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20th Century Studios Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: History and Evolution of 20th Century Studios

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History and Evolution of 20th Century Studios Study Guide

Founding and Early Studio History (1935-1970s)

Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation was established in 1935 as a result of a merger between Fox Film Corporation and Twentieth Century Pictures.

Answer: True

Explanation: The formation of Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation in 1935 marked the consolidation of Fox Film Corporation and Twentieth Century Pictures into a singular major studio entity.

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During Hollywood's Golden Age, 20th Century Fox was considered one of the 'Big Five' major film studios.

Answer: True

Explanation: Throughout Hollywood's Golden Age, 20th Century Fox was consistently recognized as one of the dominant 'Big Five' major film studios, shaping the landscape of American cinema.

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The merger that formed Twentieth Century-Fox in 1935 involved Twentieth Century Pictures and United Artists.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 1935 merger that established Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation was between Fox Film Corporation and Twentieth Century Pictures, not United Artists.

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Joseph Schenck and Darryl F. Zanuck were key figures from Fox Film Corporation involved in the 1935 merger.

Answer: False

Explanation: Joseph Schenck and Darryl F. Zanuck were pivotal figures from Twentieth Century Pictures, not Fox Film Corporation, during the 1935 merger.

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Darryl F. Zanuck signed actors like Henry Fonda and Gene Tierney to bolster the studio's roster in its early years.

Answer: True

Explanation: Darryl F. Zanuck was instrumental in signing prominent actors such as Henry Fonda and Gene Tierney, thereby strengthening the studio's talent roster during its formative period.

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World War II led to a decline in 20th Century-Fox's profitability, causing it to fall behind RKO.

Answer: False

Explanation: Conversely, World War II generally increased profitability for major studios due to higher attendance. 20th Century-Fox actually surpassed RKO and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in profitability during this period.

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The production of *Cleopatra* (1963) faced challenges primarily due to its lead actor's refusal to film in Rome.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary challenges encountered during the production of *Cleopatra* (1963) stemmed from escalating costs and significant production delays, exacerbated by factors such as lead actor salaries and management issues, rather than a refusal to film in Rome.

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In the early 1960s, 20th Century-Fox sold its back lot in Century City to raise funds amidst production difficulties.

Answer: True

Explanation: To address financial strains, particularly from major productions like *Cleopatra*, 20th Century-Fox divested its Century City back lot to Alcoa in 1961, thereby securing essential capital.

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*The Sound of Music* (1965) was a financial disaster for the studio, leading to significant losses.

Answer: False

Explanation: *The Sound of Music* (1965) proved to be a monumental critical and commercial success, significantly restoring the studio's financial health and earning numerous accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Picture.

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20th Century Fox sold its film library to National Telefilm Associates in the 1950s.

Answer: True

Explanation: In the mid-1950s, 20th Century Fox engaged in the sale of portions of its film library to National Telefilm Associates, which also facilitated the studio's interest in the NTA Film Network.

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The radio series *Twentieth Century Fox Presents* served to preview upcoming movies.

Answer: True

Explanation: The radio program *Twentieth Century Fox Presents*, broadcast during the late 1930s and early 1940s, functioned primarily as a promotional vehicle to preview the studio's forthcoming film releases.

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Fox Film Corporation relied entirely on external companies for film processing.

Answer: False

Explanation: Fox Film Corporation operated its own film processing laboratories from its early operational stages, both in Fort Lee, New Jersey, and later at its Los Angeles studio facilities.

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DeLuxe Laboratories was founded by Fox Film Corporation to handle all its film processing needs.

Answer: False

Explanation: DeLuxe Laboratories originated from Fox Film Corporation's processing facilities but was purchased and founded independently by Alan E. Freedman in 1932, subsequently expanding its services beyond Fox.

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In what year was Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation formed by the merger of two companies?

Answer: 1935

Explanation: The significant merger that created Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation occurred in 1935, consolidating Fox Film Corporation and Twentieth Century Pictures.

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Which two companies merged to create Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation?

Answer: Fox Film Corporation and Twentieth Century Pictures

Explanation: The formation of Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation in 1935 resulted from the strategic merger of Fox Film Corporation and Twentieth Century Pictures.

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What major financial challenge did the production of *Cleopatra* (1963) present to the studio?

Answer: It suffered from escalating costs and production delays.

Explanation: The production of the epic film *Cleopatra* (1963) was severely impacted by escalating costs and considerable delays, posing a significant financial burden on the studio.

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How did 20th Century-Fox attempt to raise funds during its financial difficulties in the early 1960s?

Answer: By selling its back lot in Century City.

Explanation: Amidst financial pressures in the early 1960s, 20th Century-Fox strategically sold its back lot located in Century City to Alcoa to generate necessary capital.

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Which film is credited with significantly restoring the studio's financial health after the difficulties of the early 1960s?

Answer: The Sound of Music

Explanation: *The Sound of Music* (1965) proved to be a critical and commercial triumph, substantially improving the studio's financial standing after the challenging period of the early 1960s.

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Ownership Transitions and Corporate Evolution (1980s-2019)

Marvin Davis was the sole owner of 20th Century-Fox from 1981 until Rupert Murdoch's acquisition.

Answer: False

Explanation: Marvin Davis was a significant owner from 1981, but he shared ownership with Marc Rich initially and was not the sole owner throughout the entire period until Rupert Murdoch's acquisition.

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Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation acquired 20th Century Fox in March 1985.

Answer: True

Explanation: The acquisition of 20th Century Fox by Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation was finalized in March 1985, marking a pivotal moment in the studio's corporate history.

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The 2012 split of News Corporation created two entities: 21st Century Fox and the new News Corporation.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2012, News Corporation underwent a significant corporate restructuring, dividing into two distinct entities: the publishing-focused new News Corporation and 21st Century Fox, which encompassed the entertainment assets including 20th Century Fox.

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Who acquired 20th Century Fox in March 1985?

Answer: Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation

Explanation: In March 1985, Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation completed the acquisition of 20th Century Fox, initiating a new era of ownership for the studio.

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Major Productions and Film Franchises

The *Star Wars* franchise, including the first six films, was produced by 20th Century Studios.

Answer: True

Explanation: Indeed, 20th Century Fox was the original production and distribution entity for the initial six installments of the seminal *Star Wars* saga.

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Only one film produced by the studio, *Titanic*, won the Academy Award for Best Picture and was once the highest-grossing film of all time.

Answer: False

Explanation: While *Titanic* achieved this distinction, *The Sound of Music* (1965) also won the Academy Award for Best Picture and held the record for the highest-grossing film worldwide during its initial release, indicating more than one such film.

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Notable science fiction hits for 20th Century-Fox in the 1960s included *Fantastic Voyage* and the original *Planet of the Apes*.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 1960s saw significant success for 20th Century-Fox in the science fiction genre, notably with the releases of *Fantastic Voyage* (1966) and the groundbreaking original *Planet of the Apes* (1968).

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The success of *Star Wars* (1977) led to a decrease in 20th Century-Fox's stock price.

Answer: False

Explanation: On the contrary, the unprecedented commercial success of *Star Wars* (1977) resulted in a substantial increase in 20th Century-Fox's stock value and overall revenues.

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The film *Ice Age* (2002) was a commercial failure and did not launch a successful franchise.

Answer: False

Explanation: *Ice Age* (2002) was a significant commercial success, earning an Academy Award nomination and initiating a highly profitable and enduring franchise for Blue Sky Studios and 20th Century Fox.

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What was the financial impact of the 1977 film *Star Wars* on 20th Century-Fox?

Answer: It led to a significant increase in revenues and stock price.

Explanation: The phenomenal success of *Star Wars* (1977) generated substantial financial gains for 20th Century-Fox, leading to a marked increase in both its stock price and overall revenue.

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Which of the following film franchises was NOT produced by 20th Century Studios (or its predecessors)?

Answer: Harry Potter series

Explanation: While 20th Century Studios (and its predecessors) produced franchises such as X-Men, Avatar, and Ice Age, the Harry Potter series was produced by Warner Bros.

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Studio Divisions and Ventures

20th Century Fox's attempt to enter the video game industry in the 1980s was successful due to the market's growth.

Answer: False

Explanation: The studio's venture into the video game industry in the 1980s, through Fox Video Games, ultimately proved unsuccessful, largely due to the significant video game market crash of 1983.

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In 1994, 20th Century Fox established divisions like Fox Searchlight Pictures and Fox Animation Studios.

Answer: True

Explanation: The year 1994 saw the strategic establishment of key divisions by 20th Century Fox, including Fox Searchlight Pictures for specialty films and Fox Animation Studios for animated features.

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Fox Animation Studios, headed initially by Don Bluth and Gary Goldman, was founded in 1994.

Answer: True

Explanation: Fox Animation Studios was indeed founded in 1994, with Don Bluth and Gary Goldman, renowned animators, appointed to lead its operations.

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Blue Sky Studios was acquired by Disney directly in 1997, bypassing Fox.

Answer: False

Explanation: Blue Sky Studios was initially acquired by Fox in 1997, not directly by Disney. Disney later acquired Blue Sky through its purchase of 21st Century Fox.

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Fox Animation Studios was closed in 2000 following the box-office failure of *Titan A.E.*.

Answer: True

Explanation: The commercial underperformance of the animated feature *Titan A.E.* directly led to the closure of Fox Animation Studios in June 2000.

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From 2000 to 2010, 20th Century Fox handled international distribution for MGM and United Artists.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the period of 2000 to 2010, 20th Century Fox served as the international distribution partner for films released by MGM and United Artists.

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DreamWorks Animation's first film distributed by 20th Century Fox under their 2013 agreement was *Shrek*.

Answer: False

Explanation: The initial film distributed by 20th Century Fox under the 2013 agreement with DreamWorks Animation was *The Croods*, not *Shrek*.

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20th Television is the current television production division of 20th Century Studios.

Answer: True

Explanation: 20th Television functions as the contemporary television production arm of 20th Century Studios, having previously operated under the name 20th Century Fox Television.

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20th Century Animation is responsible for producing animated films like *Anastasia* and the *Ice Age* franchise.

Answer: True

Explanation: 20th Century Animation, the studio's dedicated animation division, has produced notable animated features including *Anastasia* and the commercially successful *Ice Age* series.

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20th Century Games was founded in 2021 to develop video games internally for the studio.

Answer: False

Explanation: Established in 2021, 20th Century Games operates primarily as a video game licensor, partnering with external development studios rather than developing games internally.

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Fox Faith was a division focused on producing documentaries about wildlife.

Answer: False

Explanation: Fox Faith was a specialized division dedicated to producing films with evangelical Christian themes or adaptations of works by Christian authors, not wildlife documentaries.

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Fox 2000 Pictures, known for mid-range films, was dissolved after Disney's acquisition.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney, the Fox 2000 Pictures division, which focused on mid-budget films, was dissolved in May 2021.

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20th Century Comics partners with DC Comics to release new franchise comics.

Answer: False

Explanation: 20th Century Comics operates in partnership with Marvel Comics for the release of franchise-based comic books, not DC Comics.

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Which of the following was NOT one of the divisions established by 20th Century Fox in 1994?

Answer: Fox Faith

Explanation: While Fox Searchlight Pictures, Fox Animation Studios, and Fox 2000 Pictures were established in 1994, Fox Faith was founded later, in 2006.

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What was the primary purpose of establishing Fox Searchlight Pictures in 1994?

Answer: To focus on the specialty and independent film market.

Explanation: Fox Searchlight Pictures was created in 1994 with the specific objective of catering to the specialty and independent film market, nurturing niche and artistically driven projects.

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Why did Fox Animation Studios close in 2000?

Answer: Because of the box-office failure of its film *Titan A.E.*.

Explanation: The closure of Fox Animation Studios in 2000 was a direct consequence of the commercial underperformance of its animated feature, *Titan A.E.*.

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What was the significance of the film *Ice Age* (2002) for Blue Sky Studios?

Answer: It earned an Academy Award nomination and established Blue Sky as a major player in animation.

Explanation: *Ice Age* (2002) was a critical and commercial success that garnered an Academy Award nomination, solidifying Blue Sky Studios' reputation and establishing it as a prominent force in feature animation.

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What distribution agreement did 20th Century Fox enter into with DreamWorks Animation in 2012?

Answer: A five-year distribution agreement starting in 2013.

Explanation: In 2012, 20th Century Fox finalized a five-year distribution agreement with DreamWorks Animation, commencing in 2013, which covered the distribution of the studio's films.

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What was the focus of the former division known as Fox Faith?

Answer: Developing films with evangelical Christian themes.

Explanation: Fox Faith operated as a film production entity focused specifically on developing content with overt evangelical Christian themes or derived from Christian literary works.

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What is 20th Century Comics, formed in March 2023?

Answer: A comic publishing company partnering with Marvel Comics.

Explanation: 20th Century Comics, established in March 2023, functions as a comic publishing entity that collaborates with Marvel Comics to produce new comic series based on 20th Century Studios' intellectual properties.

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What happened to Fox 2000 Pictures after Disney's acquisition of 21st Century Fox?

Answer: It was dissolved in May 2021.

Explanation: Fox 2000 Pictures, known for its focus on mid-range films, was formally dissolved in May 2021, subsequent to Disney's acquisition of 21st Century Fox.

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Branding, Identity, and Technological Innovations

The entity formerly known as 20th Century Fox officially changed its name to 20th Century Studios on January 17, 2020.

Answer: True

Explanation: The entity previously identified as 20th Century Fox underwent a formal name alteration to 20th Century Studios on January 17, 2020. This strategic rebranding was implemented to mitigate potential brand confusion with the distinct corporate entity, Fox Corporation.

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The name 'Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation' has been used consistently since the company's inception in 1935.

Answer: False

Explanation: The studio's name has undergone modifications; notably, the hyphen was removed in 1985, and it was later rebranded as 20th Century Studios in 2020, indicating inconsistency since its 1935 founding.

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Historically, 20th Century Fox identified its founding year as 1935, but now considers 1915 its founding date.

Answer: False

Explanation: The historical perception was that 1915 (the founding of Fox Film Corporation) was the founding date. More recently, the studio has emphasized the 1935 merger date, a view generally supported by film historians.

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In 1953, 20th Century-Fox introduced CinemaScope, a widescreen projection system, to compete with television.

Answer: True

Explanation: Facing competition from the burgeoning television industry, 20th Century-Fox strategically introduced CinemaScope, an innovative widescreen format, in 1953 to enhance the theatrical viewing experience.

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20th Century-Fox initially kept CinemaScope technology exclusive to its own theaters.

Answer: False

Explanation: To ensure the widespread adoption and success of CinemaScope, 20th Century-Fox licensed the technology to other studios and assisted theaters with conversion costs, rather than maintaining exclusivity.

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The name change to 20th Century Studios in 2020 was intended to distinguish it from the separate Fox Corporation entity.

Answer: True

Explanation: The rebranding from 20th Century Fox to 20th Century Studios in January 2020 was strategically executed to differentiate the film studio from the separate broadcast and media entity, Fox Corporation.

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The iconic 20th Century Studios logo originated from Twentieth Century Pictures before the 1935 merger.

Answer: True

Explanation: The distinctive logo, featuring Art Deco architecture and searchlights, traces its origins to Twentieth Century Pictures, predating the 1935 merger that formed the larger studio.

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The CinemaScope logo adaptation involved tilting the '0' in '20th' to fit the wider screen format.

Answer: True

Explanation: To maintain visual integrity on the wider CinemaScope aspect ratio, the numeral '0' in the '20th' of the logo was artistically tilted, ensuring proper proportion.

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What was the original name of the studio before it became 20th Century Studios?

Answer: 20th Century Fox

Explanation: The studio, prior to its rebranding as 20th Century Studios, was widely known as 20th Century Fox. Its formal name evolved from Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation, established in 1935.

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What significant technological innovation did 20th Century-Fox introduce in 1953?

Answer: CinemaScope

Explanation: In 1953, 20th Century-Fox introduced CinemaScope, a revolutionary widescreen anamorphic projection system designed to enhance the cinematic experience and counter the growing popularity of television.

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What was the primary reason for the name change from 20th Century Fox to 20th Century Studios in 2020?

Answer: To avoid brand confusion with Fox Corporation.

Explanation: The rebranding to 20th Century Studios in 2020 was primarily motivated by the need to distinguish the film studio from the separate Fox Corporation entity, particularly following Disney's acquisition.

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Which of the following is NOT true about the 20th Century Studios logo?

Answer: The fanfare was composed by Darryl F. Zanuck.

Explanation: While the logo's visual elements originated from Twentieth Century Pictures and were adapted for CinemaScope, the iconic fanfare was composed by Alfred Newman, not Darryl F. Zanuck.

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The Disney Acquisition and Post-Acquisition Era (2019-Present)

20th Century Studios is currently owned by Warner Bros. Discovery.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to the assertion, 20th Century Studios is currently owned by The Walt Disney Company, specifically under its Disney Entertainment division, not Warner Bros. Discovery.

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The Walt Disney Company acquired 20th Century Fox in 2018.

Answer: False

Explanation: The acquisition of 20th Century Fox by The Walt Disney Company was completed on March 20, 2019, not in 2018.

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Following Disney's acquisition, the studio's annual film slate was significantly expanded.

Answer: False

Explanation: Post-acquisition by Disney, the studio's annual film slate was notably reduced, with development halted on certain projects and many franchises being repurposed for Disney's streaming platforms.

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Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures now handles North American distribution for 20th Century Studios films.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the acquisition, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures assumed responsibility for the North American distribution of films produced by 20th Century Studios.

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Blue Sky Studios was shut down by Disney in April 2021.

Answer: True

Explanation: Disney officially ceased operations of Blue Sky Studios in April 2021, citing economic factors and the strategic decision to consolidate animation resources.

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20th Century Studios is scheduled to relocate its headquarters to Burbank in April 2025.

Answer: True

Explanation: An announcement was made regarding the planned relocation of 20th Century Studios' headquarters from Century City to the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, with the transition anticipated by April 2025.

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*Ford v Ferrari* (2019) received a Best Picture nomination at the Academy Awards after the Disney acquisition.

Answer: True

Explanation: *Ford v Ferrari* (2019) marked a significant achievement for the studio post-Disney acquisition, earning a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Picture.

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Who is the current parent company of 20th Century Studios?

Answer: Disney Entertainment

Explanation: Following the acquisition of 21st Century Fox by The Walt Disney Company, 20th Century Studios is now part of Disney Entertainment, the film and television production arm of Disney.

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How did Disney's acquisition affect the studio's film output?

Answer: Disney repurposed many franchises for its streaming service, Disney+.

Explanation: Post-acquisition, Disney implemented changes that included reducing the studio's annual film slate and repurposing many of its established franchises for the Disney+ streaming platform.

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What happened to Blue Sky Studios after its acquisition by Disney?

Answer: It was eventually shut down by Disney in April 2021.

Explanation: Blue Sky Studios, initially acquired by Fox and subsequently by Disney, ceased operations in April 2021 due to economic considerations and strategic realignments within Disney's animation portfolio.

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Which film earned 20th Century Studios its first Best Picture nomination at the Oscars after the Disney acquisition?

Answer: Ford v Ferrari

Explanation: *Ford v Ferrari* (2019) represented a significant critical achievement for the studio post-acquisition, securing its first Best Picture nomination at the Academy Awards under the new ownership structure.

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Operations and Facilities

The headquarters of 20th Century Studios are located in New York City.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary operational headquarters for 20th Century Studios are situated at the Fox Studio Lot in Century City, Los Angeles, not in New York City.

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The Newman Scoring Stage is a small audio mixing room located in Burbank.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Newman Scoring Stage is a substantial music recording studio situated on the Fox Studio Lot in Los Angeles, not a small mixing room in Burbank.

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