Description
Book SynopsisHollywood's Film Wars with France examines how Hollywood was able to establish a permanent dominance over the French market for motion pictures by using monopolistic trade practices and diplomatic pressure. Hollywood's Film Wars with France examines how Hollywood was able to establish a permanent dominance over the French market for motion pictures. This history of American film policy towards France is documented by a wealthof diplomatic correspondence, which reveals that American exports were promoted through close collaboration between the State Department, the United States Embassy in France, the Department of Commerce, and the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America [MPPDA]. It is based on hitherto unstudied documents from these institutions. While European film production was at a standstill after World War I, Hollywood companies flooded the European marketwith hundreds of films at very low prices. Hollywood's dominant position should not be considered as solely the result of successful collaboration between corporate capitalism and the federal government in Washington, but also asthe failure of the French government to provide proper assistance to its film industry. The support French film producers obtained from their government did not begin to compare with the whole-hearted support Hollywood received from the MPPDA. This book shows how Hollywood has upheld its dominant position in France by using monopolistic trade practices and diplomatic pressure. Hollywood's prominence must be considered the result of manipulations of the international political economy involving the interplay of economics and politics in the world arena. Jens Ulff-Moller is in the Department of Film and Media Studies at the University of Copenhagen.
Trade ReviewThis clearly argued, well-documented expose of the French model has application to the film industry around the globe. * CHOICE *
Excellent book. * HISTORY *
It deserves praise for disclosing a wealth of primary sources and statistical material, and for stressing dangers of European regulations towards new industries. Hollywood's Film Wars will undoubtedly be consulted by many future scholars trying to explain Hollywood's dominance and endurance. * THE EMERGENCE OF MODERN MARKETING *
Table of ContentsStructural Differences The Effect of Cinema Law Export Trade Legislation and Administration Franco-American Film Diplomacy
