Hollywood Film Studios: The Big Six
The major Hollywood studios, are iconic Los Angeles sites- each home to multiple sound stages that have produced countless classics since their founding a century ago
The film industry began in the early 20th century, with filmmakers producing short films. The first major studio, Universal Pictures, was founded in 1912. During this time, silent films dominated, and Hollywood emerged as the center of the film industry due to favorable weather and diverse landscapes.
The introduction of sound in films revolutionized the industry creating a golden age , leading to the creation of iconic studios like MGM, RKO, and Columbia Pictures. This era saw the rise of the studio system, where studios controlled every aspect of filmmaking, from production to distribution. Classic films like “Gone with the Wind” and “The Wizard of Oz” became cultural landmarks.
Hollywood film studios were founded by a mix of entrepreneurs, filmmakers, and visionaries as the industry began to take shape in the early 20th century.
Check individual websites for details of how to book studio tours.
The majors are often referred to as the “Big Six,” They are:
1. Warner Bros. Pictures
– Location: Burbank
Established in 1923 by the Warner brothers—Harry, Albert, Sam, and Jack Warner. They played a significant role in the development of sound films.
Known for franchises like Harry Potter, DC Comics films, and classic titles.
2. Universal Pictures
Location Burbank
Founded in 1912 by Carl Laemmle, who was instrumental in shaping the studio’s early success.
Famous for movies like Jurassic Park, Fast & Furious, and Despicable Me.
3.20th Century Studios
Location: Century City
Originally founded in 1935 as Twentieth Century Pictures by Joseph Schenck and Darryl F. Zanuck, it merged with Fox Film Corporation in 1935 to become 20th Century Fox.
West side studio formerly Formerly 20th Century Fox, now owned by Disney it has produced classics like Star Wars and Avatar.
4. Columbia Pictures
Location: Culver City
Founded in 1920 by Harry Cohn, along with his brothers Jack and Joe Cohn. It grew to become one of the leading studios in Hollywood.
Now part of Sony Pictures, known for Spider-Man, Jumanji, and Men in Black.
5. Paramount Pictures:
-Location:Hollywood
Originally founded as Famous Players Film Company in 1912 by Adolph Zukor and later became Paramount in 1914 after merging with other companies.
Known for Transformers, Mission Impossible, and Star Trek.
6. Walt Disney Pictures
Location: : Burbank
A major player in animated films, as well as franchises like Marvel and Star Wars.
7.Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
: Formed in 1924 through the merger of several companies, including Metro Pictures, Goldwyn Pictures, and Louis B. Mayer Pictures, with Louis B. Mayer at the helm.Now owned by Amazon.
In the 1960s and 70s The studio system began to decline due to changes in audience tastes and the rise of television. Filmmakers like Alfred Hitchcock and Francis Ford Coppola started to gain more creative control, leading to a wave of innovative films. This period also saw the emergence of independent cinema.
The release of “Jaws” (1975) and “Star Wars” (1977) marked the beginning of the blockbuster era, where studios focused on high-budget, mass-appeal films. This shift led to significant changes in marketing and distribution.
The rise of digital technology and the internet transformed the industry once again. Studios began to focus on franchises and global markets. New players like Netflix and Amazon have disrupted traditional distribution models, leading to a more diverse range of content.
Today, Hollywood studios continue to adapt to changing audience preferences, technological advancements, and the global landscape, making the history of film studios a dynamic and ongoing story.Newer entrants like Netflix , Amazon and Apple that are reshaping the industry
Destination: California
