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Hollywood Cinema Domination


1. What might be the reasons for Hollywood's domination of global film production and distribution? Try to think of economic, technological, historic, or even geographical factors.
I think one of the more obvious reasons why Hollywood dominates global film production is because Hollywood has the budget. I would guess that wherever the most interest for an industry lies, is where it will reside. In the U.S. we have a huge dependence on entertainment. I'm sure other countries are very interested in entertainment as well but maybe we are willing to put more money towards it.

Also, it seems that America is somewhat of a novelty to other countries. This is shown through our music being just as huge overseas as it is here. TV shows do just as well in other countries and may be syndicated much longer. Films would be no different. This is similar to globalization, but more specifically to Americanization; spreading american trends world-wide.

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MEDIA GIANTS

As we've discussed, the bulk of the media industry can be traced to 6 primary media giants. Companies that own and control large amounts of media outlets and their subdivisions. From a business standpoint, buying out competing channels and outlets seems reasonable, but from a consumer standpoint it is restraining us from the bias free information we need and deserve.

Most channels we watch can be traced to just a few major companies. These companies will have their  own views that will be represented in the mediums they control. Yes they may say they are bias free or they are following their duty to publish the truth but no matter what, the way information is presents will reflect how the head company feels about it. If information cannot be presented in a pleasing way, as viewed by the major company, then it may not be published.

This process of few owners over large portions of the media industry also means products and services are being pushed that are produced by the subdivisions of the companies. Disney for example, owns many corporations and outlets and can therefore push their many products through any of these channels.

We may think that since we are watching separate news channels we would be receiving all the information we can, but chances are they are owned by the same company and therefore presenting the same news in the same way.

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Globalization.

I feel there are definite high points, as well as low points to this.

On the positive side, globalizing our world allows all different cultures to interact. This could lead to wider acceptance and knowledge of each other, allowing us to progress in ways we've never seen before. Along with sharing knowledge, means allowing an even speedier wave of technological advancements to arise. Everyone working together allows informations only known by one to be shared to all, allowing the thought processes to flow together. If this were to fully happen, I can't imagine the things that could be created.

On the negative side, there are many problems that can come of globalization. One thought I had was it could be possible to begin to lose cultural differences. Some may see this as a good thing, but I believe it is important to keep some of these characteristics because it allows us to see a different way of living, what others put value on. It can give us a good perspective on things. Globalization also means more jobs being exported or relying on other nations for supplies we need. Coming from a small town, I see immediate effects of this and it doesn't leave a good feeling.

Globalization can lead to many great achievements, which I fully support. But overall, I'm help back in my encouragement by the employment factor. Until we can develop stronger ideas to keep jobs here, or create new jobs to replace those exported, I cannot fully support the ideas of globalization. I believe that in time we might find a balance to this, and I hope we do.