20th Century Fox, once a titan of film and television production, has a rich history that intertwines with the evolution of Hollywood. From classic films such as “The Sound of Music” and “Star Wars” to the long-running television series “The Simpsons,” 20th Century Fox has permeated the entertainment landscape with a vast array of beloved media assets. However, 20th Century Fox’s ownership landscape saw a significant shift with its acquisition by The Walt Disney Company, marking a new chapter for the storied studio.
The acquisition by Disney brought about a restructuring that led to the creation of new subsidiaries, transfer of media assets, and a reshaping of the industry. As a result, the legacy and the portfolio of 20th Century Fox continue to influence global media through its integration within Disney’s extensive collection of intellectual properties, networks, and streaming services. Although the iconic name has experienced changes, the influence of its film and television productions resonates across the entertainment sector, challenging competitors and altering the broadcasting and streaming landscape.
Key Takeaways
- 20th Century Fox has contributed significantly to film and TV, now existing under Disney’s umbrella.
- The acquisition by Disney has redefined 20th Century Fox’s media assets and industry impact.
- Despite corporate changes, the studio’s legacy endures through its content and global influence.
History of 20th Century Fox
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Tracing its roots back to the early 20th century, 20th Century Fox emerged as a powerhouse in the film industry through strategic mergers, significant expansion, and pivotal leadership under Rupert Murdoch.
Founding and Early Years
20th Century Fox had its inception with the creation of Fox Film by William Fox. In 1935, it merged with Twentieth Century Pictures, which was established by Joseph Schenck and Darryl F. Zanuck, resulting in the formation of the Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation. This entity established a strong foundation in the film industry, quickly building a reputation for producing both quality pictures and fostering significant talent.
Expansion and Success
The studio saw considerable growth and success over the years, becoming known for iconic films like The Sound of Music and Star Wars. The merger not only expanded their library of content but also allowed them to have a more significant influence on the industry, positioning them as one of the leading studios in Hollywood.
Rupert Murdoch and News Corp Era
In the mid-1980s, the company caught the attention of Rupert Murdoch, who, through his company News Corp, purchased 20th Century Fox. This acquisition marked a new chapter as the company expanded into television, sports, and news, diversifying its portfolio well beyond its origins in motion picture entertainment.
Acquisition by The Walt Disney Company
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ltQ_2by2UY&embed=true
In a historic move, The Walt Disney Company acquired 20th Century Fox, significantly altering the media and entertainment landscape.
Announcement
On December 14, 2017, it was announced that The Walt Disney Company intended to acquire 21st Century Fox. The deal was valued at approximately $52.4 billion in stock. This announcement marked the beginning of a new chapter for both entities, sparking industry-wide discussions about the potential implications.
Completion
The acquisition was completed on March 20, 2019. The final purchase price swelled to $71.3 billion after a bidding war with Comcast. By closing this deal, Walt Disney Company not only acquired 20th Century Fox but also a broad assortment of other entertainment assets, including the FX and National Geographic networks.
Impact on the Industry
The industry felt the impact immediately as Disney rebranded some of Fox’s assets and integrated them into its expansive portfolio. The merging of these giants meant that Disney fortified its position in the entertainment industry. This acquisition also set a precedent for future media consolidations and raised questions about the changing landscape of media production and distribution.
Subsidiaries and Media Assets
The media landscape is rich with the creative output of various 20th Century Fox subsidiaries. Each entity specializes in its market, from television to animation, shaping entertainment across multiple platforms.
20th Century Fox Television
20th Century Fox Television is notable for producing a wide array of popular television series that have resonated with audiences around the globe. Their productions often feature bold narratives that push the boundaries of TV storytelling.
Fox Searchlight Pictures
Fox Searchlight Pictures stands out with its commitment to independent film, often bringing evocative storytelling and innovative filmmaking to the forefront of cinema. It’s a go-to subsidiary for films that make a cultural splash.
Blue Sky Studios
Also within the family was Blue Sky Studios, renowned for its animation prowess. They created a number of cherished animated feature films, leaving an endearing mark on viewers’ hearts through colorful storytelling and lovable characters.
Fox 2000
Though now dissolved, Fox 2000 was a subsidiary that focused on producing films that bridged the gap between arthouse and mainstream, delivering numerous critically acclaimed titles throughout its history.
Each of these entities has significantly contributed to the industry by offering a diverse slate of media, from television to film, and they continue to be integral parts of 20th Century Fox’s media empire.
Film and Television Productions
20th Century Studios, historically recognized as 20th Century Fox, has an extensive portfolio of content in both film and television. They’ve produced some of the most memorable movies and television shows, leaving an indelible mark on entertainment.
Iconic Movies
Among the crowning achievements in film, 20th Century Studios has been responsible for the production of record-breaking blockbusters such as Avatar, the sci-fi epic that still captivates audiences with its breathtaking visuals and innovative storytelling. Another titan of cinema under their belt is Titanic, a historical drama that combined a poignant love story with the tragic maritime disaster of 1912.
Television Successes
In television, the studio’s impact is equally significant. They’ve produced a variety of successful series that span different genres, from comedy to drama. However, not every venture was a success; productions like Dark Phoenix faced challenges and did not perform as expected, demonstrating that even the most established studios encounter setbacks.
The Simpsons Legacy
The legacy of The Simpsons, one of television’s longest-running and most beloved animated series, is a testament to the studio’s success on the small screen. The show has become a cultural phenomenon, consistently drawing in viewers with its satirical take on a typical American family.
Impact on Broadcasting and Streaming
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The acquisition of 20th Century Fox has led to significant changes in the landscape of broadcasting and streaming. These changes reflect a strategic move in content distribution and access for viewers across various platforms.
Fox Broadcasting Company
The Fox Broadcasting Company remains a major player in television, providing a wide array of programming to a diverse audience. Despite its separation from 21st Century Fox’s film and television assets, the network continues to broadcast popular shows and events, maintaining its position in the national television landscape.
Fox Sports
Fox Sports continues to be a leading sports broadcaster. With the deal, it retains the rights to broadcast major sporting events under the Fox brand. This ensures that sports fans can still access their favorite games and matches, including Sunday NFL games and MLB coverage.
Hulu and Disney+
Through the acquisition, Disney gained a significant stake in Hulu, which has become one of the key on-demand streaming services in the market. This complements Disney’s launch of its own service, Disney+, expanding the company’s streaming offerings. With a vast library of content, including 20th Century Fox titles, Hulu and Disney+ offer viewers a rich selection of movies and TV shows.
Intellectual Property and Franchises
20th Century Fox has been a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, boasting ownership of a substantial portfolio of intellectual property. Notably, their assets have included fan-favorite Marvel characters and the legendary Star Wars universe, along with a variety of other distinguished franchises.
Marvel Properties
20th Century Fox once had the cinematic rights to a significant portion of Marvel’s character roster. Most prominently, they owned the X-Men, a team of superheroes with diverse powers and backstories that have captivated audiences for decades. Additionally, the Fantastic Four, another Marvel superhero team known for their cosmic adventures and scientific discovery, were also part of Fox’s holdings.
Star Wars and Lucasfilm
Prior to Disney’s acquisition, Fox did not own Lucasfilm but had distribution rights to the original Star Wars movies. This historic partnership resulted in the release of some of the most iconic and genre-defining films in cinema. The relationship with Star Wars extended from the groundbreaking 1977 release through the subsequent sequels in the original trilogy.
Other Notable Franchises
Outside of Marvel and Lucasfilm, Fox controlled a diverse array of franchises appealing to different audiences. This included the Ice Age series, which chronicles the adventures of a mismatched group of prehistoric animals. These animated films have found great success with family audiences, combining humor with heartfelt storytelling.
For more detailed insights into Disney’s acquisition of Fox’s entertainment properties, readers can explore further through Screen Rant’s summary of Disney’s new assets from Fox, or IndieWire’s compilation of film franchises now under Disney’s ownership.
Industry Relationships and Competition
In the ever-shifting landscape of entertainment, 20th Century Fox has established itself with a respected lineup of film and television content. However, its ownership by Disney has marked a significant change in its company dynamics, particularly concerning the way it relates to and competes with other giants in the industry.
NBCUniversal and Comcast
NBCUniversal, after its acquisition by Comcast, has become a media and entertainment behemoth. This puts it in direct competition with entities like 20th Century Fox, especially in the realms of cable television and motion picture production. With Comcast’s vast distribution network and NBCUniversal’s strong lineup of film studios and broadcast channels, they pose a competitive threat in terms of market share and content distribution.
WarnerMedia and AT&T
Likewise, WarnerMedia, owned by AT&T, represents another key player in the industry with its substantial film and television assets. Notable WarnerMedia properties compete head-to-head with 20th Century Fox’s offerings, particularly in cinema where Warner Bros. has a prolific and successful film production history. AT&T’s vast resources and intention to merge media distribution with telecom services increase the pressure on other companies in the field, including 20th Century Fox.
Netflix and Paramount
Additionally, the rise of streaming services like Netflix has disrupted traditional media distribution, challenging the established studios like 20th Century Fox. Netflix’s aggressive content strategy and focus on original programming have forced more traditional companies to rethink their distribution models. Meanwhile, Paramount, another historic studio, also competes in this space but collaborates with Netflix on occasion by providing content, showing a complex interplay between collaboration and competition.
Corporate Restructuring and Future Direction
With the completion of The Walt Disney Company’s acquisition, a new company emerged — Fox Corporation. This restructuring saw media assets being realigned and, inevitably, changes to the workforce.
Fox Corp Formation
Fox Corporation was formed following Disney’s acquisition of most of 21st Century Fox’s assets. The transition led to the creation of a standalone entity consisting of the parts of the former conglomerate not included in the sale, particularly focusing on news, sports, and broadcast television.
Business Realignment
The acquisition by Disney resulted in a significant realignment of the businesses under the Fox umbrella. On the financial side, the $71.3 billion deal marked one of the most sizeable media mergers in history, with The Wall Street Journal detailing the combination of some of Hollywood’s biggest content creators. The deal altered the landscape of media ownership, reallocating assets like the 20th Century Fox film studio and other entertainment enterprises to Disney’s vast portfolio.
Workforce Changes
As a natural consequence of such a sizeable corporate merger, workforce changes were inevitable. Layoffs were one aspect of the broader restructuring efforts, with both the acquiring and acquired companies seeking to integrate operations smoothly and efficiently. This shift had a significant impact on employees at all levels and across various departments within the companies involved.
Global Media Influence
The entities under 20th Century Fox’s umbrella have significant sway in shaping public opinion and entertainment trends worldwide. They extend their reach through influential news outlets and diversified international ventures, impacting media dynamics on a global scale.
Fox News and Opinion Media
Fox News remains a pivotal player in the United States’ opinion media landscape. As a top-rated cable news channel, it wields substantial influence over American political discourse. Involved in the production and distribution of both news and opinion content, Fox News shapes public opinion by offering a mix of reporting, commentary, and analysis.
International Ventures
On the international front, 20th Century Fox has managed noteworthy holdings such as Sky and Star India. Sky, a dominant television and broadband provider in Europe, augmented Fox’s global reach before being sold. Similarly, Star India has been a cornerstone in broadcasting, reaching a diverse audience with its multitude of channels and Tata Sky, a leading direct broadcast satellite television provider in India.
Media Dynamics
The dynamic nature of the entertainment sector sees 20th Century Fox adapting with agility. Its broad portfolio, beyond the news and TV, includes motion pictures and cable entertainment. The company’s ability to offer a range of entertainment—from films to live sports—solidifies its standing as a heavyweight in the media industry.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
20th Century Fox has left an indelible mark on the entertainment world, both shaping and reflecting the evolution of Hollywood and cinema at large. This storied studio has not only pioneered new filmmaking techniques but also brought to life a wide array of characters and stories that have captivated audiences globally.
Hollywood Influence
Throughout its existence, 20th Century Fox has been a cornerstone of the Los Angeles film industry landscape, significantly contributing to the aura that surrounds Hollywood. They have produced countless films that became classics, heavily influencing both the direction of the industry and the viewing habits of audiences.
Iconic Characters and Stories
20th Century Fox has been responsible for some of cinema’s most iconic characters and stories, many of which launched expansive franchises. These narratives and figures have become cultural touchstones, transcending the medium and becoming integral parts of popular culture.
Cinema Evolution
The studio was instrumental in the evolution of cinema, embracing new technologies and storytelling methods. Their innovations in sound and visual effects pushed the boundaries of what was possible on screen, influencing filmmakers and studios in Hollywood and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section aims to address common inquiries concerning the scope of ownership and the range of media properties and subsidiaries within 20th Century Fox, now largely integrated into Disney.
Which media entities are under the umbrella of Fox Corporation?
After restructuring, Fox Corporation retained news, sports, and broadcast businesses, including Fox News, Fox Sports, and the Fox television network.
What are the major film franchises held by 20th Century Studios?
20th Century Studios, previously known as 20th Century Fox, holds key film franchises like Avatar, X-Men, and the original Star Wars trilogy.
After the acquisition, what are the 20th Century Fox assets that Disney owns?
Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox included 20th Century Studios, FX Networks, and National Geographic Partners, along with a significant stake in Hulu.
Can you list the television properties that 20th Century Fox Television has produced?
20th Century Fox Television produced acclaimed shows such as The Simpsons, Family Guy, and American Horror Story.
How extensive is Disney’s ownership stake in the companies previously under 21st Century Fox?
Disney obtained a notable portion of 21st Century Fox, encompassing various film and television studios, international networks, and a 30% stake in Hulu, complementing Disney’s own streaming services.
Which animation and movie production companies are affiliates of 20th Century Fox?
Affiliates under 20th Century Fox included Blue Sky Studios and Fox Searchlight Pictures, known for animated films like Ice Age and prestigious independent films, respectively.