The Studio (1920s-30s)

The Studio era of the 1920s and 30s refers to a time in Hollywood when major film studios dominated the industry. Studios like MGM, Paramount, and Warner Bros. controlled all aspects of filmmaking—from production and distribution to exhibition. They developed a system of "star power," where popular actors and actresses were under long-term contracts, and created genres and formulas for films to attract audiences. This era helped establish the framework for modern filmmaking, influencing how movies are made, marketed, and consumed, and leading to the golden age of cinema.