Towards a Comparative Economic History of Cinema, 1930-1970

This book explores the economic conditions of film production, distribution, exhibition, and consumption during the spoken era, from 1910 to 1970. It emphasizes the importance of audience tastes and the classical American business model, adapting to local circumstances.

Format: Hardback
Length: 356 pages
Publication date: 10 September 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate economic landscape of the spoken era of film production, spanning from the onset of sound to the decline of phased distribution, until 1970. It explores the multifaceted nature of films as both artistic expressions and commercial commodities, offering a fresh perspective by emphasizing the significance of consumer behavior alongside supply-side decision-making. The book employs the POPSTAT Index of Film Popularity as a proxy for box office data when such information is unavailable, conducting a comparative analysis using the RelPOP tool.

The book comprises a series of original case studies that shed light on film consumption in various countries during different historical periods. These case studies include in-depth examinations of film consumption in Great Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United States, Australia, occupied Belgium during World War II, and Italy, the United States, Poland, and Czechoslovakia in the post-war era.

A central theme that runs throughout the book is the adaptability of the classical American business model, which emerged in the 1910s, linking production, distribution, and exhibition. This model was shaped by local circumstances, particularly in the two countries behind the Iron Curtain during the years of "High Stalinism." The book examines how this model evolved and adapted to meet the unique challenges and opportunities presented in each respective country, highlighting the complex interplay between economic, political, and cultural factors that influenced film distribution and exhibition.

Through its detailed analysis and rich case studies, this book provides a valuable contribution to the study of film economics and history. It offers insights into the complex dynamics that shaped the film industry during a pivotal period of its development, shedding light on the ways in which economic factors influenced the production, distribution, and consumption of films. It also highlights the enduring influence of the classical American business model on the film industry, even in the face of changing technological and cultural landscapes.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the economic and cultural aspects of film production and distribution. It provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the spoken era of film production, offering valuable insights into the complex relationships between film industry stakeholders and the broader economic and social contexts in which they operated.

Weight: 723g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031057694
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022