio Era


The Studio Era (The Golden Age of Hollywood) took place from the 1920s-1950s
This started when the majority of films that were distributed and produced were taken over by five major studios in Hollywood - THE BIG FIVE;

• METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
• PARAMOUNT PICTURE CORP
• FOX FILM CORP - 20th CENTURY FOX
• WARNER BROS
• RKO RADIO PICTURES

The Studio Era also consisted of three smaller studios - THE LITTLE THREE;

• UNIVERSAL PICTURES
• UNITED ARTISTS
• COLUMBIA

These 8 studios dominated the film industry - producing and distributing 95% of films shown at the time.

• Unethical in some of their practices - to keep market competition of the film industry
• Produce films on their own lots
• Keep stars under long-term contracts
• Owned entire supply chain of film making
• Sold multiple films to single theatres

1948 - Supreme Court ruling against Paramount - Attempt to separate production, distribution and exhibition.
BIG FIVE forced to sell theatres - THE PARAMOUNT DECREE


1950s - Television introduced to mass audiences



Film Shots

1. Low-Angle 

A low angle is when the camera is held low down and is aimed up at the character or object in focus.


2. Side-Shot

A side shot/two shot is used to show two different subjects at the same time.


3. Extreme Close-up

 

This type of shot focuses with great detail on a certain area of the character's face giving a precise representation of their emotion. The background is not visible to the audience, forcing them to focus on the character.

4. Close-up

This shot shows the whole of the character's face showing their facial expressions providing the audience with an understanding of how they feel about the events taking place within the narrative. The background cannot be seen.

5. High-angle

This shot is held up the subjects and aims down on them, making them seem small, silly.