Post 5

The studio system functioned like most industrial factories of the time. The demand was high given that film was the only form of mass media and most people went to see movies anywhere from 1 to six days a week. In order to produce low cost films quickly and efficiently the studio system operated like a factory. This assembly line method required that all parts of the production staff were present at all times so that the contracted actors and staff would be able to work on multiple projects at once. Movies were so popular that during WWII the theaters were opened 24 hours a day and served to keep moral high and diffuse information and propaganda. The studio system was essentially manufacturing movies with directors usually pumping out 3-5 movies per year. To further increase efficiency on the viewers end studios began to pick up "house styles" that matched them with a particular genre. Stars were also ironically linked to their studios and styles with films being refereed to as John Waynes' or Judy Garlands'.