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4. Assignment 3: Hollywood's Second Century

The American Film Industry in its second century has undergone many changes in the production, distribution, and exhibition of motion pictures. In this assignment, you will write a 800-word summary about one of the following contemporary topics in the American Film Industry.

• Netflix’s Roma (Alfonso Cuaron, Mexico, 2018) and/or The Irishman (Martin Scorsese, USA, 2019)
• Disney+ streaming platform
• Peacock Network streaming platform
• AT&T’s acquisition of WarnerMedia
• #oscarssowhite
• Harvey Weinstein and MeToo
• Writers Guild of America asks its members to fire their agents
• MoviePass and AMC A-List

Your summary should include the following, although not necessarily in the following order:

• An identification of the topic: answer the question, “what is…?”
• Some background about the topic: what came before this topic emerged in the American film industry; who are the “protagonists” (and “antagonists”) in your summary of this topic.
• What corporations, persons, or conglomerates are involved in your topic?
• What products emerge or are generated by your topic?
• How did this topic change the American film industry?
• What was the result of the topic?
• What is your assessment of the topic and its legacy to the American film industry?

You should use websites that cover the entertainment business, such as the following, to research your topic:

• The Hollywood Reporter
• Deadline
• Variety
• New York Times, especially the Media Business section. Members of the CUNY community have access to a free digital subscription
• Wall Street Journal . Members of the CUNY community have access to a free digitial subscription.
• Los Angeles Times, especially the Company Town section
• Wikipedia, yes, Wikipedia is a great way to introduce yourself to your topic

In addition to your written summary, you will present your summary in class on Tuesday, December 10.