Who runs hollywood: Homework.

Who runs hollywood?

Question 1) How is the audiences in hollywood powerful?
Question 2) How is the institution powerful?
give evidence from the text and quote

Without the audiences in Hollywood becoming involved and spending money at the cinemas, Hollywood would not become as successful as it is today. At the end of the day Hollywood will have a product that they would like to sell, in this particular case films and the supporting merchandise. Due to the global economy there has been a slight drop in the viewing public spending money on watching movies at the box office showing that things are changing and people want "to consume good quality films at home". The power people behind the Hollywood studios make a region of $25 billion a year from moviegoers. However, if the money spending public believe that the film is not going to be any good either through the trailers or the reviews then the film will be a tremendous flop; for example, in August 2003 "Gigli" starred by Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, a romantic comedy that had flopped all around the world. As it was a massive flop, it came under fire from people reviewing the film and had won in total seven Razzies for "Worst Comedy of Our First 25 Years." Although it did have the rare comment "This isn't a good film, but, when set alongside the likes of Dumb and Dumberer and Legally Blonde 2, Jen & Ben offer less pain." A rare positive, as opposed to less negative, review came from Amy Dawes of Variety".

The audience does not have it all their own way though as Hollywood can be very manipulative, with the power and money at their disposal to promote actors to stardom and the films they are currently starring in. If the viewing public has become intrigued by a certain actor, raising their profile then Hollywood will try to obtain the services of that actor at a hugely inflated price as they know the gross profits for the films and merchandising will greatly increase. An example of this is Julia Roberts who won an Oscar for her film Erin Brockovich; “Julia Roberts has immense power because studio executives will approve almost any film she makes, knowing her presence will guarantee good box office”. However, once the actor has achieved fame and power, they then become part of the system where they able to call the shots and decide on what they will or won’t do and who they prefer to work with.


In conclusion, I think the relationship between audiences and Hollywood executives shows a symbiotic bond where they depend on each other to provide entertainment and funding to continue with entertainment. Because of the influence of Hollywood, the entertainment industry in other countries has increased in leaps and bounds such as “City of God” made in Brazil, hugely popular, and nominated for four Oscars. But it is still down to the public who will decide if the film they have seen has captured their heart and imagination and part with hard earned money to support the industry.