Paramount Pictures

Paramount logo 1914

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Paramount Pictures ad in The Film Daily, Jan-Jun 1932 (page 192 crop)

Paramount Pictures Corporation is an American film studio and subsidiary of ViacomCBS. It is the fifth oldest surviving film studio in the world, the second oldest in the United States, and the sole member of the "Big Five" film studios still located in the city limits of Los Angeles. Founded on May 8, 1912, as the Famous Players Film Company by Adolph Zukor, it was renamed Paramount Pictures in 1916.

History

Paramount Pictures traces its roots to the establishment of the Famous Players Film Company. Adolph Zukor, seeing an opportunity in the burgeoning film industry, invested in an expansion of film production and distribution. The company merged with Jesse L. Lasky's Feature Play Company in 1916, and the newly formed entity was renamed Paramount Pictures, with Zukor serving as its president.

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Paramount Pictures became known for its star system and produced films featuring some of the era's most prominent actors. The studio was also an early adopter of sound films, releasing its first sound feature, The Jazz Singer, in 1927. This era saw Paramount developing a vast theater chain and contributing significantly to the Golden Age of Hollywood with a roster of stars and a catalog of critically acclaimed films.

The 1948 United States v. Paramount Pictures, Inc. case significantly impacted the studio. The Supreme Court ruled that the studio's practice of block booking and ownership of theater chains constituted a monopoly, leading to the divestment of its theater holdings.

In the following decades, Paramount Pictures faced ups and downs, including financial difficulties in the 1960s. However, the studio rebounded in the 1970s with hits like The Godfather and Chinatown. The 1980s and 1990s saw continued success with franchises such as Star Trek and Indiana Jones.

Recent Developments

In the 21st century, Paramount Pictures has continued to produce and distribute blockbuster films, including entries in the Transformers and Mission: Impossible franchises. The studio has also embraced digital filmmaking and distribution technologies. In 2019, Paramount Pictures was integrated into ViacomCBS, now known as Paramount Global, enhancing its capabilities in film production and distribution across various platforms.

Studio Lot

The Paramount Pictures lot, located at 5555 Melrose Avenue in Hollywood, California, is historic and has been the site of numerous significant films and television shows. The lot features sound stages, production facilities, and the famous Paramount Water Tower.

Impact on the Film Industry

Paramount Pictures has played a pivotal role in the development of the film industry. Its contributions to the Golden Age of Hollywood, innovations in film production and distribution, and successful franchises have left an indelible mark on cinema.

Filmography

Paramount Pictures has an extensive filmography that includes some of the most iconic films in cinema history. Notable films produced by Paramount include The Godfather, Titanic (in partnership with 20th Century Fox), and Forrest Gump, among others.

See Also

• Hollywood
• Cinema of the United States
• List of Paramount Pictures films