Film Production Companies Key Terms

Act smart when discussing film production and the major corporations in the industry

By Kristan Hart

Corporate conglomerates make up most of the marketplace when it comes to major film production companies. One corporation can own several film production companies, with each company serving its own niche in the marketplace. In fact, it's possible to find an independent film company, an animation studio, and a major movie production company all owned by the same corporation. Film production companies key terms includes these parent companies where you'll find reputable and renowned film production companies.

Fox Filmed Entertainment

The Fox Filmed Entertainment group is a worldwide recognized film production company. One of its studios, Twentieth Century Fox, produced some of the biggest money-makers of all time, including Titanic, which is one of the most successful movies of all time.
Try: News Corporation, the owner of Fox Filmed Entertainment, details the company's involvement in film production and provides web links to all of its studios: 20th Century Fox, 20th Century Fox Espanol, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, 20th Century Fox International, 20th Century Fox Television, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Fox Studios Australia, Fox Studios LA, Fox Television Studios, and Blue Sky Studios.

Paramount Pictures Corp.

Paramount Pictures Corp. is a major player in the film production industry, producing major motion pictures that appeal to a diverse audience. Paramount Pictures Corp. owns Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Films.
Try: Viacom is the owner of Paramount Pictures, and you can read about the company's Filmed Entertainment segment on its website. You can read about each individual film company by clicking on the company name on the menu at the left.

Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment and its subsidiaries are responsible for many large and small budget films across the globe. Sony Pictures Entertainment includes the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, which releases about 25 films per year. Included in that group is Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Classics, Screen Gems, and TriStar Pictures.
Try: Read about Sony Pictures Entertainment on the company's website.

MGM

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) is a major independent motion picture production and distribution company, producing more than 4,000 movies. The major film production company, United Artists, falls under the MGM umbrella. An investor consortium consists of Equity Partners, TPG, Sony Corporation of America, Comcast Corporation, DLJ Merchant Banking Partners, and Quadrangle Group.
Try: The company's website hosts a wealth of information about MGM Studios.

NBC Universal

NBC Universal houses several major film production companies: Universal Pictures, Focus Features and Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Universal Pictures is recognized for its achievement of both popular success and critical acclaim through its films. Focus Features brings innovative stories and films from filmmakers all over the world to the big screen. Universal Studios Home Entertainment handles the transfer of production to DVD.
Try: NBC Universal details the role of its three main film production companies on its website.

Time Warner

Time Warner houses some big names in entertainment: AOL, Turner Broadcasting System and Time, Inc. However, it's ownership of film production companies also makes it a name in the film industry.
Try: Time Warner owns Warner Bros. Entertainment, a leading global film production company. Time Warner also owns HBO, which produces films under the name HBO Films.