Hollywood Studio System

The Hollywood Studio System, active primarily from the 1920s to the 1950s, was a dominant industry structure where major studios, like MGM or Paramount, controlled film production, distribution, and exhibition. They owned large facilities, signed exclusive contracts with actors, directors, and writers, and produced a steady stream of movies to ensure box office success. This vertical integration allowed studios to efficiently produce and control their content from creation to cinema screens. Over time, anti-trust laws and industry changes reduced this dominance, leading to a more competitive and independent film landscape today.