Franchising as a strategy of national feature distribution in the 1910s: The case of the triangle film corporation

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

This chapter examines a hybrid form of national feature-film distribution used in the United States from the mid-1910s until at least the early 1920s: the franchise system. This system constituted a transitional model of film distribution that combined the features of the state rights system typically used for multi-reel features and the centralized release program used for short films. By combining the income and circulation benefits of state rights with the coordination, pricing, and branding advantages of program booking, franchising enabled feature distributors to build a national distribution network quickly and without significant capital investment. Through case studies of the Triangle Film Corporation and the First National Exhibitors' Circuit, this chapter details the advantages and disadvantages of the franchise system before it became a marginal practice used by Poverty Row distributors.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationThe Oxford Handbook of Silent Cinema
PublisherOxford University Press
Pages460-480
Number of pages21
ISBN (Electronic)9780190496715
ISBN (Print)9780190496692
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 22 2024

Keywords

  • Film distribution
  • First National
  • Franchise
  • State rights system
  • Triangle film corporation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Social Sciences

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