Vertical and Horizontal Integration

This diagram shows how vertical and horizontal integration works within the film industry.  

Film Production Companies

There are six main film production companies, these are referred to as the "Big Six" as they are responsible for 90% of all box office takings. The "Big Six" consists of: 

- Paramount Pictures
- Universal
- 20th Century Fox
- Warner Bros.
- Walt Disney
- Columbia


Although they may not be part of the "Big Six" there are many other film production companies that are successful in the film industry but do not earn a substantial amount of money and are not very well known. These are usually referred to as "Indies" Some examples of "Indie" production companies are: 

- Summit Entertainment
- Film 4 Productons
- Icon Productions


There is also a middle ground, where the production company is not successful enough to be as big as some of the "Big Six", however they are relatively successful and much bigger than the "Indie" production companies. These are referred to as "Mini-Majors". Some examples of "Mini-Majors" are: 

- Dreamworks
- The Weinstein Company 
- Lions Gate Entertainment

Studio Idents

Every film production company has an ident that is the first thing played when a film starts, before the title sequence and the opening credits. These idents are usually approximately 2-10 seconds long and are put there so the viewer can recognise the production company that funded the movie.