Konstantin Polzovic

Hollywood

Hollywood is a neighborhood located in the central region of Los Angeles, California, United States.

t is renowned worldwide as the epicenter of the American film industry. Hollywood is most famous for its role as the entertainment capital of the world, producing a vast majority of the world’s most influential and famous films, television shows, and other forms of entertainment.

It is synonymous with glamour, celebrity culture, and the creation of dreams through storytelling on the silver screen.

Hollywood has become a symbol of creativity, innovation, and artistic expression, attracting aspiring actors, directors, producers, and artists from US and from around the globe.

Early history

Since early 1920s Hollywood become place for various movie production studios and related business . The major Hollywood studios were founded by various individuals and entities. During the Golden Age of Hollywood in the 1920s and 1930s, there were several major studios dominating the industry, commonly referred to as the “Big Five” and the “Little Three”:

Big Five:

  1. Paramount Pictures
  2. Warner Bros. Pictures
  3. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
  4. 20th Century Fox (now 20th Century Studios)
  5. RKO Pictures (which was originally FBO Pictures)

Little Three:

  1. Columbia Pictures (now Sony Pictures Entertainment)
  2. Universal Pictures
  3. United Artists

Professions hub

During the early 1930s, Hollywood was bustling with various professions related to the movie industry. Here’s a some of the key professions during that time:

-Actor/Actress: Performers who portray characters in films

-Director: The person responsible for overseeing the creative aspects of a film, including guiding the actors and making artistic decisions.

-Producer: Individuals who oversee all aspects of film production, from financing to distribution

-Screenwriter: Writers who create scripts for films, including dialogue and scene descriptions.

-Cinematographer/Director of Photography: Professionals responsible for capturing the visual elements of a film, including lighting and camera work.

-Editor: Individuals who assemble the footage of a film into a coherent and engaging final product.

-Costume Designer: Artists who design and create costumes for characters in films.

-Set Designer/Art Director: Professionals responsible for designing and creating the sets and overall visual aesthetic of a film.

– Makeup Artist: Artists who design and apply makeup to actors to enhance or alter their appearance on screen.

-Sound Engineer: Technicians responsible for recording and mixing the audio elements of a film, including dialogue, music, and sound effects.

-Composer: Musicians who create original music scores or soundtracks for films.

-Stunt Performer: Individuals who perform dangerous or physically demanding stunts on behalf of actors.

-Publicist: Professionals responsible for promoting films and managing the public image of actors and filmmakers.

-Agent: Representatives who negotiate contracts and job opportunities on behalf of actors, directors, and other industry professionals.

-Distributor: Companies responsible for distributing films to theaters and other outlets for public exhibition.

These are just some of the many professions involved in the movie industry during the early 1930s in Hollywood. Each plays a crucial role in the creation and distribution of films and as you can conclude they are are crucial in todays productions too but with many more professions involved.

Breakfast at Tiffanys Yugoslavian movie poster 1961

Movie genres

Hollywood movies can be based on a wide range of themes, served for diverse audience interests and preferences. Basicaly everything from real life , history , fiction to anything else that human mind can imagine . Some common themes that serve as the basis for Hollywood movies are divided intro genres with each has their own followers , admirers and fans. Here are list of most common genres

-Drama: Films that focus primarily on character development and emotional storytelling, often dealing with serious themes and conflicts

-Comedy: Movies intended to entertain and amuse audiences through humor and comedic situations

-Action: Films characterized by intense physical activity, including fights, chases, and explosions, often featuring heroic protagonists.

-Horror: Movies designed to elicit fear, terror, or suspense from audiences, typically involving supernatural elements, monsters, or psychological thrills.

-Sci-Fi (Science Fiction): Films that explore speculative or futuristic concepts, often involving advanced technology, space exploration, or alternative realities.

-Fantasy: Movies set in imaginary worlds or involving magical or supernatural elements, often featuring epic quests and battles between good and evil.

-Thriller: Films designed to create tension and suspense, often involving danger, mystery, or psychological twists.

-Mystery: Movies centered around solving a crime or unraveling a puzzle, typically featuring detectives, sleuths, or amateur investigators.

-Romance: Films focusing on romantic relationships and love stories, often featuring themes of passion, longing, and emotional connection.

-Adventure: Movies centered around exciting journeys, quests, or explorations, often featuring exotic locations and daring protagonists.

-Western: Films set in the American West during the 19th century, often featuring cowboys, outlaws, and rugged landscapes. The peak of the Western genre was from the 1940s to the 1970s, with classics like “High Noon” (1952) and “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” (1966).

-Musical: Movies featuring songs, dance numbers, and musical performances as integral elements of the storyline.

-Animation: Films created using animation techniques to depict characters and stories, ranging from traditional hand-drawn animation to computer-generated imagery and AI today.

-Historical: Movies set in the past, often based on real events, figures, or time periods, and aiming to depict historical accuracy or authenticity.

-Biographical: Films based on the lives of real people, often focusing on significant events or achievements in their lives.

-Documentary: Non-fiction films intended to inform, educate, or raise awareness about real-world subjects, events, or issues.

-War: Movies centered around warfare, military conflicts, or the experiences of soldiers and civilians during wartime.

-Crime: Films focusing on criminal activities, investigations, and the criminal justice system, often featuring detectives, criminals, and law enforcement.

-Family: Movies suitable for audiences of all ages, often featuring themes of love, friendship, and the importance of family bonds.

-Psychological: Films that delve into the complexities of the human mind, emotions, and behavior, often featuring psychological themes, twists, and character studies.

These genres have evolved over time, with new subgenres emerging and existing genres adapting to changing audience tastes and cultural influences. However, three of the most consistently popular Hollywood genres are: Action , Drama and Comedy.

Academy awards

The Oscars, officially known as the Academy Awards, have been taking place annually since the first ceremony in 1929. The awards recognize excellence in the film industry, honoring achievements in various categories such as acting, directing, writing, and technical aspects of filmmaking.

Since early beginnings It has become one of the most significant events in the film industry, often accompanied by red carpet events, celebrity parties, and events within Hollywood . Since 1970s until today, the Oscars ceremony has been televised globally, attracting millions of viewers.

Here are some most Oscar awarded movies , with actors and actresses who played pivotal roles in these iconic films, contributing to their success and enduring popularity through Hollywood history :

  1. “The Godfather” (1972) – Starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan
  2. “Titanic” (1997) – Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet
  3. “Ben-Hur” (1959) – Starring Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins
  4. “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” (2003) – Starring Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen
  5. “Gone with the Wind” (1939) – Starring Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh
  6. “Schindler’s List” (1993) – Starring Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley
  7. “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975) – Starring Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher
  8. “Casablanca” (1942) – Starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman
  9. “The Sound of Music” (1965) – Starring Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer
  10. “West Side Story” (1961) – Starring Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer
  11. “Lawrence of Arabia” (1962) – Starring Peter O’Toole, Alec Guinness
  12. “All About Eve” (1950) – Starring Bette Davis, Anne Baxter
  13. “Amadeus” (1984) – Starring F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce
  14. “The Bridge on the River Kwai” (1957) – Starring William Holden, Alec Guinness
  15. “On the Waterfront” (1954) – Starring Marlon Brando, Karl Malden
  16. “Forrest Gump” (1994) – Starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright
  17. “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991) – Starring Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins

For example, while “The Godfather,” “Titanic,” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” are among the most acclaimed and successful films at the Oscars, they may not have won the most awards overall. “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” holds the record for the most Oscar wins for a single film, with 11 wins out of 11 nominations.

Most popular in history of Hollywood

Movie director Sir Alfred Hitchcock promo photo for movie “Birds ” 1960.

Directors

  1. Alfred Hitchcock – Known for “Psycho” (1960), “Vertigo” (1958), “North by Northwest” (1959)
  2. Steven Spielberg – Known for “Jurassic Park” (1993), “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982), “Schindler’s List” (1993)
  3. Francis Ford Coppola – Known for “The Godfather” (1972), “Apocalypse Now” (1979), “The Godfather Part II” (1974)
  4. Stanley Kubrick – Known for “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968), “A Clockwork Orange” (1971), “The Shining” (1980)
  5. Quentin Tarantino – Known for “Pulp Fiction” (1994), “Kill Bill: Vol. 1” (2003), “Django Unchained” (2012)
  6. Orson Welles – Known for “Citizen Kane” (1941), “Touch of Evil” (1958), “The Third Man” (1949)
  7. Akira Kurosawa – Known for “Seven Samurai” (1954), “Rashomon” (1950), “Yojimbo” (1961)
  8. James Cameron – Known for “Titanic” (1997), “Avatar” (2009), “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” (1991)
  9. Ingmar Bergman – Known for “Persona” (1966), “The Seventh Seal” (1957), “Wild Strawberries” (1957)
  10. Ridley Scott – Known for “Blade Runner” (1982), “Alien” (1979), “Gladiator” (2000)
  11. Peter Jackson – Known for “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” (2001), “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” (2003), “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” (2012)

Following we prepare a list of most famous actors and actress from history of Hollywood movies with their most notable roles :

Some of most famous actors

  1. Charlie Chaplin – Known for “City Lights” (1931), “Modern Times” (1936), “The Great Dictator” (1940)
  2. Humphrey Bogart – Known for “Casablanca” (1942), “The Maltese Falcon” (1941), “The African Queen” (1951)
  3. Cary Grant – Known for “North by Northwest” (1959), “Bringing Up Baby” (1938), “Notorious” (1946)
  4. James Stewart – Known for “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946), “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” (1939), “Vertigo” (1958)
  5. Clark Gable – Known for “Gone with the Wind” (1939), “It Happened One Night” (1934), “Mutiny on the Bounty” (1935)
  6. Marlon Brando – Known for “A Streetcar Named Desire” (1951), “On the Waterfront” (1954), “The Godfather” (1972)
  7. James Dean – Known for “Rebel Without a Cause” (1955), “East of Eden” (1955), “Giant” (1956)
  8. John Wayne – Known for “The Searchers” (1956), “Stagecoach” (1939), “True Grit” (1969)
  9. Paul Newman – Known for “Cool Hand Luke” (1967), “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969), “The Hustler” (1961)
  10. Humphrey Bogart – Known for “Casablanca” (1942), “The Maltese Falcon” (1941), “The African Queen” (1951)
  11. Gary Cooper – Known for “High Noon” (1952), “Sergeant York” (1941), “Mr. Deeds Goes to Town” (1936)
  12. Henry Fonda – Known for “12 Angry Men” (1957), “The Grapes of Wrath” (1940), “On Golden Pond” (1981)
  13. Orson Welles – Known for “Citizen Kane” (1941), “Touch of Evil” (1958), “The Third Man” (1949)
  14. Gene Kelly – Known for “Singin’ in the Rain” (1952), “An American in Paris” (1951), “On the Town” (1949)

Some of the most popular actress

  1. Marilyn Monroe – Known for “Some Like It Hot” (1959), “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (1953), “The Seven Year Itch” (1955)
  2. Audrey Hepburn – Known for “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961), “Roman Holiday” (1953), “My Fair Lady” (1964)
  3. Elizabeth Taylor – Known for “Cleopatra” (1963), “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” (1966), “Giant” (1956)
  4. Grace Kelly – Known for “Rear Window” (1954), “To Catch a Thief” (1955), “High Noon” (1952)
  5. Ingrid Bergman – Known for “Casablanca” (1942), “Notorious” (1946), “Gaslight” (1944)
  6. Katharine Hepburn – Known for “The Philadelphia Story” (1940), “Bringing Up Baby” (1938), “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” (1967)
  7. Bette Davis – Known for “All About Eve” (1950), “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” (1962), “Jezebel” (1938)
  8. Greta Garbo – Known for “Camille” (1936), “Grand Hotel” (1932), “Ninotchka” (1939)
  9. Vivien Leigh – Known for “Gone with the Wind” (1939), “A Streetcar Named Desire” (1951), “Anna Karenina” (1948)
  10. Joan Crawford – Known for “Mildred Pierce” (1945), “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?” (1962), “Possessed” (1947)
  11. Sophia Loren – Known for “Two Women” (1960), “Marriage Italian Style” (1964), “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” (1963)
  12. Lauren Bacall – Known for “The Big Sleep” (1946), “To Have and Have Not” (1944), “Key Largo” (1948)
  13. Grace Kelly – Known for “Rear Window” (1954), “To Catch a Thief” (1955), “High Noon” (1952)
  14. Ginger Rogers – Known for “Swing Time” (1936), “Top Hat” (1935), “Kitty Foyle” (1940)

21st Century

One of the most significant differences between Hollywood in the 20th and 21st centuries is the evolution of technology and its impact on the filmmaking process, distribution, and audience engagement .

Technological Advancements: In the 20th century, filmmaking primarily relied on analog technologies such as celluloid film, practical effects, and traditional editing techniques. However, the 21st century witnessed a rapid shift towards digital filmmaking, CGI (Computer Generated Imagery), motion capture, and advanced post-production techniques. These technological advancements have expanded the creative possibilities for filmmakers, allowing for more ambitious storytelling and visual effects.

Changes in Distribution Models: In the 20th century, films were primarily distributed through traditional channels such as theaters, television, and home video. However, the rise of the internet and digital streaming platforms in the 21st century has transformed the distribution landscape. Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney offer a vast library of films and original content accessible to viewers worldwide at any time. This shift has disrupted traditional distribution models and created new opportunities for filmmakers to reach audiences directly.

Globalization of Film Industry: While Hollywood dominated the global film industry in the 20th century, the 21st century has seen the rise of international cinema and the emergence of new film markets outside of the United States. Countries like India (Bollywood), China, South Korea, and Africa have developed thriving film industries that produce content catering to local audiences while also gaining international recognition.

Expansion of Franchise Filmmaking: While franchises and sequels were prevalent in the 20th century, the 21st century has seen an exponential growth in franchise filmmaking. Cinematic universes like the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), and the Star Wars franchise have become dominant forces in Hollywood, generating multiple interconnected films, spin-offs, and cross-platform storytelling. Franchise filmmaking has reshaped the blockbuster landscape, driving box office success and shaping audience expectations.

Shifts in Cultural and Social Representation: The 21st century has witnessed a growing demand for diversity and inclusion in Hollywood films, both on-screen and behind the camera. Audiences have increasingly called for authentic representation of diverse voices, experiences, and perspectives. Filmmakers and studios have responded by producing more inclusive content that reflects the diversity of modern society, addressing issues of race, gender, sexuality, and identity.

LGBT inclusion

While the early days of love representation in films were exclusively between women and man , mostly amounted to a stolen kiss, a knowing glance or forbidden love, today LGBT ( Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender ) people are written into Hollywood storylines, and it’s not only fostering long-overdue social inclusion, but it’s also paying dividends at the box-office.

LGBT characters and themes have become increasingly prevalent in Hollywood movies, contributing to greater visibility and representation of that community in mainstream cinema.

The influence of the LGBT community in Hollywood today is significant and continues to grow with a noticeable increase in the representation of LGBT characters and storylines in film and television.

All this lead to maximum marketing and promotion of various LGBT sexual deviations that lead to to the point that more and more adults and even children in early childhood decide to consciously change their gender and with such influences impose new values ​​on everyone who consumes newer Hollywood films,

In every society this leads to the slowly but steady destruction of the values ​​of traditional family as the basis of each civilization .

Todays main owners

Today main owners of Hollywood studios are still are some familiar entities – here are some of the top studios and their parent companies as of 2023:

  1. Walt Disney Studios: Owned by The Walt Disney Company, it is one of the largest and most influential studios in Hollywood, known for its blockbuster franchises, including Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and Disney Animation.
  2. Warner Bros. Pictures: Part of WarnerMedia Studios & Networks, a subsidiary of WarnerMedia, which is owned by AT&T. Warner Bros. is known for producing a wide range of films, from blockbuster franchises to prestige dramas.
  3. Universal Pictures: Owned by Comcast through its subsidiary NBCUniversal. Universal is known for its diverse slate of films, including the Fast & Furious series, Jurassic Park franchise, and Illumination animated films.
  4. Sony Pictures Entertainment: A division of Sony Corporation, Sony Pictures produces and distributes a variety of films, including the Spider-Man franchise, James Bond films, and animated features from Sony Pictures Animation.
  5. Paramount Pictures: Owned by ViacomCBS, Paramount is known for producing iconic films and franchises such as Mission: Impossible, Transformers, and the Star Trek series.

AI ( Artificial intelligence ) in today’s and future productions

While AI presents exciting opportunities for innovation and efficiency, its impact on creative decision-making and human labor in the film industry is imminent ,

Script Analysis and Development: AI technologies can analyze vast amounts of data, including existing scripts, box office trends, and audience preferences, to help filmmakers develop and refine their scripts. AI-powered tools can provide insights into story structure, character development, and genre conventions, assisting writers in creating compelling narratives

Content Curation and Recommendation: Streaming platforms utilize AI algorithms to analyze viewer behavior and preferences, curating personalized recommendations for movies and TV shows. These recommendations help users discover new content based on their interests, leading to increased engagement and retention.

Visual Effects and CGI: AI and machine learning techniques are increasingly used in visual effects and CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) to create realistic and immersive cinematic experiences. AI algorithms can generate lifelike characters, environments, and special effects, enhancing the visual spectacle of Hollywood blockbusters.

Production Optimization: AI technologies can streamline various aspects of film production, from scheduling and budgeting to logistics and resource allocation. AI-powered analytics tools help production teams optimize workflows and make data-driven decisions to maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Digital Restoration and Remastering: AI algorithms are used in digital restoration and remastering of classic films, enhancing image quality, color accuracy, and overall visual fidelity. AI-powered tools can automatically remove scratches, dust, and other imperfections, preserving and revitalizing legendary movies for modern audiences.

Marketing and Distribution: AI plays a crucial role in marketing and distribution strategies for Hollywood movies. AI-driven analytics platforms analyze audience demographics, social media trends, and online engagement metrics to inform targeted marketing campaigns and optimize distribution channels for maximum reach and impact.

Content Creation and Generation: AI technologies have the potential to revolutionize content creation by generating original stories, scripts, and even entire films. While AI-generated content is still in its infancy, advancements in natural language processing and creative AI hold promise for generating new and innovative storytelling formats

All these changes, as well as any technological progress in capitalist industries, lead to the emergence of a surplus of labor, that is, people, because machines replace many manual jobs, often with incomparably lower costs and a much higher profit for producers. This practice has also resulted in recent strikes by employees in the film industry due to Hollywood, immediate layoffs and a reduced volume of work that is now handled by AI.

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