The Hollywood Studio System refers to the method of film production and distribution that dominated the American movie industry from the 1920s to the 1960s. Major studios like Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Warner Bros., and Paramount Pictures controlled all aspects of filmmaking, including talent, production, and marketing. This system relied on a stable of contracted actors, directors, and writers, allowing studios to produce films efficiently and consistently.
During this era, studios created a star system, promoting specific actors to attract audiences. The system also involved vertical integration, where studios owned theaters to ensure their films were shown. The decline of the Hollywood Studio System began in the late 1940s due to antitrust rulings and changing audience preferences.