Big Five

Definition

The Big Five refers to the five major film studios that dominated the Hollywood studio system from the 1920s to the 1960s: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros., 20th Century Fox, and RKO Pictures. These studios were pivotal in shaping the film industry, controlling production, distribution, and exhibition, while establishing a star system that elevated actors and directors to celebrity status.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Big Five studios were known for their monopolistic control over the Hollywood film industry, which allowed them to dominate box office revenues during their peak years.
2. Each studio developed its unique brand and style, with MGM being famous for its lavish musicals and 20th Century Fox known for its dramatic films.
3. The Big Five utilized a system of contracts that bound actors and directors to exclusive agreements, limiting their ability to work with other studios.
4. During World War II, the Big Five played a significant role in producing propaganda films that supported the war effort and shaped public opinion.
5. The decline of the Big Five began in the late 1940s due to legal challenges against monopolistic practices and the rise of independent filmmakers.

Review Questions

• What role did the Big Five play in shaping the Hollywood studio system and how did their practices influence filmmaking?
  • The Big Five played a crucial role in establishing the Hollywood studio system by controlling all aspects of filmmaking, including production, distribution, and exhibition. Their practices shaped filmmaking through vertical integration, which allowed them to ensure consistent quality and profitability. This system also established a star system that elevated actors and directors to celebrity status, significantly influencing audience engagement with films.
• How did the star system utilized by the Big Five contribute to their success in the film industry?
  • The star system was essential to the success of the Big Five as it created a direct connection between popular actors and audience interest. By promoting specific stars through exclusive contracts and marketing strategies, these studios generated buzz and anticipation for their films. This tactic not only increased ticket sales but also allowed studios to leverage the appeal of their stars for broader marketing opportunities.
• Evaluate the impact of legal challenges on the decline of the Big Five studios and how this transformation affected the overall film industry.
  • Legal challenges against monopolistic practices initiated in the late 1940s significantly impacted the decline of the Big Five studios by dismantling their vertical integration and exclusive contracts. This transformation opened up opportunities for independent filmmakers and new entrants into the industry, fostering greater diversity in storytelling and filmmaking styles. As a result, audiences began to see a wider range of films beyond the traditional offerings of major studios, leading to a more dynamic and varied cinematic landscape.

Related terms

Studio System: A method of film production and distribution that was prevalent from the 1920s to the 1960s, characterized by major studios controlling every aspect of filmmaking from script development to distribution.

Star System:

A practice in which studios promoted specific actors and actresses as major stars to attract audiences and drive box office sales.

Vertical Integration: The business strategy employed by the Big Five studios, where they controlled all aspects of filmmaking, including production, distribution, and exhibition.