Professionals

This chapter focuses on the position and contribution of various groups working in film industry, from the actors, directors, producers and screenwriters to the electricians and dressmakers. With hundreds of permanent employees, the major studios were factory-like enterprises. Though smallish compared to Hollywood companies, the division of labour in the major studios was still clear with a considerable pay gap between different jobs as well as between genders. Along with examining the hierarchical structures of the majors, the chapter charts the various routes for ending up with a career in cinema, and asks what was everyday work at a film studio like.