The Studio System and Actors

Back in the early days of film, studios were set-up a lot like major record labels are today. They would have star actors (musicians), and they were only in movies filmed by that particular studio.

Often times these actors were typecast into certain roles after being discovered in their breakout role. Studios then made more movies with that actor, but the movie was often in the same genre. For this reason, studios started to become known by the genres of movies they made. This only reinforced the typecast on the actors.

For example, Humphrey Bogart became a star for Warner Bros. Pictures. He was typecast as a tough guy criminal when Warner Bros. was known for its gangster movies. Then when gangster movies were ushered out Bogart became a detective. So, Warner Bros. became known for their detective movies. In this way, studios were really dependent on actors because their way of making a profit depended on the fans of the actors they employed.