Historically, Hollywood has been anchored by the "Big Five" majors. These powerhouses maintain massive distribution infrastructures that make global theatrical releases possible.
The foundation of modern entertainment production was laid during the "Golden Age" of Hollywood, roughly spanning the 1920s to the 1960s. During this era, studios such as MGM, Warner Bros., Paramount, and Disney operated under a vertical integration model known as the "studio system." These entities controlled every aspect of the filmmaking process: they owned the production facilities, held the talent under restrictive long-term contracts, and owned the theaters where the films were exhibited.
The 1920s to 1960s are often referred to as the Golden Age of Hollywood, during which major studios such as:
However, the last decade has seen a corrective shift, largely driven by audience demand and the global marketplace. Studios now recognize that diverse casting and inclusive storytelling are not just moral imperatives but profitable strategies. Productions like Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians proved that stories centered on non-white characters could dominate the global box office. Consequently, studios today walk a fine line, balancing their role as commercial entities with a growing responsibility as custodians of cultural representation.