Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and global distribution of film and TV content across all platforms. It is one of the oldest and most successful film studios, with a history dating back to 1924.
MGM was founded through the merger of three film studios: Metro Pictures, Goldwyn Pictures, and Mayer Pictures. The studio was immediately successful, and it quickly became one of the most dominant studios in Hollywood.
MGM was known for producing high-quality films in a variety of genres. The studio's musical were particularly popular, and they helped to make MGM the "Dream Factory" of Hollywood. MGM also produced a number of classic films in other genres, including dramas, comedies, and epics.
Some of MGM's most famous films include:
- The Wizard of Oz (1939)
- Gone with the Wind (1939)
- Singin' in the Rain (1952)
- Ben-Hur (1959)
- West Side Story (1961)
- 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
- Rocky (1976)
- The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
- 12 Angry Men (1957)
- The Pink Panther (1963)
- Legally Blonde (2001)
- Skyfall (2012)
MGM was also a pioneer in many areas of filmmaking. The studio was one of the first studios to adopt sound recording and color film. MGM also developed a number of innovative special effects techniques.
MGM's films have won numerous Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and other prestigious awards. The studio has also been praised for its contributions to the cultural heritage of the United States.
In addition to its film business, MGM also has a thriving television division. The studio produces a number of popular shows, including:
- The Handmaid's Tale (Hulu)
- Survivor (CBS)
- Shark Tank (ABC)
- The Real Housewives franchise (Bravo)
- Vikings (History Channel)
- Stargate (Syfy)
Here are some additional details about MGM's history and impact on the film industry:
- MGM was one of the first studios to implement the "star system," in which actors were signed to long-term contracts and promoted as stars. This system helped to create the cult of celebrity that is still prevalent today.
- MGM was also one of the first studios to invest in foreign markets. The studio opened offices in major cities around the world and produced films in a variety of languages. This helped to make MGM a global brand.
- MGM's films have had a significant impact on popular culture. Many of the studio's characters and storylines have become iconic, and they continue to be referenced in films, television shows, and other media.
History
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) is one of the most iconic film studios in Hollywood, with a rich history that spans over 90 years. Here's a brief overview of the studio's history:
- The Early Years (1923-1929): MGM was founded in 1923 by Marcus Loew, a theater magnate who owned a chain of movie theaters across the United States. Loew's vision was to create a studio that would produce high-quality films that would appeal to a broad audience. The studio's first production was the film "The Big Parade," which was a huge success and helped establish MGM as a major player in Hollywood.
- The Golden Age of Hollywood (1930-1949): During the 1930s and 1940s, MGM became known as the "Tiffany of studios" due to its reputation for producing glossy, sophisticated films. The studio's roster of stars included Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, and Spencer Tracy, and it produced many classic films, such as "Gone with the Wind," "The Wizard of Oz," and "Singin' in the Rain."
- The Decline of the Studio System (1950-1969): In the 1950s and 1960s, the studio system began to decline, and MGM faced increased competition from independent producers and television. The studio continued to produce successful films, such as "The Seven Year Itch" and "Ben-Hur," but it also faced financial difficulties and creative challenges.
- The Merger (1970-1981): In 1970, MGM merged with United Artists, another major Hollywood studio. The merger was intended to create a more competitive entity, but it ultimately led to a period of decline for MGM. The studio continued to produce films, but it struggled to regain its former glory.
- The Revival (1982-1999): In 1982, MGM was purchased by Kirk Kerkorian, a wealthy businessman who had a passion for film. Kerkorian invested heavily in the studio and attempted to restore its former glory. During this period, MGM produced a number of successful films, including "Rocky III," "The Terminator," and "Thelma & Louise."
- The Modern Era (2000-Present): In the 2000s, MGM continued to produce films, but it also faced new challenges in the form of digital technology and changing audience habits. The studio has adapted to these changes by investing in new technologies and diversifying its production slate. MGM became a subsidiary of the media conglomerate Warner Bros. and continues to produce and distribute films and television shows.
MGM And Amazon
MGM and Amazon Video set up a content licensing agreement that allowed Amazon to distribute MGM's films and television shows on its streaming platform. Under this agreement, Amazon gained access to MGM's vast library of content, which includes classic films and TV shows, as well as more recent productions.
The agreement between MGM and Amazon allowed Amazon to offer MGM's content to its subscribers in the United States and internationally. This means that Amazon Prime Video subscribers could stream MGM's films and TV shows, including popular titles such as "The Wizard of Oz," "Gone with the Wind," "The Terminator," and "Thelma & Louise."
In addition to licensing its content to Amazon, MGM had also produced original content for Amazon Prime Video. For example, in 2020, MGM produced the original series "The Outsider," which was based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King. The series was exclusively available on Amazon Prime Video and starred Ben Mendelsohn, Cynthia Erivo, and Bill Camp.
Acquisition and Merger:
- March 2022: Amazon completed the acquisition of MGM Holdings for $8.5 billion. This deal included MGM's vast library of over 4,000 films and 17,000 TV episodes, iconic franchises like James Bond and Rocky, and the Epix cable network.
- October 2023: Amazon Studios merged with MGM Holdings, forming Amazon MGM Studios. This new entity combines the production and distribution capabilities of both studios, leveraging MGM's legacy with Amazon's resources and global reach.
Content Distribution:
- Direct Access on Prime Video: Some MGM content, particularly older films and TV shows, are directly available to Prime Video subscribers as part of the standard subscription.
- MGM+ Channel: Prime Video offers an optional add-on subscription called MGM+, which provides access to a wider selection of MGM movies and TV shows, including newer releases and originals.
- Licensing to Other Platforms: In May 2023, Amazon launched Amazon MGM Studios Distribution, a new unit that licenses select Amazon Originals and MGM content to other streaming services and cable providers. This allows Amazon to monetize its content beyond its own platforms.
Overall, the relationship between MGM and Amazon Prime Video is one of ownership and integration. Amazon now owns MGM's vast library and production capabilities, and is leveraging them to expand its own streaming offerings and compete more effectively in the streaming wars. While some MGM content is directly available on Prime Video, some still requires an additional subscription through MGM+ or may be licensed to other platforms. This multi-pronged approach allows Amazon to cater to different viewer preferences and maximize the reach of its content.
There are some additional points to consider:
- The integration of MGM and Amazon Studios is still ongoing, and the full impact on content production and distribution is yet to be seen.
- There have been recent reports of layoffs within Amazon MGM Studios, indicating some potential restructuring and streamlining efforts.
- The future of the Epix cable network under Amazon ownership remains uncertain.