Universal Studios Research Paper

Universal Studios (also referred to an Universal Pictures or simply Universal) is an American film studio owned by Comcast through the Universal Filmed Entertainment Group division of its wholly owned subsidiary NBC Universal. The company was founded in 1912, is the oldest surviving film studio in the United States. The oldest in terms of the overall film market. Its studios are located in Universal City, California, and its corporate offices are located in New York City. Universal Studios is a member of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPPA) and is one of Hollywood “Big Six” studios. The Universal umbrella covers a multitude of entertainment ventures, including the production and distribution of motion pictures and music. Other Universal operations include book publishing, concert promotion, theme parks, management of six amphitheaters, and the licensing and marketing of products inspired by its films. Additionally, Universal operates the Spencer Gifts retail chain with more than 500 stores across the country and has a 25 percent stake in Loews Cineplex Entertainment, which operates about 450 movie theaters.

Universal Studios' major competitors in the entertainment business include: AMC Entertainment;
As it has done since its birth, Universal Studio has tried to ensure a great margin of success for motion picture productions by contracting the most talented and popular actors. As the year 2000 neared, Universal strategists were putting their money on the company’s film production and music businesses, spinning off most pf its television operations to USA Network Inc. The company's intention to expand its investment in the music business was underscored when Seagram announced an agreement to acquire PolyGram. PolyGram joined Universal's Music Division, already home to MCA Records, Geffen Records, and Universal