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Study Guide: The Greenlight Process in Film and Television Production

Cheat Sheet:
The Greenlight Process in Film and Television Production Study Guide

Conceptual Foundations of Greenlighting

To 'greenlight' a project in the entertainment industry signifies formal permission for it to proceed, a term derived from the concept of a green traffic signal.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term 'greenlight' in the entertainment industry signifies formal permission to proceed, drawing an analogy from a green traffic signal, which means 'go ahead'.

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The reality television show *Project Greenlight* focused solely on the final decision-making process of greenlighting a film, not the preceding development stages.

Answer: False

Explanation: The reality television series *Project Greenlight* documented the entire filmmaking process, from the initial pitch and development through to the final greenlight decision and subsequent production.

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The term 'greenlight' is an analogy to a green traffic signal, symbolizing permission to proceed.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term 'greenlight' is indeed an analogy to a green traffic signal, universally understood as permission to proceed or 'go ahead,' signifying formal approval for a project to commence.

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The 'greenlight' concept is exclusively applied to projects within the film industry, not television.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'greenlight' concept is applied to projects in both the film and television industries, indicating formal permission to proceed with production in either medium.

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The term 'greenlight' is exclusively used in the context of film production, not television.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'greenlight' is used in both the film and television industries, signifying formal permission to proceed with a project in either medium.

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What is the fundamental meaning of 'greenlight' in the film and television industries?

Answer: To formally approve a project's production and commit financing.

Explanation: To 'greenlight' a project in the film and television industries means to grant formal permission for it to proceed, including the formal approval of its production finance.

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Which reality television show was based on the process of taking a project from pitch to greenlight?

Answer: *Project Greenlight*

Explanation: The reality television show *Project Greenlight* documented the entire process of developing a project, from its initial pitch to the crucial stage of receiving a greenlight for production.

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What is the significance of the term 'greenlight' being a reference to a traffic signal?

Answer: It signifies formal approval and permission to proceed.

Explanation: The term 'greenlight' references a green traffic signal to signify formal approval and permission to proceed with a project, much like a 'go ahead' signal.

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The 'greenlight' concept applies to projects within which industries?

Answer: Both the film and television industries.

Explanation: The 'greenlight' concept is applicable to projects within both the film and television industries, signifying permission to commence production.

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The analogy of 'greenlight' to a green traffic signal primarily conveys what?

Answer: Permission to move forward or 'go ahead'.

Explanation: The analogy of 'greenlight' to a green traffic signal primarily conveys permission to move forward or 'go ahead,' signifying formal approval for a project to commence.

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Organizational Authority and Financial Mandate

A project receiving a 'greenlight' primarily implies a commitment to creative development, with financial approval occurring in a later stage.

Answer: False

Explanation: A 'greenlight' fundamentally signifies the formal approval of a project's production finance and a commitment to provide this funding, enabling the project to move beyond creative development into active production stages.

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The authority to greenlight a project is typically held by individuals in project or financial management roles within an organization.

Answer: True

Explanation: Individuals in project or financial management roles are typically entrusted with the authority to greenlight projects, as they are responsible for approving and committing the necessary financial resources.

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At major film studios in the United States, greenlight power is commonly exercised by committees of high-level executives.

Answer: True

Explanation: Greenlight authority at major U.S. film studios is typically vested in committees comprising high-level executives, who collectively deliberate and approve projects for production.

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For all film projects, regardless of budget, the studio president or chairman always holds the ultimate greenlight authority.

Answer: False

Explanation: While studio presidents or chairmen often make the final judgment, for projects with exceptionally large budgets, the ultimate greenlight authority may reside with the CEO or COO of the studio's parent media conglomerate.

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In the 21st century, greenlight power at major film studios typically represents the authority to commit about US$10 million for a feature-length motion picture.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the 21st century, greenlight power at major film studios typically involves committing approximately US$100 million for a wide-release feature-length motion picture, not US$10 million.

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For film projects with budgets in the hundreds of millions of U.S. dollars, the CEO or COO of the studio's parent media conglomerate may hold the ultimate greenlight authority.

Answer: True

Explanation: For film projects involving budgets in the hundreds of millions of U.S. dollars, the ultimate greenlight authority often rests with the chief executive officer or chief operating officer of the studio's parent media conglomerate.

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The 'greenlight' decision primarily serves to initiate creative brainstorming sessions, with financial allocation being a secondary concern.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'greenlight' decision's primary purpose is to formally authorize and fund a film project, enabling its transition to active production stages, with financial allocation being a central, not secondary, concern.

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The primary purpose of the 'greenlight' decision is to formally authorize and fund a film project, enabling it to move into active production stages.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'greenlight' decision's primary purpose is to formally authorize and fund a film project, thereby enabling its transition from conceptualization into the active stages of production, including pre-production and principal photography.

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The final judgment call on greenlighting a project at a major film studio is typically made by the studio president, chairman, or chief executive.

Answer: True

Explanation: At major film studios, the final judgment regarding a greenlight is typically made by the studio president, chairman, or chief executive, even when committees are involved in the decision-making process.

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The greenlight process ensures that all projects are funded equally, regardless of their potential market appeal.

Answer: False

Explanation: The greenlight process involves strategic evaluation of a project's potential market appeal and financial viability, meaning funding is allocated based on these criteria, not equally across all projects.

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Who typically holds the authority to greenlight a project within an organization?

Answer: Individuals in project or financial management roles.

Explanation: The authority to greenlight a project is typically held by individuals in project or financial management roles, who are responsible for approving and committing the necessary funds.

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How is greenlight power generally exercised at the major film studios in the United States?

Answer: By committees composed of high-level executives.

Explanation: At major film studios in the United States, greenlight power is generally exercised by committees composed of high-level executives who collectively decide on project approvals.

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For projects with the largest budgets, who might hold the ultimate greenlight authority?

Answer: The chief executive officer or chief operating officer of the studio's parent media conglomerate.

Explanation: For film projects with the largest budgets, the ultimate greenlight authority may be held by the chief executive officer or chief operating officer of the studio's parent media conglomerate.

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What financial commitment does greenlight power typically represent for major film studios in the 21st century for a wide-release feature?

Answer: Approximately US$100 million.

Explanation: In the 21st century, greenlight power at major film studios typically represents the authority to commit approximately US$100 million for a feature-length motion picture intended for wide release in the North American market.

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What is the primary purpose of the 'greenlight' decision in the filmmaking process?

Answer: To formally authorize and fund a film project, enabling its transition to active production.

Explanation: The primary purpose of the 'greenlight' decision is to formally authorize and fund a film project, enabling its transition from conceptualization to the active stages of production.

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Who usually makes the final decision regarding a greenlight at a major film studio, even with committees involved?

Answer: The studio president, chairman, or chief executive.

Explanation: Even when committees are involved, the studio president, chairman, or chief executive typically makes the final judgment call on greenlighting a project at a major film studio.

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What is the core implication of a project receiving a 'greenlight' regarding its finances?

Answer: It signifies the formal approval of its production finance and commitment to provide it.

Explanation: The core implication of a project receiving a 'greenlight' is the formal approval of its production finance and a commitment to provide this funding, enabling it to proceed to active production stages.

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What is the average financial commitment for a feature-length motion picture intended for wide release in North America, as implied by greenlight power in the 21st century?

Answer: US$100 million.

Explanation: In the 21st century, greenlight power at major film studios typically represents the authority to commit approximately US$100 million for a feature-length motion picture intended for wide release in the North American market.

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What role do committees of high-level executives play in the greenlighting process at major film studios?

Answer: They generally exercise greenlight power.

Explanation: Committees of high-level executives at major film studios generally exercise greenlight power, collectively deciding which projects receive approval for production.

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What is the primary responsibility of individuals in project or financial management roles concerning greenlighting?

Answer: Approving and committing the necessary funds for a project.

Explanation: The primary responsibility of individuals in project or financial management roles concerning greenlighting is to formally approve and commit the necessary funds for a project, enabling its progression to production.

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Strategic Project Evaluation Criteria

The attachment of a bankable star or director is a key factor studio executives consider when deciding whether to greenlight a film.

Answer: True

Explanation: Studio executives consider the attachment of a 'bankable star' or director as a crucial factor in the greenlighting process, as their presence can significantly enhance a film's financial prospects and audience appeal.

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Executives primarily look for a film's story to be complex and intellectually challenging, rather than broadly resonant or emotionally engaging.

Answer: False

Explanation: Executives prioritize film narratives that resonate broadly with audiences and evoke strong emotional responses, such as passionate emotions or eager anticipation, over stories that are merely complex or intellectually challenging.

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For a film's protagonist, executives prefer characters who are mysterious and unpredictable, as this creates more intrigue for the audience.

Answer: False

Explanation: Executives generally prefer film protagonists who are likable and relatable, as these qualities foster stronger audience connection and the film's overall appeal, rather than mysterious or unpredictable characters.

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A film marketable to 'all four quadrants' appeals to male and female audiences, both over and under 25 years old.

Answer: True

Explanation: To be marketable to 'all four quadrants' means a film successfully appeals to all major demographic segments: male and female audiences, and those both over and under 25 years old.

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A film's distribution potential is a minor consideration in the greenlighting process, as studios primarily focus on domestic theatrical release.

Answer: False

Explanation: A film's distribution potential, encompassing multiple windows and international markets, is a crucial consideration in the greenlighting process, as studios aim to maximize global reach and revenue, not solely domestic theatrical release.

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A 'bankable star' is primarily an actor known for their artistic integrity, regardless of box office performance.

Answer: False

Explanation: A 'bankable star' is defined by their proven ability to guarantee financial success at the box office, making their presence a key factor for executives considering a project's greenlight due to their proven audience draw, rather than solely artistic integrity.

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An existing media franchise helps a film get greenlit by providing a 'built-in audience,' which reduces marketing risk.

Answer: True

Explanation: An existing media franchise significantly enhances a film's greenlight prospects by offering a 'built-in audience'—a loyal fanbase that reduces marketing risk and increases anticipated viewership.

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Executives prefer stories that evoke a sense of calm and reflection, rather than passionate emotions or eager anticipation.

Answer: False

Explanation: Executives seek stories that evoke passionate emotions and eager anticipation in audiences, aiming for narratives that deeply captivate and engage viewers, rather than those promoting calm or reflection.

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International market potential is a significant consideration for greenlighting a film, alongside North American distribution.

Answer: True

Explanation: International market potential is a critical factor in the greenlighting process, as studios seek to maximize global revenue opportunities through wide distribution beyond North America.

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A film's connection to an existing media franchise is considered a disadvantage because it limits creative freedom and audience reach.

Answer: False

Explanation: A film's connection to an existing media franchise is considered an advantage, as it provides a 'built-in audience' and reduces marketing risk, thereby increasing its chances of being greenlit.

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Which of the following is a key factor studio executives consider when deciding whether to greenlight a film?

Answer: Whether a bankable star or director is already attached to the project.

Explanation: A key factor studio executives consider when deciding to greenlight a film is whether a bankable star or director is already attached to the project, as this can significantly enhance its commercial viability.

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What characteristic is sought in a film's protagonist when executives are considering a greenlight?

Answer: They should be likable and relatable.

Explanation: Executives seek protagonists who are likable and relatable, as these qualities foster stronger audience connection and contribute to a film's broad appeal.

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What does it mean for a film to be marketable to 'all four quadrants'?

Answer: It appeals to male and female audiences, both over and under 25 years old.

Explanation: For a film to be marketable to 'all four quadrants' means it appeals to all major demographic groups: male and female audiences, and those both over and under 25 years old.

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What does the term 'bankable star' imply in the context of greenlighting a film?

Answer: An actor whose presence in a film is considered a strong guarantee of financial success.

Explanation: A 'bankable star' implies an actor whose presence in a film is considered a strong guarantee of financial success, making the project more appealing for a greenlight due to their proven audience draw.

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How does an existing media franchise contribute to a film's chances of being greenlit?

Answer: It provides a 'built-in audience,' reducing marketing risk.

Explanation: An existing media franchise contributes to a film's greenlight chances by providing a 'built-in audience,' which reduces marketing risk and increases the likelihood of commercial success.

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What kind of emotional response do executives look for in a story when considering a greenlight?

Answer: Passionate emotions and eager anticipation.

Explanation: Executives seek stories that evoke passionate emotions and eager anticipation in audiences, aiming for narratives that deeply captivate and engage viewers.

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Beyond North America, what other market considerations are important for greenlighting a film?

Answer: The film's potential for distribution into multiple international markets.

Explanation: Beyond North America, a film's potential for distribution into multiple international markets is a crucial consideration for greenlighting, as it expands global revenue opportunities.

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What is one of the "multiple windows" through which executives consider a film's distribution potential?

Answer: Theatrical release, home video, and streaming.

Explanation: Executives consider a film's distribution potential through multiple windows, including theatrical release, home video, and streaming, to maximize its reach and revenue.

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What does a 'built-in audience' refer to in the context of greenlighting a film connected to an existing media franchise?

Answer: A loyal fanbase already familiar with the characters, stories, or universe.

Explanation: A 'built-in audience' refers to a loyal fanbase already familiar with the characters, stories, or universe of an existing media franchise, which reduces marketing risk and enhances a film's greenlight prospects.

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Which of the following is NOT a factor studio executives consider when deciding to greenlight a film?

Answer: The personal astrological compatibility of the lead actors.

Explanation: Studio executives consider factors such as a built-in audience, a likable and relatable protagonist, and marketability to 'all four quadrants' when greenlighting a film. Personal astrological compatibility is not a recognized criterion.

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For a film to maximize its reach and revenue, executives consider its distribution potential into what kind of markets?

Answer: Various international markets.

Explanation: To maximize a film's reach and revenue, executives consider its distribution potential into various international markets, alongside domestic distribution, through multiple windows such as theatrical release, home video, and streaming.

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The Production Pipeline: Pre- and Post-Greenlight Phases

The development phase is the initial stage a film project is in after it has been greenlit.

Answer: False

Explanation: The development phase is the initial stage a film project is in *before* it can be greenlit, where concepts are nurtured and scripts are written. After a greenlight, the project transitions into pre-production and principal photography.

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After receiving a greenlight, a project transitions directly into principal photography, bypassing pre-production.

Answer: False

Explanation: After receiving a greenlight, a project transitions from development into pre-production, which involves detailed planning, before moving into principal photography.

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The development phase is where a film concept is nurtured and scripts are written, making it a critical precursor to receiving a greenlight.

Answer: True

Explanation: The development phase is indeed a critical precursor to a greenlight, as it is the stage where a film concept is nurtured, scripts are written, and foundational creative elements are established.

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The greenlight decision allows a project to transition from the initial development phase into pre-production and subsequently, principal photography.

Answer: True

Explanation: The greenlight decision is the formal authorization that enables a project to advance from the development phase into pre-production and subsequently, principal photography, initiating the active stages of filmmaking.

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What is the initial phase a film project is in before it can be greenlit?

Answer: Development.

Explanation: The initial phase a film project is in before it can be greenlit is the development phase, where concepts are nurtured and scripts are written.

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What are the subsequent phases a project enters after receiving a greenlight?

Answer: Pre-production and principal photography.

Explanation: After receiving a greenlight, a project transitions into pre-production, involving detailed planning, and then into principal photography, the main filming stage.

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What is the significance of 'development' as a phase in filmmaking, preceding a greenlight?

Answer: It is the initial phase where a film concept is nurtured, and scripts are written.

Explanation: Development is the crucial initial phase where a film concept is nurtured, scripts are written, and creative elements are explored, preparing a project for potential greenlight and full production.

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Which of the following is NOT a phase a project enters after receiving a greenlight?

Answer: Development.

Explanation: The development phase precedes the greenlight decision, where a project concept is nurtured and scripts are written. After a greenlight, a project enters pre-production and principal photography.

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The financial commitment implied by a 'greenlight' allows a project to transition from development into which subsequent phases?

Answer: Pre-production and principal photography.

Explanation: The financial commitment implied by a 'greenlight' enables a project to transition from the development phase into pre-production and subsequently, principal photography, initiating the active stages of filmmaking.

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Sociodemographic Dynamics of Greenlight Authority

Historically, greenlight power in Hollywood was exclusively held by white male executives, indicating a lack of diversity.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historically, greenlight authority in Hollywood was indeed concentrated among white male executives, reflecting a significant lack of diversity in key decision-making roles within the industry.

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The demographic composition of greenlight power holders in Hollywood has remained unchanged since the turn of the 21st century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The demographic composition of greenlight power holders in Hollywood has slowly begun to change since the turn of the 21st century, indicating a gradual shift towards greater inclusivity, rather than remaining unchanged.

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A 2020 UCLA report found that senior management teams at Hollywood film studios were predominantly female, comprising 80 percent of these positions.

Answer: False

Explanation: A 2020 UCLA report indicated that senior management teams at Hollywood film studios were predominantly male, comprising 80 percent of these positions, and overwhelmingly white (93 percent), not predominantly female.

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The slow change in the demographic of greenlight power holders suggests a rapid and complete overhaul of diversity in the film industry's decision-making.

Answer: False

Explanation: The slow change in the demographic composition of greenlight power holders indicates a gradual, rather than rapid or complete, shift towards greater inclusivity and diversity within the film industry's decision-making echelons.

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The 2020 UCLA report indicated that senior management teams at Hollywood film studios were 93 percent white and 80 percent male.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 2020 UCLA report indeed highlighted that senior management teams at Hollywood film studios were overwhelmingly composed of white individuals (93 percent) and predominantly male (80 percent).

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What did a 2020 UCLA report reveal about the demographic composition of senior management teams at Hollywood film studios?

Answer: They were overwhelmingly white, comprising 93 percent, and predominantly male, making up 80 percent.

Explanation: A 2020 UCLA report revealed that senior management teams at Hollywood film studios were overwhelmingly white (93 percent) and predominantly male (80 percent).

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What does the slow change in the demographic of greenlight power holders suggest about the film industry?

Answer: A gradual, but not rapid, shift towards greater inclusivity and diversity.

Explanation: The slow change in the demographic of greenlight power holders suggests a gradual, rather than rapid, shift towards greater inclusivity and diversity within the film industry's decision-making echelons.

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Historically, what was the demographic composition of individuals holding greenlight power in Hollywood?

Answer: Exclusively white male executives.

Explanation: Historically, greenlight power in Hollywood was exclusively held by white male executives, reflecting a significant lack of diversity in decision-making roles.

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According to the source, what percentage of senior management teams at Hollywood film studios were predominantly male in 2020?

Answer: 80 percent.

Explanation: A 2020 UCLA report indicated that senior management teams at Hollywood film studios were predominantly male, comprising 80 percent of these positions.

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What was the historical demographic composition of greenlight power holders in Hollywood?

Answer: Exclusively white male executives.

Explanation: Historically, greenlight power in Hollywood was exclusively held by white male executives, reflecting a significant lack of diversity in decision-making roles within the industry.

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Which of the following describes the change in demographic composition of greenlight power holders in Hollywood since the turn of the 21st century?

Answer: It has slowly begun to change.

Explanation: Since the turn of the 21st century, the demographic composition of greenlight power holders in Hollywood has slowly begun to change, indicating a gradual shift towards greater inclusivity and diversity.

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What percentage of senior management teams at Hollywood film studios were overwhelmingly white, according to the 2020 UCLA report?

Answer: 93 percent.

Explanation: According to the 2020 UCLA report, senior management teams at Hollywood film studios were overwhelmingly white, comprising 93 percent of these positions.

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