Janet Wasko

Since the 1930s, the Walt Disney Company has produced characters, images, and stories that have captivated audiences around the world. How can we understand the appeal of Disney products? What is it about the Disney phenomenon that attracts so many children, as well as adults? In this updated second edition, with new examples provided throughout, Janet Wasko examines the processes by which the Disney company – one of the largest media and entertainment corporations in the world – continues to manufacture the fantasies that enthrall millions. She analyses the historical expansion of the Disney empire into the twenty-first century, examines the content of Disney’s classic and more recent films, cartoons and TV programs and discusses how they are produced, considering how some of the same techniques have been applied to the Disney theme parks. She also discusses the reception (and sometimes, reinterpretation) of Disney products by different kinds of audiences. By looking at the Disney phenomenon from a variety of perspectives, she provides an updated and comprehensive overview of one of the most significant media and cultural institutions of our time. This important book by a leading scholar of the entertainment industries will be of great interest to students in media and cultural studies, as well as a broader readership of Disney fans.

Since the 1930s, the Walt Disney Company has produced characters, images, and stories that have captivated audiences around the world. How can we understand the appeal of Disney products? What is it about the Disney phenomenon that attracts so many children, as well as adults? In this updated second edition, with new examples provided throughout, Janet Wasko examines the processes by which the Disney company – one of the largest media and entertainment corporations in the world – continues to manufacture the fantasies that enthrall millions. She analyses the historical expansion of the Disney empire into the twenty-first century, examines the content of Disney’s classic and more recent films, cartoons and TV programs and discusses how they are produced, considering how some of the same techniques have been applied to the Disney theme parks. She also discusses the reception (and sometimes, reinterpretation) of Disney products by different kinds of audiences. By looking at the Disney phenomenon from a variety of perspectives, she provides an updated and comprehensive overview of one of the most significant media and cultural institutions of our time. This important book by a leading scholar of the entertainment industries will be of great interest to students in media and cultural studies, as well as a broader readership of Disney fans.

This is a book about the US motion picture industry - its structure and policies, its operations and practices. It looks at the processes that are involved in turning raw materials and labor into feature films. It describes the process of film production, distribution, exhibition and retail - a process that involves different markets where materials, labor and products are bought and sold. In other words, this is a book about how Hollywood works - as an industry. How Hollywood Works: - offers an up-to-date survey of the policies and structure of the US film industry - looks at the relationship between the film industry and other media industries - examines the role of the major studios and the other 'players' - including, law firms, talent agents, and trade unions and guilds - provides access to hard-to-find statistical information on the industry While many books describe the film production and marketing process, they usually do so from an industry perspective and few look at Hollywood critically from within a more general economic, political and social context. By offering just such a critique, Janet Wasko's text provides a timely and essential analysis of how Hollywood works for all students of film and media.

This is a book about the US motion picture industry - its structure and policies, its operations and practices. It looks at the processes that are involved in turning raw materials and labor into feature films. It describes the process of film production, distribution, exhibition and retail - a process that involves different markets where materials, labor and products are bought and sold. In other words, this is a book about how Hollywood works - as an industry. How Hollywood Works: - offers an up-to-date survey of the policies and structure of the US film industry - looks at the relationship between the film industry and other media industries - examines the role of the major studios and the other 'players' - including, law firms, talent agents, and trade unions and guilds - provides access to hard-to-find statistical information on the industry While many books describe the film production and marketing process, they usually do so from an industry perspective and few look at Hollywood critically from within a more general economic, political and social context. By offering just such a critique, Janet Wasko's text provides a timely and essential analysis of how Hollywood works for all students of film and media.

This is a major new assessment of the American movie industry in the 1990's, focusing on the development of new communication technologies such as cable and home video and examining their impact on the production and distribution of motion pictures.

This is a major new assessment of the American movie industry in the 1990's, focusing on the development of new communication technologies such as cable and home video and examining their impact on the production and distribution of motion pictures.

Dallas W. Smythe has made important contributions to the study of the political economy of communications, as well as to the critical study of communication and information. His work has probed the neglected corners of the academic study of communication research, challenging and inspiring students and researchers for nearly 50 years. Celebrating Dallas Smythe, this volume includes 19 articles that draw on his work and furthur challenge existing communications structures and policies. The contributions examine case studies of the political economy of communication and information from various perspectives as well as exploring international communications issues and media/audience analysis.

Dallas W. Smythe has made important contributions to the study of the political economy of communications, as well as to the critical study of communication and information. His work has probed the neglected corners of the academic study of communication research, challenging and inspiring students and researchers for nearly 50 years. Celebrating Dallas Smythe, this volume includes 19 articles that draw on his work and furthur challenge existing communications structures and policies. The contributions examine case studies of the political economy of communication and information from various perspectives as well as exploring international communications issues and media/audience analysis.

This volume is the first in-depth study of the relationship between Hollywood and its financiers from the early film entrepeneuers who established the trade at the turn of the century, through the present day multinational, diversified film coporations that dominate the communication/entertainment industry of the world. Specific case studies are drawn from primary sources and crucial questions of financial control and corporate power are examined in light of their broader implications for media production and distribution.