What is the current name of the film production and distribution company formerly known as 20th Century Fox?

The company formerly known as 20th Century Fox is now named 20th Century Studios. This rebranding occurred on January 17, 2020, to prevent confusion with Fox Corporation.

Who is the current owner of 20th Century Studios?

20th Century Studios is currently owned by the Walt Disney Studios, which is the film studios division of Disney Entertainment, a business segment of The Walt Disney Company.

Where is 20th Century Studios headquartered?

The studio is headquartered at the Fox Studio Lot in Century City, Los Angeles. This location is leased from Fox Corporation.

When was 20th Century Studios originally formed, and how did it come into existence?

The studio was formed in 1935 as Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation. It was created through the merger of two existing companies: Fox Film Corporation and Twentieth Century Pictures.

What was the significance of 20th Century Fox during Hollywood's Golden Age?

During Hollywood's Golden Age, 20th Century Fox was recognized as one of the original "Big Five" major film studios, playing a significant role in the era's cinematic output.

How has the studio's name evolved over time?

The studio began as Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation in 1935. In 1985, the hyphen was removed, changing the name to Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. It was later renamed 20th Century Studios on January 17, 2020.

When did The Walt Disney Company acquire 20th Century Fox?

The Walt Disney Company completed its purchase of most of 21st Century Fox's assets, including 20th Century Fox, on March 20, 2019.

What are some of the most commercially successful film franchises produced by 20th Century Studios?

The studio has produced highly successful franchises such as the first six *Star Wars* films, the *X-Men* series, the *Ice Age* franchise, the *Avatar* franchise, and the *Planet of the Apes* series.

Which two films produced by the studio won the Academy Award for Best Picture and were once the highest-grossing films of all time?

The films *The Sound of Music* and *Titanic* both won the Academy Award for Best Picture and achieved the status of highest-grossing films worldwide during their initial releases.

What were the two predecessor companies that merged to form Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation?

The merger in 1935 combined Fox Film Corporation, led by Sidney Kent, with Twentieth Century Pictures, headed by Joseph Schenck and Darryl F. Zanuck.

Who were the key founders of Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation?

The primary founders were Joseph M. Schenck and Darryl F. Zanuck from Twentieth Century Pictures, and William Fox, the founder of Fox Film Corporation.

How did 20th Century Fox identify its founding year historically, and what is the current consensus?

For many years, the studio identified its founding year as 1915, the year Fox Film Corporation was established. However, in recent years, it has considered the 1935 merger as its founding date, a view generally supported by film historians.

Which actors were signed by Darryl F. Zanuck to bolster 20th Century-Fox's roster in its early years?

Darryl F. Zanuck signed several young actors, including Tyrone Power, Linda Darnell, Carmen Miranda, Don Ameche, Henry Fonda, Gene Tierney, Sonja Henie, and Betty Grable. The studio also hired Alice Faye and Shirley Temple, who starred in major films during the 1930s.

How did World War II impact 20th Century-Fox's standing among major studios?

Higher attendance during World War II helped 20th Century-Fox surpass RKO and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, becoming the third most profitable film studio of that period.

What technological innovation did 20th Century-Fox introduce in 1953 to combat declining theater attendance?

In 1953, 20th Century-Fox introduced CinemaScope, a widescreen anamorphic projection system, to enhance the theatrical experience. This was a significant gamble, involving mortgaging the studio to acquire the rights to the French technology.

What was the first film released using the CinemaScope process by 20th Century-Fox?

The groundbreaking feature film *The Robe*, released in 1953, was the first to utilize the CinemaScope process, aiming to revitalize movie theater attendance.

How did 20th Century-Fox encourage other studios to adopt CinemaScope?

To ensure widespread adoption and profitability, 20th Century-Fox agreed to help theater owners with conversion costs and licensed CinemaScope access to rival studios, which quickly led to its industry-wide adoption.

What major challenges did the studio face during the production of *Cleopatra* (1963)?

The production of *Cleopatra* was plagued by escalating costs, partly due to Elizabeth Taylor's casting and Richard Burton's highly publicized on-set romance. Spyros Skouras's micromanagement and personal preferences also contributed to production delays and budget overruns.

How did the studio attempt to mitigate financial difficulties in the early 1960s?

To raise necessary funds, 20th Century-Fox sold its back lot in Century City to Alcoa in 1961. This was done amidst the financial strain caused by major productions like *Cleopatra* and the troubled filming of *Something's Got to Give*.

What was the significance of *The Sound of Music* (1965) for 20th Century-Fox?

*The Sound of Music* was a critical and commercial triumph for the studio, becoming a major box office success and winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, significantly restoring the studio's financial health.

Which two science fiction films released in the 1960s were notable hits for 20th Century-Fox?

The studio had significant success with the science fiction genre in the 1960s through *Fantastic Voyage* (1966) and the original *Planet of the Apes* (1968).

What was the impact of *Star Wars* (1977) on 20th Century-Fox's financial standing?

The unprecedented success of *Star Wars* provided substantial financial gains for 20th Century-Fox. The film's performance led to a more than quadrupling of the studio's stock price and a significant increase in revenues between 1976 and 1977.

Who were the owners of 20th Century-Fox between 1981 and 1985?

In June 1981, 20th Century-Fox was sold to investors Marc Rich and Marvin Davis. Marvin Davis later bought out Marc Rich's stake in 1984 before selling his interest to Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation in March 1985.

What was the outcome of 20th Century Fox's venture into the video game industry in the 1980s?

In 1982, the studio formed Fox Video Games to capitalize on the burgeoning video game market. However, this division ultimately failed due to the video game crash of 1983.

When did Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation acquire 20th Century Fox?

Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation acquired 20th Century Fox in March 1985, marking a significant shift in the studio's ownership and direction.

What new divisions did 20th Century Fox establish in 1994?

In 1994, the studio established four key divisions: Fox Searchlight Pictures (for specialty and indie films), Fox Family Films (for family-oriented films), Fox Animation Studios (for animated features), and Fox 2000 Pictures (for mid-budget films targeting underserved audiences).

What was the purpose of establishing Fox Searchlight Pictures?

Fox Searchlight Pictures was created to specialize in the specialty and independent film market, providing a platform for niche and artistically driven projects.

When was Fox Animation Studios founded, and who were its initial heads?

Fox Animation Studios was established on August 9, 1994, with the goal of competing with other major animation studios. It was headed by Don Bluth and Gary Goldman, who came from the then-failing Sullivan Bluth Studios.

What happened to Blue Sky Studios after its acquisition of majority interest by Fox in 1997?

After Fox acquired majority interest in Blue Sky Studios in 1997, it was temporarily renamed "Blue Sky/VIFX." While Blue Sky continued to produce character animation for films, VIFX was later sold, and Blue Sky itself would eventually be acquired by Disney and later shut down.

What led to the closure of Fox Animation Studios in 2000?

Fox Animation Studios closed its doors on June 26, 2000, following the box-office failure of its film *Titan A.E.*

What was the significance of the film *Ice Age* (2002) for Blue Sky Studios and 20th Century Fox?

*Ice Age* was a critical and commercial success for 20th Century Fox, earning an Academy Award nomination and bolstering Blue Sky Studios' reputation. It launched a successful franchise and established Blue Sky as a major player in feature animation.

What was the nature of 20th Century Fox's distribution agreement with MGM/UA from 2000 to 2010?

From 2000 to 2010, 20th Century Fox served as the international distributor for releases from MGM and United Artists, continuing a relationship that had previously involved video distribution through CBS/Fox Video.

How did the split of News Corporation in 2012 affect 20th Century Fox?

In 2012, News Corporation split into two companies: the new News Corporation and 21st Century Fox, which included the Fox Entertainment Group and 20th Century Fox. This move was intended to maintain the heritage of 20th Century Fox within the new corporate structure.

What was the distribution deal between 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks Animation?

In August 2012, 20th Century Fox entered into a five-year distribution agreement with DreamWorks Animation, beginning in 2013. This partnership started after DreamWorks Animation's deal with Paramount Pictures ended, with *The Croods* being the first film distributed under this new arrangement.

What was the purpose of the 20th Century Studios name change in January 2020?

The studio was renamed 20th Century Studios in January 2020 primarily to avoid brand confusion with the separate entity, Fox Corporation, following Disney's acquisition.

What impact did Disney's acquisition of 21st Century Fox have on the studio's film slate?

Following the acquisition, Disney reduced the studio's annual film slate and halted development on several projects, particularly after box office disappointments like *Dark Phoenix* and *Stuber*. Many of the studio's franchises were repurposed for Disney+.

How is the distribution of 20th Century Studios films handled post-Disney acquisition?

Distribution of films produced by 20th Century Studios is now managed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures in North America and its subdivision Buena Vista International internationally. Searchlight Pictures maintains its own distribution and marketing unit.

What is the role of 20th Television within the company structure?

20th Television serves as the television production division of 20th Century Studios. It was formerly known as 20th Century Fox Television before adopting its current name in 2020.

What was the historical relationship between 20th Century Fox and television broadcasting?

In the mid-1950s, 20th Century Fox released blocks of its feature films to television networks to broaden sponsorship and support program distribution. The studio also gained a 50% interest in the NTA Film Network after selling its film library to National Telefilm Associates.

What is the Newman Scoring Stage, and where is it located?

The Newman Scoring Stage is a large music recording studio located on the Fox Studio Lot in Los Angeles. Named after composer Alfred Newman, it is one of the world's largest music recording spaces and is equipped with a high-end mixing console.

What was the function of the *Twentieth Century Fox Presents* radio series?

The radio series, broadcast between 1936 and 1942, primarily served as a preview for upcoming movies, featuring medleys of songs and soundtracks from the latest theatrical releases to encourage audience attendance.

Did Fox Film Corporation operate its own film processing laboratories?

Yes, from its early days, Fox Film Corporation operated its own processing laboratories, initially located in Fort Lee, New Jersey, and later at its new studio in Los Angeles.

What became of DeLuxe Laboratories, which originated from Fox Film Corporation's processing facilities?

DeLuxe Laboratories, founded by Alan E. Freedman after purchasing the labs from Fox in 1932, eventually became Deluxe Entertainment Services Group. Under Freedman's leadership, it expanded and processed films for various studios beyond Fox.

What is 20th Century Animation?

20th Century Animation is the American animation studio division of 20th Century Studios. It was originally formed in 1994 and is responsible for producing feature-length animated films, with notable successes including *Anastasia* and the *Ice Age* franchise.

What is 20th Century Games?

20th Century Games, founded in 2021, is an American video game licensor. It acts as a distributor and partners with other game development studios, continuing a legacy of Fox's involvement in video game licensing.

What is the significance of the 20th Century Studios logo and fanfare?

The iconic logo, featuring a monolithic logotype surrounded by Art Deco buildings and searchlights, originated from Twentieth Century Pictures and was adopted after the 1935 merger. The accompanying fanfare, composed by Alfred Newman, has become a recognizable element of the studio's identity.

How did the 20th Century Fox logo adapt for the CinemaScope format in 1953?

For CinemaScope, the '0' in '20th' was tilted by artist Rocky Longo to maintain the logo's proportions on the wider screen format. Alfred Newman also composed an extended version of the fanfare to accompany this CinemaScope logo.

What is the current status of Blue Sky Studios, which was acquired by Fox?

Blue Sky Studios, acquired by Fox in 1997 and later by Disney, was shut down by Disney in April 2021 due to economic impacts and the sustainability of operating a third feature animation studio. Its film library and intellectual properties are retained by Disney.

What was the purpose of Fox Faith, a former division of 20th Century Fox?

Fox Faith operated from 2006 to 2010 as a film production company focused on evangelical Christian-based content. It required films to have overt Christian themes or be derived from works by Christian authors.

What happened to Fox 2000 Pictures after Disney's acquisition?

Fox 2000 Pictures, which specialized in mid-range independent films, was dissolved in May 2021, following the release of its final film, *The Woman in the Window*, and the broader acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney.

When did 20th Century Studios announce its relocation plans?

In April 2025, Disney announced that 20th Century Studios would vacate its Century City lot by the end of 2025 and relocate to the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank.

20th Century Studios Wiki: 20th Century Studios: A Cinematic Legacy Unveiled

A Storied History

Founding and Golden Age

Established on May 31, 1935, as Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation, the studio emerged from the merger of Fox Film Corporation and Twentieth Century Pictures.^{^[a]} It quickly became one of Hollywood's "Big Five" studios during the Golden Age. Initially, the studio identified its founding year as 1915 (the year Fox Film was established), but in recent years, the 1935 merger date is more commonly cited.^{^[20]} Under the leadership of Darryl F. Zanuck, the studio gained a reputation for producing provocative, adult-oriented films, achieving significant success throughout the 1930s and 1940s, even surpassing competitors like MGM in profitability during World War II.^{^[21]}^{^[23]}

Navigating Challenges

The post-war era presented financial challenges, exacerbated by the decline of the studio system and costly productions like Cleopatra (1963).^{^[31]} The studio introduced the CinemaScope format in 1953 with The Robe, a move that revitalized attendance temporarily but ultimately required significant investment.^{^[26]} Despite setbacks, the studio found major successes with films like The Sound of Music (1965), which won multiple Academy Awards, and influential science fiction hits such as Planet of the Apes (1968).^{^[36]}

Ownership Transitions

In 1985, Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation acquired the studio, leading to the removal of the hyphen in the name to become Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.^{^[b]}^{^[43]} This era saw the expansion of the Fox Broadcasting Company and significant film franchises like X-Men and Star Wars.^{^[144]} In 2013, News Corporation split, forming 21st Century Fox, which continued to operate the studio.^{^[70]}

The Disney Era

The acquisition of most of 21st Century Fox's assets by The Walt Disney Company, completed on March 20, 2019, marked a new chapter.^{^[10]}^{^[82]} On January 17, 2020, the studio was renamed 20th Century Studios to avoid confusion with Fox Corporation.^{^[11]}^{^[88]} While retaining its Century City headquarters, the studio now operates as one of five live-action film units under Walt Disney Studios, focusing on a reduced slate of films, many intended for Disney+.^{^[86]}

Studio Divisions

Current Divisions

20th Century Studios currently operates several key divisions:

20th Century Family: Focuses on family-friendly films, animation, and television specials.
20th Century Animation: Produces feature-length animated films, succeeding Blue Sky Studios.
20th Century Games: A video game licensor established in 2021.
20th Century Comics: A comic publishing venture launched in partnership with Marvel Comics in 2023.

Former Divisions

Over its history, the studio has housed various divisions, including:

Fox 2000 Pictures: Specialized in mid-budget independent films.
20th Digital Studio: Focused on web series and digital content until 2023.
Fox Studios: Encompassed physical production facilities, including the iconic Century City lot.
Fox VFX Lab: A visual effects unit acquired and later merged into Lucasfilm's ILM.
Fox Atomic: A youth-focused film production arm (2006-2009).
Fox Faith: Produced evangelical Christian-themed films (2006-2010).
20th Century Fox Consumer Products: Managed merchandising and licensing.
Fox Stage Productions: Broadway-style musical production branch.
Fox International Productions: Handled local productions in international markets.
20th Century Fox International: Managed overseas film distribution.

Notable Filmography

Iconic Franchises

20th Century Studios has produced some of the most successful and enduring film franchises in cinematic history:

Star Wars (Original six films)
X-Men franchise
Ice Age franchise
Avatar franchise
Planet of the Apes series
Alien franchise
Die Hard series
Home Alone franchise
Deadpool films

Highest-Grossing Films

The studio boasts numerous box office successes. Here are some of its highest-grossing films in North America:

Highest-grossing films in North America
Rank	Title	Year	Box office gross
1	Avatar	2009	$785,221,649
2	Avatar: The Way of Water	2022	$684,075,767
3	Titanic	1997	$674,292,608
4	Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace	1999	$487,576,624
5	Star Wars	1977	$460,998,007
6	Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith	2005	$414,378,291
7	Deadpool	2016	$363,070,709
8	Deadpool 2	2018	$324,535,803
9	Return of the Jedi	1983	$315,476,701
10	Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones	2002	$310,676,740
11	Independence Day	1996	$306,169,268
12	The Force Awakens	2015	$300,089,798

Note: Gross figures are based on North American box office data and may not include subsequent re-releases.

Music and Radio

The studio's musical endeavors included the 20th Century Fox Records label, founded in 1958, and later Fox Music, handling publishing and licensing. The studio also produced radio programs like Twentieth Century Fox Presents between 1936 and 1942, offering previews of film soundtracks.

The Iconic Logo

Visual Identity

The studio's enduring logo, originating from Twentieth Century Pictures, features a monolithic, Art Deco-inspired structure illuminated by searchlights. This visual motif, accompanied by Alfred Newman's distinctive fanfare, has become synonymous with cinematic grandeur.

Evolution Through Eras

The logo has undergone several adaptations to align with technological advancements and branding changes. Notable modifications include tilting the "0" in "20th" for CinemaScope compatibility in 1953 and adopting computer-generated imagery (CGI) for a more detailed animation in 1994. Following the Disney acquisition, the name was updated to "20th Century Studios" in 2020, with the logo retaining its core elements while incorporating updated animation and a revised fanfare.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "20th Century Studios" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about 20th_century_studios while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

achaemenid empire

music

charles grey 2nd earl grey

pbs news hour

jann singer

hamilton montana

2021 north shropshire by-election

tom garrett virginia politician

himeji castle

handicraft

References

Lev 2014, p. 7, https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=dA3LcAd5O5gC&pg=PA7#v=onepage.

Troyan, Thompson & Sylvester 2017, p. 29.

Fox Folks Vol. I, No. 4, August 1922. Also, Vol. III, No. 7, July 1924, p. 12 and back outside cover, and Vol. III, No. 8, August 1924, p. 8.

Lev 2014, p. 16, https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=dA3LcAd5O5gC&pg=PA16#v=onepage.

Troyan, Thompson & Sylvester 2017, pp. 533â534.

A full list of references for this article are available at the 20th Century Studios Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding film production, business, or intellectual property matters. Always consult with qualified professionals for specific guidance.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided.

20th Century Studios: A Cinematic Legacy Unveiled

A Storied History ⏳

🌟 Founding and Golden Age

💰 Navigating Challenges

🏢 Ownership Transitions

🚀 The Disney Era

Studio Divisions 🧩

🎬 Current Divisions

⏳ Former Divisions

Notable Filmography 🎞️

⭐ Iconic Franchises

🏆 Highest-Grossing Films

🎶 Music and Radio

The Iconic Logo ✨

💡 Visual Identity

🔄 Evolution Through Eras

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

A Storied History

Founding and Golden Age

Navigating Challenges

Ownership Transitions

The Disney Era

Studio Divisions

Current Divisions

Former Divisions

Notable Filmography

Iconic Franchises

Highest-Grossing Films

Music and Radio

The Iconic Logo

Visual Identity

Evolution Through Eras

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice