Making a living in the industry of television and film can be a hectic time, but it can also be incredibly rewarding for some individuals depending on their situation and passion for acting, directing, or otherwise impacting shows and movies. Making a piece that shows up in theaters or on TV is pretty unique and it has a lot behind the scenes that you don’t know or think about. The same goes for Hollywood’s industries as a whole or what’s commonly referred to as showbiz. What don’t we know about this career and society that we indulge in? Here are some things that we can bet you didn’t know about showbiz.
Not a Film Town
The start of Hollywood was actually meant to avoid film and movie production, and movie theaters themselves had even been banned in this town up until 1910 when Hollywood merged with Los Angeles. Since L.A. had more jurisdiction once together, the town started to loosen its grip on movie bans.
Pay Shifts
Unlike most traditional jobs, working in the showbiz industry means signing up for some level of variability in your pay. This is especially true for actors and actresses, who can sign contracts based off of box office payouts, single sum payments, TV ratings, and so on. Pay is actually extremely varied in the world of Hollywood.
Early Start
Within a couple decades after Hollywood claiming its name, movies and film making projects and equipment were already coming into town. The first movie produced in Hollywood was only 17 minutes long but it was filmed in 1910. This film was titled In Old Hollywood, and it paved the way for many more ideas to come into fruition.
Iconic Accident
Most people know Hollywood by its iconic sign sitting on a hill. However, the original sign read “Hollywoodland” which was meant to advertise a real estate development in the town for a short time period. The development failed, but the sign remained up until townsfolk removed the “land” in 1949.
Pay to Play
We all know or at least imagine that much of Hollywood and Los Angeles as a whole is quite expensive. But some of the most known traditions or honors of famous folk actually have some hidden price points. For example, having a star on the walk of fame costs $30,000.
Coincidence at Best
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Thomas Edison’s company had patented a great deal of film making products and rights. This meant that the company heavily persecuted individuals and other companies for using anything related to the patents. So, film producers moved far westward to Hollywood where it was harder to chase.
This and many other factoids can be pretty unique to the idea and development of Hollywood itself as a town and as an industry standard, since so much of the showbiz world takes place in or revolves around the town. There’s so much to know and to learn when it comes to your favorite television productions, actors, actresses, or directors! If you like to enjoy movies and shows with your friends or family, you can share some of these interesting tidbits about showbiz with them to share in the fun and think a little deeper the next time you all enjoy a new or favorite television production together.