The stability of the Golden Age eventually gave way to the "New Hollywood" of the 1970s, followed swiftly by the dawn of the blockbuster era. With the release of Jaws (1975) and Star Wars (1977), the economic model of production shifted dramatically. Studios began prioritizing "high concept" films—ideas that could be easily pitched and marketed to a mass audience. This marked the beginning of the franchise model, where intellectual property (IP) became the most valuable currency. Studios transitioned from producing movies to building universes. The acquisition of Marvel by Disney in 2009 epitomized this shift, proving that a cohesive, interconnected narrative across multiple films could generate billions in revenue through not just ticket sales, but merchandising, theme parks, and licensing. Today, a major studio production is rarely a standalone entity; it is a tentpole designed to support a vast economic infrastructure.
: The only major studio not based in the U.S. (owned by the Japanese Sony Group), though its operations are heavily centered in Hollywood. The Rise of Streaming and New Players storm of kings xxx parody brazzers 2016 web
: Since acquiring MGM in 2022, Amazon has transitioned from "awards bait" to mining a 4,000-title catalog, including the James Bond franchise, for streaming and theatrical releases. Emerging Tech and Global Giants The stability of the Golden Age eventually gave
In 2025, three major studios controlled nearly of the North American box office. This marked the beginning of the franchise model,
: Recently merged into Paramount Skydance , the studio focuses on high-octane theatrical experiences such as Mission: Impossible and Top Gun . Leading Independent and "Mini-Major" Productions