The Studio System

The studio system was a monopolistic business, which dominated cinema around the 1930s to the 1950s. The system was completely vertically integrated, meaning the production and distribution was completely in-house. I think one of the most important aspects of the system was its factory- like production of films. The production of films was basically an assembly line complete with many writers, producers, and editors. This aspect reminds me of a game that I played as a child in elementary. We would all sit in a group circle, and a person would start off telling a story. Then we would go around the circle, allowing each person to add his or her input to the story.  By the end of the game, we would have this wild story complete with all of our input. This game mimics the production process in which films went through, and explains why certain kinds of films were made during this period.

The assembly line production process made films, which incorporated many different types of genres, as well as created films, which are loved by many. Many of these types of films have become classics. A prime example of this is the film, Casablanca. The film incorporates drama, romance, action, and many other genres effectively. The assortment of writers, producers, and editors contributed to the film’s combination of genres. This film has made a lasting impact on viewers everywhere, and has remained popular throughout the years.