Studio vs. independent production, distribution, and exhibition

Question 1

Production, distribution, and exhibition

Answer 1

-Production: scriptwriting and funding, preparation for filming, shooting, assembly
-Studio vertical integration: monopolies in the 1920s - 1940s
-Distribution: release patterns and publicity
-Theatrical and nontheatrical exhibition

Question 2

Traits of studio films:

Answer 2

• big budget, with corporate financing
• steady, assembly line production; many workers; specialization of crew roles
• strict hierarchy, involving stars and union crews
• high production values/elaborate style, resulting from the luxury of money and time
• producers usually initiate projects
• must appeal to a wide audience in order to recoup high production costs

Question 3

Traits of independent films:

Answer 3

• low budget, with private investment or personal financing
• rapid, guerrilla-style production; few workers; each worker fulfills multiple crew roles
• collaboration instead of strict hierarchy, with lesser-known or untrained actors and crew
• lower production values/less polished style, due to less money and rushed production schedule
• directors usually initiate projects
• can appeal to a niche audience in order to recoup small production costs