What was the vertically integrated studio system?

Answer 1

The vertically integrated studio system was a dominant film production model in Hollywood from the 1920s to the 1960s, where major studios controlled every aspect of filmmaking, including production, distribution, and exhibition. This system allowed studios to manage talent contracts, create a steady output of films, and maximize profits by owning theaters that screened their movies. It effectively limited competition and shaped the industry's landscape until antitrust regulations and changes in consumer preferences led to its decline. The system's collapse paved the way for a more fragmented and independent film industry.