Twentieth Century Fox

Twentieth Century Fox. It was one of the major American film studios and a subsidiary of Fox Entertainment Group for much of its history. Founded in 1935 through the merger of Fox Film and Twentieth Century Pictures, the studio became renowned for its innovative productions and business acumen. Its iconic logo and fanfare remain among the most recognizable symbols in global entertainment.

History

The studio's origins trace to the early 20th century with William Fox's pioneering work in film distribution and exhibition, leading to the establishment of Fox Film. The 1935 merger with the smaller but talent-rich Twentieth Century Pictures, led by Darryl F. Zanuck and Joseph M. Schenck, created a formidable new entity. Under Zanuck's long tenure as production chief, the studio flourished, producing acclaimed works like *The Grapes of Wrath* and launching the career of child star Shirley Temple. The post-war era saw the studio embrace technological innovation with CinemaScope, most famously in the biblical epic *The Robe*. Later decades were marked by blockbuster successes like *Star Wars* and *Avatar*, as well as corporate changes including its acquisition by News Corporation under Rupert Murdoch. In 2019, its core entertainment assets were sold to The Walt Disney Company, while its broadcasting and news assets were spun off into the new Fox Corporation.

Filmography

The studio's filmography is vast and influential, spanning every genre. Its early prestige was built on dramas like *How Green Was My Valley* and musicals starring Betty Grable. The 1950s and 1960s featured epic spectacles such as *The King and I* and *Cleopatra*, the latter nearly bankrupting the studio. A new golden age began in the 1970s with groundbreaking hits from directors like George Lucas (*Star Wars*) and Steven Spielberg (producing *Poltergeist*). The studio dominated the 1990s and 2000s with franchises including the *X-Men* series, *Ice Age*, and *Night at the Museum*. Its final years as an independent entity were defined by the record-shattering success of James Cameron's *Avatar*, which became the highest-grossing film of all time.

Corporate affairs

For most of its existence, the studio operated as a publicly traded company, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. Its corporate structure underwent significant changes after its 1985 acquisition by Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation, becoming a key pillar of a global media conglomerate. This period saw the expansion of its television division, 20th Television, and the integration with sister entities like the Fox Broadcasting Company. Major corporate ventures included the formation of Fox Searchlight Pictures for independent and award-winning films like Slumdog Millionaire. The landmark 2019 acquisition by The Walt Disney Company led to the absorption of its film and television studios, while the remaining assets, including the Fox Broadcasting Company and Fox News, were reorganized under the newly formed Fox Corporation.

Studios and facilities

The studio's primary production hub was the historic Fox Studio Lot located in the Century City district of Los Angeles. Originally the home of Fox Film, the lot expanded significantly over the decades and housed soundstages, backlots, and post-production facilities. Another major facility was the Fox Ranch in Malibu, California, used for westerns and outdoor scenes. The studio also operated international offices and partnered with facilities worldwide for location shooting. Its distribution and marketing operations were global in scale, with key offices in New York City, London, and Tokyo. The physical assets of the studio lot were included in the sale to The Walt Disney Company.

Legacy and impact

The studio left an indelible mark on global popular culture through its iconic films, stars, and technological contributions. Its development and promotion of CinemaScope revolutionized the theatrical experience in the 1950s, helping to combat the threat of television. The *Star Wars* franchise fundamentally altered film merchandising, licensing, and the concept of the modern blockbuster. The studio's television division, through series like The Simpsons and *24*, shaped the landscape of primetime entertainment. Its corporate history, culminating in the 2019 acquisition, represents a pivotal moment in the consolidation of the media industry. The studio's vast library, now under the stewardship of The Walt Disney Company, ensures its cinematic achievements will continue to be celebrated for generations.

Category:Film studios of the United States Category:Companies based in Los Angeles Category:Defunct film studios