Movie Industry

A good Hollywood blockbuster should be able to defray much of its cost in post-production -- think ticket sales, DVD rentals and merchandising contracts. But an expensive movie also needs some money to start out with. Where does it come from?

By Jessika Toothman

Making movies costs money. It costs lots of money. Why? The easy answer is that no one knows for sure. The real answer is that someone knows -- but that person isn't going to tell you.

By Dave Roos

Still get chills when you hear the 'Jaws' theme song? That's the work of a great film composer. Read this article to learn more about film composers.

By Diane Dannenfeldt

Digital matte painters bring some of your favorite movies to life. Check out this article to learn more about digital matte painters!

By Dave Roos

Do you keep seeing the same movie ads on tv, billboards and the internet? That's all part of the movie marketing process. Check out this article to learn more about how movie marketing works.

By Dave Roos

The art of making movies can be a complex and demanding process. In this gallery, pictures of the filmmaking process and the movie industry are featured.

The action sequences in "The Matrix" wouldn't look nearly as cool without a skilled film editor putting them together. Check out this article to learn more about film editors and what their role is in the film-making process.

By Diane Dannenfeldt

Being the voice of a celebrity isn't always the most glamorous job in the world. But it can help you get into some pretty cool parties.

By Dave Roos

"Tropic Thunder" had a distinct look and feel to it. But how did they manage to get that authentic war-movie feel to it? Enter the Cinematographer.

By Diane Dannenfeldt

Have you ever stopped to wonder what executive producers do? Do all executive producers, regardless of whether they produce movies or music, share the same responsibilities? There's a lot more involved than you can imagine.

By Diane Dannenfeldt

Hollywood, Motown and everywhere in between are rife with drama. Entertainers need lawyers to protect their patented moves, melodies and movie-star good looks. But what exactly do lawyers in Tinseltown do?

By Diane Dannenfeldt

Do you think your favorite actor is really witty because of what he's saying in a movie? Think again. He has a team of screenwriters behind him. Screenwriters like Shane Black, left, and Syd Field, right, honed their skills at workshops and classes.

By Dave Roos

Film set construction determines how a movie looks and feels. Without the proper set design, moviegoers may not feel as connected to the film. What happens behind the scenes of set construction?

By Dave Roos

Did you ever wonder how they picked those actors and actresses for your favorite movie? A casting director did most of that work. What goes into casting a movie, and how do you become a casting director?

By Diane Dannenfeldt

AVID editing machines are the editing machine of choice for all television shows and movies that come out of Hollywood. Learn more about these amazing machines in this article.

By Dave Roos

Line producers handle the day-to-day budget of a film, as well as dealing with crises that may occur during filming. Learn more about line producers in this article.

By Diane Dannenfeldt

Imagine if the movie you were watching didn't have any sound effects. Would it be as good? Enter the sound editor. Learn about the job of a sound editor in this article.

By Dave Roos

There's no easy way to becoming a movie director. It takes education, experience and a lot of contacts. Learn more about becoming a movie director in this article.

By Diane Dannenfeldt

You'd think that everyone who works in Hollywood is filthy rich, but many of the best-paying jobs aren't the ones you immediately think about. Here are 10 to watch.

By Dave Roos & Melanie Radzicki McManus

The job of being a movie producer isn't as glamorous as one would think. Learn more about movie producers in this article.

By Diane Dannenfeldt

Well-orchestrated public relations campaigns designed to get people into theaters have helped many films' box office success. Here are some of the wildest feats in the long history of movie publicity.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

The huge Hollywood Sign -- stretched along the hills over Hollywood, California -- symbolizes fame, fortune and the glamorous world of cinema and the movie stars we love. Learn about the history of the Hollywood Sign.

By Marshall Brain

Stuntmen (and women) take very dangerous risks in order to give movies an added sense of realism. How do these daredevils train for their stunts?

By Ed Grabianowski

Andrew Shue, coach and producer of "Gracie," also enjoyed a successful acting career, including a role on "Melrose Place." Learn about Andrew Shue's career and interests.

If you don't want to leave your home or wait for the mail to rent or buy a movie, you can order and download them online. Learn how most movie download services work.