13.1 The Impact of Television on the Film Industry
6 min read•july 30, 2024
The 1950s marked a turning point for the film industry as television exploded in popularity. Movie theaters faced stiff competition from the convenience of at-home entertainment, leading to a sharp decline in attendance and box office revenues.
Hollywood fought back by offering bigger, bolder experiences that TV couldn't match. Widescreen formats, vibrant color, and epic productions became the norm as studios worked to differentiate themselves and keep audiences coming to theaters.
Television vs Film in the 1950s
Television's Impact on Movie Theater Attendance
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- Television offered a convenient and inexpensive form of entertainment that could be enjoyed from the comfort of one's own home, providing direct competition to the movie theater experience
- The rapid adoption of television sets in American households throughout the 1950s led to a significant decline in movie theater attendance and box office revenues
- The number of television sets in American homes increased from approximately 1 million in 1949 to over 50 million by 1959
- Weekly movie theater attendance in the United States dropped from a peak of 90 million in 1946 to around 45 million by the end of the 1950s
- Television's ability to deliver programming directly into homes shifted audience viewing habits, leading to a decrease in the frequency of moviegoing as a regular pastime
- Families began to spend more evenings at home watching television instead of going out to the movies
- The convenience and affordability of television made it an attractive alternative to the cost and effort of going to the movie theater
Television's Influence on the Film Industry
- The rise of television created a new market for filmed entertainment, with Hollywood studios initially viewing the medium as a threat to their established business model
- Studios feared that the availability of free entertainment on television would reduce the demand for movies and cut into their profits
- Television's demand for content opened up new opportunities for Hollywood talent, including actors, directors, and writers, to work in the emerging medium
- Many Hollywood stars, such as Lucille Ball and Milton Berle, found success in television through popular shows like "I Love Lucy" and "The Milton Berle Show"
- Directors and writers from the film industry began to work in television, bringing their skills and experience to the new medium
- The smaller screen size and lower resolution of early television sets influenced the types of stories and visuals that were effective on the medium, differing from the grandeur of the cinematic experience
- Television programs often relied on close-ups and dialogue-driven scenes, as opposed to the wide shots and visual spectacle common in films
- The technical limitations of early television encouraged a focus on character-driven stories and intimate performances
Hollywood's Response to Television
Differentiating the Cinematic Experience
- Hollywood studios began to differentiate the cinematic experience from television by introducing widescreen formats like CinemaScope and VistaVision, emphasizing the grandeur and spectacle of the movie theater
- CinemaScope, introduced by 20th Century Fox in 1953, used anamorphic lenses to create a wider aspect ratio, immersing audiences in the film's visuals
- Paramount Pictures developed VistaVision, a high-resolution widescreen format that offered improved image quality and detail compared to standard films
- Studios invested in the development of new technologies, such as improved color processes and stereophonic sound, to enhance the quality and immersiveness of the theatrical experience
- Technicolor's three-strip color process was refined, and was introduced, offering more vivid and realistic color reproduction in films
- Multi-channel stereophonic sound systems, such as 's seven-track system, created a more immersive audio experience in theaters
Adapting Production and Distribution Strategies
- Hollywood shifted its focus to producing more epic, lavish, and expensive productions that could not be replicated on television, such as historical dramas, musicals, and large-scale adventures
- Films like "The Ten Commandments" (1956) and "Ben-Hur" (1959) showcased the spectacle and grandeur that could only be achieved on the big screen
- Musicals such as "Singin' in the Rain" (1952) and "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" (1954) emphasized the scale and energy of song-and-dance numbers that television could not match
- Studios began to produce content specifically for television, establishing television production divisions to create programming and capitalize on the new medium's demand for content
- Warner Bros. Television was established in 1955, producing popular series like "Cheyenne" and "Maverick"
- Columbia Pictures formed Screen Gems in 1948, which became a major producer of television series, including "Father Knows Best" and "The Flintstones"
- Hollywood explored new revenue streams, such as selling the broadcast rights of older films to television networks, to offset the losses from declining theatrical attendance
- In 1955, Warner Bros. sold the television rights to its pre-1950 film library to Associated Artists Productions for $21 million, providing a new source of income for the studio
- Studios experimented with different release strategies, such as and , to create a sense of exclusivity and encourage audiences to see films in theaters
- Road shows, such as those for "Oklahoma!" (1955) and "Around the World in 80 Days" (1956), presented films as special events with reserved seating and higher ticket prices
- Limited engagements, where films would play in select theaters for extended periods, created a sense of scarcity and encouraged audiences to see the films before they were gone
Film Content in the Television Age
Shifts in Film Genres and Storytelling
- The rise of television led to a shift in the types of stories and genres that were popular in films, with a greater emphasis on spectacle, action, and visual grandeur to differentiate from television programming
- , such as "The Bridge on the River Kwai" (1957) and "Lawrence of Arabia" (1962), offered sweeping visuals and grand storytelling that television could not match
- Science fiction and fantasy films, like "Forbidden Planet" (1956) and "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad" (1958), showcased special effects and imaginative worlds that were beyond the scope of television
- Hollywood studios began to produce more , such as dramas and sophisticated comedies, to appeal to audiences who were seeking a different experience from the family-friendly fare on television
- Films like "From Here to Eternity" (1953) and "On the Waterfront" (1954) tackled mature themes and complex characters that were not typically found on television
- Sophisticated comedies, such as "Some Like It Hot" (1959) and "The Apartment" (1960), offered witty dialogue and risqué humor that pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable on television
- The influence of television's and character-driven narratives began to be felt in films, with a greater emphasis on character development and continuity across multiple films
- The "James Bond" series, which began with "Dr. No" (1962), featured a recurring protagonist and ongoing storylines that were reminiscent of television's episodic structure
- The "Carry On" comedy series in the United Kingdom, which started with "Carry On Sergeant" (1958), relied on a regular cast of characters and familiar humor, similar to television sitcoms
Television's Impact on Film Production and Distribution
- The popularity of television led to the rise of the "" format, with studios producing lower-budget films specifically for television broadcast
- ABC's "Movie of the Week" series, which began in 1969, showcased made-for-television films that were produced on smaller budgets and shorter schedules than theatrical releases
- These films often featured up-and-coming talent and explored topical themes that were relevant to television audiences
- Television's demand for content created new opportunities for independent producers and filmmakers to create low-budget films that could be sold to television for distribution
- Roger Corman, a prolific independent producer and director, made numerous low-budget films in the 1950s and 1960s that were sold to television, such as "It Conquered the World" (1956) and "The Little Shop of Horrors" (1960)
- The rise of television syndication allowed independent producers to sell their films directly to local television stations, bypassing the need for theatrical distribution
- The success of television stars and personalities influenced casting decisions in films, with studios looking to capitalize on their popularity and built-in audience appeal
- Television stars like Steve McQueen and James Garner transitioned to successful film careers, bringing their small-screen popularity to the big screen
- Studios cast popular television personalities in films to attract their fans, such as Elvis Presley in "Love Me Tender" (1956) and "Jailhouse Rock" (1957)
Key Terms to Review (26)
Adult-oriented content: Adult-oriented content refers to media that is specifically created for an adult audience, often featuring themes of sexuality, graphic violence, or complex emotional situations. This type of content has evolved significantly, especially with the rise of television, as filmmakers and studios sought to differentiate their work and appeal to more mature viewers who craved deeper narratives and realistic portrayals of adult life.
Advertising revenue: Advertising revenue is the income generated by businesses through the sale of advertising space or time to promote products, services, or brands. In the context of media, including film and television, advertising revenue has become a crucial financial lifeline, impacting how content is created and distributed as companies compete for audience attention.
Binge-watching: Binge-watching is the practice of consuming multiple episodes of a television series in one sitting, often facilitated by streaming services that allow viewers to watch entire seasons at their own pace. This behavior has transformed how audiences engage with television narratives, leading to deeper emotional connections and changing viewing habits.
Box office revenue: Box office revenue refers to the total income generated from ticket sales for films at theaters. This financial metric is crucial in assessing a film's commercial success and can influence decisions about production, marketing, and distribution. It also plays a significant role in the competition between films and the impact of alternative entertainment options like television.
Cable television: Cable television is a system that delivers television programming to viewers via coaxial or fiber-optic cables, providing a wider range of channels and higher quality broadcasts compared to traditional over-the-air transmission. It emerged as a response to the limitations of broadcast TV, allowing for the introduction of niche channels and specialized programming that appealed to diverse audiences. This expansion of content played a significant role in reshaping viewer habits and expectations, directly impacting the film industry.
Cinerama: Cinerama is a revolutionary film technology that uses three projectors to create a wide, immersive panoramic image on a curved screen, enhancing the visual experience for viewers. This format was introduced in the early 1950s as a response to the growing popularity of television, aiming to attract audiences back to theaters by providing a unique spectacle that could not be replicated at home. Cinerama's innovative approach combined visual artistry and technological advancements, setting a new standard for cinematic experiences.
Color television: Color television is a technology that transmits and displays images in color, as opposed to black-and-white, revolutionizing the viewing experience. Introduced in the mid-20th century, it allowed audiences to enjoy more lifelike visuals and dramatically changed the content produced for television. This innovation not only transformed how stories were told on screen but also had a significant impact on the film industry, as it influenced production techniques, audience expectations, and the overall style of visual storytelling.
Cross-promotion: Cross-promotion is a marketing strategy where two or more entities collaborate to promote each other’s products or services, leveraging their respective audiences for mutual benefit. In the film industry, this strategy became particularly relevant with the rise of television, as filmmakers sought ways to attract viewers and increase box office sales by partnering with TV networks and shows to advertise films, thereby creating a symbiotic relationship between the two mediums.
Cultural shift: A cultural shift refers to a significant change in the beliefs, practices, or values of a society, often influenced by technological advancements, social movements, or external pressures. This term is essential in understanding how different mediums, like film and television, can transform societal norms and audience expectations.
David Sarnoff: David Sarnoff was a pioneering figure in American broadcasting, known for his influential role in the development of radio and television. As the head of RCA and NBC, he helped shape the landscape of mass media by advocating for technological innovations and promoting the commercial potential of broadcasting, which significantly impacted the film industry as it adapted to the rise of television.
Docudrama: A docudrama is a dramatic representation of actual events that combines elements of documentary filmmaking with scripted narrative storytelling. This genre seeks to portray real-life occurrences while using dramatic techniques to engage viewers, often blurring the lines between fact and fiction. Docudramas became increasingly popular as television expanded, providing audiences with a way to experience historical events or significant moments in an engaging manner, which had a notable influence on the film industry.
Dual-screening: Dual-screening refers to the practice of viewers using multiple screens simultaneously, such as watching television while using a smartphone or tablet. This behavior reflects a shift in how audiences consume media, often leading to distractions from the primary viewing experience and influencing their engagement with both the content and advertisements.
Eastmancolor: Eastmancolor is a color film process developed by Eastman Kodak in the 1950s, which revolutionized the way films were made and viewed. This technology made it easier and more affordable for filmmakers to produce color films, marking a significant shift in the industry as it responded to the growing competition from television. As a result, Eastmancolor helped filmmakers attract audiences away from their living rooms and back into theaters with vibrant visuals and enhanced storytelling.
Epic Films: Epic films are large-scale cinematic productions that often depict grand historical narratives, featuring monumental themes, significant characters, and elaborate settings. These films typically involve extensive budgets and elaborate production values to create a sense of grandeur and spectacle, often encompassing a sweeping storyline that spans multiple events or years.
Golden age of television: The golden age of television refers to a period in the late 1940s to the early 1960s when television became a dominant medium for entertainment and information, characterized by innovative programming, high-quality writing, and the emergence of iconic shows. This era marked a significant shift in media consumption, affecting both audiences and the film industry as television began to draw viewers away from theaters and reshape storytelling techniques.
Limited engagements: Limited engagements refer to the practice in the film industry where movies are released in theaters for a short, specified period before transitioning to other platforms such as television, streaming services, or home video. This approach became increasingly important as television gained popularity, forcing films to adapt their distribution strategies to maintain viewer interest and profitability.
Media consumption patterns: Media consumption patterns refer to the behaviors and trends in how audiences engage with various forms of media, including film, television, and digital content. These patterns can reveal shifts in viewer preferences, time spent on different platforms, and the impact of new technologies on media engagement. Understanding these patterns is crucial for analyzing how television influenced the film industry and changed viewing habits over time.
Miniseries: A miniseries is a television program that tells a story over a limited number of episodes, usually ranging from two to twelve, and often features a cohesive narrative arc. These productions differ from regular television series in that they are typically designed to be watched as a single event or season, allowing for deeper character development and complex storytelling. Miniseries became particularly popular during the rise of television, influencing both viewing habits and the film industry’s approach to storytelling.
Movie of the week: A 'movie of the week' refers to a film that is specifically produced for television, often premiering on a particular night of the week, usually aimed at attracting a large viewing audience. These films typically feature well-known actors and are designed to appeal to family or general audiences, providing accessible entertainment that can compete with regular television programming. This format became increasingly popular in the 1970s and 1980s as networks sought ways to draw viewers away from theaters and solidify their audience share.
Product placement: Product placement is a marketing strategy where branded goods or services are integrated into films, television shows, or other media content to promote the brand subtly. This technique aims to enhance the realism of the content while simultaneously providing a promotional avenue for brands, especially as the rise of television has altered traditional advertising methods in film.
Road shows: Road shows refer to a type of film distribution and exhibition strategy where a movie is presented in select theaters for a limited engagement, often accompanied by special promotional events. This practice became popular during the 1950s as filmmakers sought to create a sense of exclusivity and generate buzz around their films, especially in response to the growing competition from television, which was affecting traditional cinema attendance.
Science fiction films: Science fiction films are a genre of cinema that explores imaginative and futuristic concepts, often involving advanced technology, space exploration, time travel, extraterrestrial life, and parallel universes. This genre has influenced the film industry by pushing the boundaries of storytelling and special effects, attracting audiences with its unique ability to speculate about the future and challenge perceptions of reality.
Serialized storytelling: Serialized storytelling is a narrative technique in which a story is presented in sequential installments, allowing for the development of characters and plots over time. This format fosters audience engagement as viewers or readers eagerly anticipate each new installment, creating a communal experience and a deeper investment in the story's outcome.
Television specials: Television specials are unique programming events that typically air outside of regular series schedules and feature extended content such as documentaries, concerts, or holiday-themed shows. These programs became significant in the mid-20th century as a way for networks to attract large audiences, often competing directly with films and other entertainment forms. By leveraging the popularity of well-known personalities and themes, television specials played a pivotal role in reshaping viewer habits and the overall landscape of the film and television industries.
Variety shows: Variety shows are a type of television program that features a mix of different entertainment formats, including musical performances, comedy skits, dance numbers, and guest appearances. These shows played a significant role in shaping television's early programming landscape and influenced the film industry by showcasing talent that often crossed over between mediums.
William Paley: William Paley was an English philosopher and theologian known for his arguments in favor of theism and natural theology during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He is most famously associated with the watchmaker analogy, which suggests that just as a watch implies a watchmaker, the complexity of the universe implies the existence of an intelligent designer. This concept resonates within discussions about the impact of television on the film industry, as it raises questions about design, intention, and cultural influence.