UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

Universal Studios

Universal Studios

Introduction

Universal Studios, also known as Universal Studios or Universal simply, is a leading U.S. dedicated to producing and distributing films. One of the six major movie studios American, its main industry is film distribution and Universal Pictures. It is controlled by a partnership of General Electric and Vivendi SA named NBC Universal.

The studios and corporate offices are at number 100 Universal City Plaza Drive in Universal City in Los Angeles County, USA. It also has 3 theme parks: Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Japan (Monaghan, 2010).

Discussion

The precursor to the Universal Yankee Film Company was founded in 1909. Its founder, Carl Laemmle, was an immigrant from Alsace who had run a clothing store in Wisconsin. Laemmle became interested in the business of film, when on a trip he made ??in 1905 in Chicago discovered nickelodeon. Although it took some time, convinced the brothers Laemmle Stern to partner with it and create the production company. The weasel Adam and Pat Powers, among others; over time, slowly, Laemmle would buy parts and disposing of them.

Laemmle used two weapons to impose their signature and address Edison allowed officers to buy on credit (Edison, no) and I think what we know today as the star-system is still in force. The thing is simple, if your movies with big stars participating hook to attract viewers to the theaters. (However, at that time the star system was fierce. (Thompson, 2004) The stars signed exclusive contracts with studios, which meant they could only work for another study if the company that owned the ceded or if the acquired was willing to pay the costs of termination of his contract, which used to be very high).

When California began to attract the producers of this fleeing pressure and easily search for Edison (land cheaply, etc.). Laemmle was one of the pioneers who embarked on the adventure. Founded the Universal City; a town itself with its own mayor, and police. To do this, Laemmle bought the old Taylor Ranch (430 km ² of orange and grass) in the middle of nowhere (Freeman, 2009). Was near, then, a small town of Los Angeles (a city that came originated from a small town founded in the eighteenth century and the Spanish had named).

Laemmle was unwittingly one of the architects of the future Hollywood. Soon, other pioneers like him come, ready to take full advantage (climatic and economic) that California offered and build his studies at the Laemmle neighborhood:

All 4 Warner Brothers (Albert, Harold, Jack and Sam) - founders of Warner Brothers Studios, also known as Warner Bros in 1923

Cohn's brothers (Harry and Jack - the company's founders, precursor of what is now Columbia Pictures.)

Adolph Zukor - Founder of Paramount Pictures.

Samuel Goldfish and Selwyn brothers (Edgar and Archibald - founded in 1916 the company forerunner of what is now the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.)

William Fox - founder of the company forerunner of what today is 20th Century Fox (Monaghan, 2010).

Many of these pioneers like Laemmle himself were Jewish, ...