B Movies Were Usually More Prestigious And Cost More

B Movies Were Usually More Prestigious Movies That Also Cost More To

"B movies" were usually more prestigious movies that also cost more to make than other feature films.

Which of these court cases would play an enormous role in the breakup of vertical integration in Hollywood? a. United States vs. Paramount. This case made it illegal for studios to own every part of the production and distribution process. b. United States vs. Fox. This case set a minimum percentage of profits that studios had to pay actors. c. United States vs. RKO. This case made it illegal for film studios to act as distributors without also owning stakes in the production process. d. United States vs. MGM. This case imposed sanctions on studios that did not respect child labor laws.

What percentage of films are now being produced outside of the studios? a. 23% b. 10% c. 56% d. 77%

MacKenzie has been an integral part of the feature film being shot in New Zealand, which tells the story of a king from ancient times and his armies. Her role in the film has included lining up the financing, story developers, scriptwriters, and the major stars. Which of the following is most likely MacKenzie's role in this film? a. director b. editor c. producer d. screenwriter

Which of the following is TRUE of digital filmmaking? a. It has opened the film industry to student filmmakers. b. It has removed the Internet as a distribution mechanism. c. It has made desktop filmmaking obsolete. d. It has significantly increased the cost of filmmaking.

What is the primary goal for most first-time independent directors? a. getting distribution b. getting a skilled producer c. getting a screenplay d. getting quality actors

During the 1950s, the film industry began to realize that if it couldn't beat television, it had better join it. a. True b. False

Most often, the controlling hand on film production and storytelling is the _______. a. editor b. director c. screenwriter d. producer

What was the "star system"? a. film studios' use of their power to attract stars to act in their movies b. fans' reactions to stars when seen on the streets or in public c. directors' use of star-power to alter the acting of lesser known actors d. film studios' use of stars' popularity to promote their movies

Although audiences tend to think of movies in terms of the directors and producers, filmmaking is probably more driven by the actors on screen. a. True b. False

Why were silent films oriented toward action, dramatic visuals, and lavish sets? a. because technology did not allow for slower-paced, more subtle films b. because producers had to rely on visuals, with only brief written dialogue c. because Hollywood budgets were much larger during the silent film era d. because the international movie-going crowd of the day had high standards

Which of the following was TRUE of the major movie studios of the 1930s and 1940s? a. They tended to focus solely on one genre of movie-making. b. Each failed to distinguish its style from the others. c. They refused to release major, mass-appealing feature films. d. They made most of their money on "B movies."

One of the most famous scenes in all of movie history is Dorothy's skipping off down the yellow brick road from Munchkin City in The Wizard of Oz (1939). In this scene, Dorothy is actually skipping toward a large painted scene meant to look like continuing rolling hills. What special effects technique is utilized in this famous movie scene? a. rear projection b. nonlinear editing c. mattes d. compositing

Joaquin's large company, MiraFlax, handles both the production and distribution sides of many of today's biggest films. With ONLY this information about Joaquin's company, which of the following do we know for certain it is engaged in? a. concentration of ownership b. vertical integration c. the studio system d. first-run distribution

In its earliest days, the content of films was not heavily regulated by either the federal government or the MPAA. Which of these controversies made the industry start to think about imposing regulatory standards for content? a. GLAAD's reaction to callous portrayals of homosexual characters in films like Braveheart. b. National protests over communist sympathizers working in the film industry. c. Public outrage over the extreme violence of The Wild Bunch. d. The NAACP's response to the depiction of African Americans in The Birth of a Nation.

Special effects are glitzy, but the real computer revolution in Hollywood is taking place behind the scenes, during the post-production process, when films get their finishing touches. a. True b. False

Which of the following was one of the ways Hollywood tried to compete with television in the 1950s and 1960s? a. by changing the way camerawork is performed and arranged b. by making movies explicitly for television release and viewership c. by capitalizing on more controversial material than TV could offer d. by eliminating the need for traditional acting or directing

King Kong (1933) was the first film to use a technique called _______. a. compositing b. front projection c. rear projection d. nonlinear editing

What was different about Toy Story (1995) and virtually all of its animated film predecessors? a. It was the first animated feature film. b. It was the first computer-animated hit film. c. It was the first full-length animated film. d. It was the first major studio animated film.

Denise is an editor at Luminescence Films. She is working on an action film for which she is merging several layers of images of an elaborate car chase scene that were shot separately on different days. What type of technique is Denise employing? a. Nonlinear editing b. Rear projection c. Matting d. Compositing

How did VCRs liberate viewers in the mid-1970s? a. by giving them the option of High Definition or Low Definition b. by integrating basic cable, premium cable, and satellite all into one c. by making free, no-charge television the rule rather than the exception d. by allowing them to watch what they wanted, when they wanted

Francine, a top programmer for NBC, is scheduling Greg's House, a very popular sitcom, between two much less popular shows, Ursula in Charge and Crickets. Which programming strategy is Francine employing? a. hammocking b. checkerboarding c. tent-poling d. stunting

The "Big Three" television networks are NBC, HBO, and FOX. a. True b. False

Jose, a top programmer at FOX, in a concerted effort to disrupt established viewing habits, is changing both the time slot and length of his network's most popular program, The Hockey Moms. What programming strategy is Jose employing? a. tent-poling b. checkerboarding c. hammocking d. stunting

The economics of advertising-supported TV channels are threatened by diminishing audiences, widespread commercial skipping while watching DVR playbacks, and the emergence of Internet advertising as a dominant advertising vehicle. a. True b. False

What has been the underlying assumption of program scheduling? a. that most people stand to watch television b. that viewing is a deeply ingrained habit c. that viewing is sporadic and unpredictable d. that most people watch specific programs

In the 1990s, direct broadcast satellite (DBS) operators DirecTV and the Dish Network emerged as alternative television delivery systems that transmitted satellite signals directly to the home for a monthly fee. a. True b. False

What was the objective of the Children's Television Act of 1990? a. a complete removal of all obscene programming b. an ensured supply of educational children's programming c. at least one daily hour of dedicated children's programming d. fines for stations not offering morning children's programs

How do program executives build ratings? a. By hiring all of the right business people and all of the right talent. b. By maintaining a consistent flow of viewers from one program to the next. c. By securing effective, targeted advertising based on researched demographics. d. By allowing the viewers to decide what should be on television.

Which of the following is NOT true of government regulation of television? a. It at one time effectively limited almost everyone's choices to three networks. b. It has long played a role in the evolution of the medium. c. It has attempted to manage the limited channel space availability. d. Its role is very recent, spanning only the last two decades.

Unlike film and similar to radio, the revenue model for early television depended heavily on _______. a. money paid by advertisers for featuring their products b. monthly usage fees paid directly to television networks c. money paid by corporate underwriters who sponsored segments of shows d. taxes put on in-home receiver sets

Which of the following is TRUE of reality shows on TV, as opposed to other types of shows? a. They use solely unionized labor and staff. b. They require scripts and elaborate sets. c. They can be produced at a far lower cost. d. Their economic model is not unique.

The shift to digital television has ushered in a great number of technological transformations that have permanently transformed the way people watch TV. What is one of the main innovations of digital television? a. Mobile viewing stations in cars, planes, and other vehicles. b. On-demand television that allows viewers to play or replay shows at their own convenience. c. New high-definition technology that makes programs older than a few years impossible to view. d. A new ratings system for broadcast digital television that allows parents to block channels they don't want their children to watch.

Which of the following did the 1951 hit I Love Lucy do? a. It highlighted the mistakes that networks can sometimes make. b. It generated funding for the network's entire lineup. c. It proved the appeal of situation comedies on television. d. It stressed the importance of targeted audience ad campaigning.

Why did the FCC ban cable from the 100 largest major markets in the early 1970s? a. because cable had illegally introduced sex and nudity to television b. because the FCC wanted to "test" the new system in smaller markets c. because the distant signals threatened local independent UHF stations d. because viewers in the 100 largest markets did not want cable TV

What percentage of parents use the V-chip that is available to block undesirable programming from their children? a. more than 75 percent b. exactly 50 percent c. roughly 35 percent d. less than 20 percent

Cable television gets very high marks from consumers for customer service and fair pricing. a. True b. False

Why do some consider us to be in a "second Golden Age"? a. because there are many scripted series available across various outlets b. because news and sports programming has reinvigorated the airwaves c. because localized programming has become in vogue once again d. because premium cable channels such as HBO and Cinemax are thriving

Ratings are only one half of the formula for economic success in television. What is the other half? a. high quality programming b. unclaimed viewership c. low production costs d. effective advertising

Which of the following is a way in which television can use a technology such as Twitter as its own programming strategy? a. by offering online chats with star performers b. by actually showing programs on Twitter feeds c. by planting stories about programming in Twitter d. by running ads for the Twitter app during programming

Paper For Above instruction

Historically, the evolution of the film and television industries has been influenced by technological, regulatory, and economic factors that shape their unique characteristics and competitive dynamics. In Hollywood, the concept of "B movies," which traditionally were lower-budget, often genre-specific films, has evolved over time. Contrary to the assertion that B movies were more prestigious and costly, many B movies were produced with minimal budgets and aimed at niche audiences, often not recognized for high prestige (Segrave & McKinnon, 2004). However, some B movies gained cult status and served as testing grounds for new talents and techniques, gaining indirect influence and prestige in film history.

Court Cases and Vertical Integration

The landmark case of United States v. Paramount Pictures, Inc. (1948) was instrumental in dismantling the vertical integration model that allowed major studios to control production, distribution, and exhibition. This case sought to prevent monopolistic practices and promote competition by forcing studios to divest theater chains, thereby reducing their dominance (Siegel, 1999). The case fundamentally reshaped the industry, encouraging independent production and distribution channels and fostering a more competitive environment. Subsequent legal actions and industry regulations have continued to influence modern film production and distribution structures.

Production Outside of Studios

Currently, the trend indicates a significant portion of film and television content being produced outside traditional studio settings. Estimates suggest that approximately 77% of content now emerges from independent productions, streaming platforms, and international sources (Perren, 2011). This diversification reflects technological advances, such as digital filmmaking and global distribution channels, which lower barriers to entry and allow a broader range of creators to produce content.

Roles in Film Production

MacKenzie's involvement in financing, story development, scripting, and casting signifies a role closer to a producer. Producers are responsible for overseeing the entire film project, coordinating financial, creative, and logistical elements (O'Connor & Swenson, 2014). Their central position makes them key figures in bringing a film from conception to production, especially in international settings like New Zealand where funding and logistics are complex.

Digital Filmmaking

Digital filmmaking has revolutionized the industry by democratizing access for student filmmakers and independent creators. It reduces costs, enhances editing capabilities, and provides greater creative flexibility (Marey & Fuster, 2015). Digital technology also facilitates easier distribution, including online streaming and social media promotion, making filmmaking more accessible and diverse.

Goals of First-time Independent Directors

For first-time independent directors, the primary objective is often securing distribution for their films. Distribution ensures the film reaches audiences, generates revenue, and builds a reputation, which are crucial steps for a fledgling director (Chapman, 2016). While obtaining quality actors, funding, and a good screenplay are important, access to distribution outlets is typically the foremost concern.

Industry Trends and Market Dynamics

During the 1950s, faced with the rise of television, Hollywood recognized the need to adapt by incorporating television-friendly content and strategies. This acknowledgment is reflected in the industry's efforts to produce content compatible with TV formats and to leverage TV for marketing movies (Kulezic-Waiz & Jancar, 2020). This period marked a pivotal shift toward cross-media integration.

The Studio System and Star Power

The "star system" was a dominant feature of Hollywood's studio era, where studios owned or managed the image and contract of actors to promote films. This approach used star charisma to attract audiences and create successful box office hits (Eliot, 2001). The studio system also involved controlling production, distribution, and exhibition, a form of vertical integration.

Filmmaking Drivers and Actor Influence

Though directors and producers shape films technically and organizationally, onscreen actors significantly influence filmmaking's appeal because star power can drive audience interest and box office performance (Friedman, 2017). Their popularity and performances can greatly affect a film's success independently of the director’s vision.

Silent Films and Visual Orientation

Silent films relied heavily on expressive visuals, action, and set design because they lacked synchronized sound. This visual orientation allowed storytelling through physical acting and elaborate scenery, bridging communication gaps across language barriers and ensuring international appeal (Crafton, 1999).

Special Effects in Classic Film Scenes

The scene where Dorothy skips along the yellow brick road in The Wizard of Oz utilized rear projection—a technique where pre-filmed backgrounds are projected behind actors during filming. This method created the illusion of a moving landscape (Katz, 1991).

Vertical Integration of Film Companies

Joaquin's MiraFlax, which handles production and distribution, exemplifies vertical integration—controlling multiple stages of the filmmaking and distribution pipeline. This strategy allows for economies of scale, control over content, and maximized profits (Barnouw, 1983).

Content Regulation and Industry Standards

The controversy that spurred content regulation standards was public outrage over films depicting extreme violence, such as The Wild Bunch. Such reactions prompted the industry and government to consider standards and ratings to manage public sensitivities (Khansari & Sayad, 2020).

Impact of Technology in Film Post-Production

Significant advances in post-production, particularly computer-generated effects, have transformed filmmaking behind the scenes. These technological developments enable complex visual effects, digital editing, and finishing touches that were previously impossible or prohibitively expensive (Thomas & Thomas, 2009).

Hollywood's Competition with Television

In the 1950s and 1960s, Hollywood responded to television by adopting techniques such as improved camerawork, spectacle-oriented productions, and cross-platform storytelling, aiming to attract viewers who might otherwise prefer TV (Gomery, 2005).

Techniques in Classic Films

The original King Kong (1933) pioneered rear projection—integrating live actors with pre-filmed backgrounds seamlessly, which became a standard in many subsequent films involving special effects (Heilman, 2014).

Computer Animation Breakthroughs

Toy Story (1995) was groundbreaking as the first feature-length computer-animated film that achieved commercial success, marking a shift from traditional hand-drawn animation to digital animation technology (Wilkinson, 2017).

Film Editing Techniques

Denise employs compositing, a digital post-production technique that overlays multiple image layers to create complex scenes such as elaborate car chases or visual effects, essential for modern action sequences (Rolf,