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.

Introduction
Production
Distribution
Exhibition/Retail
Expanding the Industry
Promoting and Protecting the Industry
Why It Matters How Hollywood Works

Wasko's teaching areas include the political economy of communications, media theories and international communication issues. She is author, co-author or editor of 19 books including Understanding Disney: The Manufacture of Fantasy; Dazzled by Disney: The Global Disney Audience Project; and The Handbook for Political Economy of Communications. She is currently serving as the President of the International Association for Media and Communication Research.