What is Variety magazine, and who is its current owner?

Variety is an American trade magazine focused on the entertainment industry. It is currently owned by Penske Media Corporation.

When and where was Variety magazine first published, and what was its initial focus?

Variety was first published on December 16, 1905, in New York City. Initially, it was a weekly newspaper that reported on theater and vaudeville.

Who founded Variety magazine, and what motivated him to start the publication?

Variety was founded by Sime Silverman. He was motivated to start his own publication after being fired from The Morning Telegraph for panning an act that had placed an advertisement, leading him to vow that Variety would not be influenced by advertising.

What was the initial financial backing for Variety magazine?

Sime Silverman launched Variety with a loan of $1,500 from his father-in-law.

Who were Variety's main competitors at the time of its founding?

At the time of its launch in 1905, Variety's main competitors were The New York Clipper and the New York Dramatic Mirror.

Who created the original logo for Variety magazine?

The original logo for Variety, which is similar to the current design, was sketched by Edgar M. Miller, a scenic painter who did not accept payment for his work.

Who comprised the original editorial staff featured on the first cover of Variety?

The first cover of Variety featured pictures of the original editorial staff: Alfred Greason, Epes W. Sargeant (also known as Chic), Joshua Lowe, and the founder, Sime Silverman.

What significant contribution did Sime Silverman's son, Sidne, make to the first issue?

Sidne Silverman, Sime Silverman's son, wrote a review for the first issue of Variety. He was reportedly the youngest critic in the world at the time, at seven years old, and was known by the nickname Skigie.

When did Variety publish what is considered the first film review in history, and who wrote it?

Variety published what is considered the first film review in history on January 19, 1907. The reviews were written by founder Sime Silverman for the films 'An Exciting Honeymoon' and 'The Life of a Cowboy'.

Did Variety always consistently publish film reviews?

No, Variety briefly discontinued reviews of films between March 1911 and January 1913, after a film producer convinced them they were wasting space and that favorable reviews created an unbalanced demand for certain pictures.

What is Variety's distinction regarding film criticism?

Despite a brief hiatus, Variety holds the distinction of being the longest unbroken source of film criticism in existence.

When did Variety begin publishing miniature reviews or capsules for films?

In 1930, Variety started publishing a summary of miniature reviews for the films reviewed each week. In 1951, the editors moved these capsules to the top of the reviews, a format that continues today.

What happened in 1922 regarding The New York Clipper?

In 1922, Sime Silverman acquired The New York Clipper, a publication that had been covering entertainment since 1853. This move was intended to attract advertising revenue away from Billboard magazine after a dispute. However, Silverman folded The New York Clipper two years later, merging some of its features into Variety.

When was Daily Variety launched, and what was its purpose?

Daily Variety was launched in 1933, based in Los Angeles, to specifically cover the motion-picture industry.

Who was the first editor of Daily Variety?

Arthur Ungar was the first editor of Daily Variety when it launched in 1933.

How did the editorial leadership evolve after Sime Silverman's death?

After Sime Silverman's death in 1933, his son Sidne succeeded him as publisher. Sidne's son, Syd Silverman, later became the sole heir. Harold Erichs, who started as an office boy, served as treasurer and chief financial officer, and later assumed the presidency during Sidne's illness.

Who took over as editor of Weekly Variety in 1933?

Abel Green took over the editorship of Weekly Variety in 1933.

What was the significance of Army Archerd's "Just for Variety" column?

Army Archerd's "Just for Variety" column, which began in 1953, became very popular in Hollywood. It was known for breaking exclusive stories, reporting on deals, and sharing news about star hospitalizations, marriages, and births. The column ran daily for 52 years until September 1, 2005.

When did Thomas M. Pryor become editor of Daily Variety, and what impact did his tenure have?

Thomas M. Pryor, formerly the Hollywood bureau chief for The New York Times, became editor of Daily Variety in 1959. Under his leadership, the publication expanded significantly in size and saw its circulation increase.

How did the circulation of Daily Variety change under Thomas M. Pryor's editorship?

Under Thomas M. Pryor's editorship, Daily Variety expanded from 8 pages to 32 pages, and its circulation increased from 8,000 to 22,000.

When was Variety sold to Cahners Publishing, and for how much?

Variety was sold to Cahners Publishing in 1987 for $64 million.

What significant change in printing occurred in December 1988?

On December 7, 1988, Variety transitioned to four-color printing, which included changes to the front-page layout and the reintroduction of photographs.

Who served as Variety's editor-in-chief for 20 years starting in 1989?

Peter Bart served as Variety's editor-in-chief for 20 years, beginning in 1989. Initially, he oversaw the weekly New York edition, while Michael Silverman managed the Daily edition in Hollywood.

When did the print edition of Daily Variety cease publication, and what was its final headline?

The print edition of Daily Variety ceased publication on March 19, 2013, with its final headline being "Variety Ankles Daily Pub Hubbub."

How was the Daily Variety brand revived after its print edition ceased?

The Daily Variety brand was revived in 2019 as a Monday-to-Friday email newsletter that highlights the top stories from the previous 24 hours. These top stories are also posted on the Daily Variety page of Variety.com.

What is 'Dirt', and when was it launched?

Dirt is a high-end real-estate breaking news site launched by Variety in June 2014. It was created under the direction of Mark David and later expanded into its own stand-alone site in 2019.

What notable awards has Variety won for its television programming?

Variety won a Los Angeles Area Emmy Award in 2015 and another in 2016 for its co-production with PBS SoCal, 'Variety Studio: Actors on Actors'.

When did Variety shut down its Gaming section?

Variety shut down its Gaming section in June 2019.

What is the significance of the "For Your Consideration" advertisements in Variety?

These advertisements are a significant source of advertising revenue for Variety, particularly during the film award season leading up to the Academy Awards. Studios place these ads to reach voters for various awards, including the Oscars and Golden Globes, often doubling or tripling the magazine's usual page count.

What are the main print editions of Variety mentioned in the text?

The text mentions the weekly print edition of 'Variety' and the 'Daily Variety' print edition, which ceased publication in 2013 but was later revived as a newsletter. It also mentions 'Daily Variety Gotham', the New York City-based edition.

When did Variety.com launch, and what was its initial approach to content access?

Variety.com launched in 1998 and was one of the first online newspapers to charge for access. By June 2010, all content on the website became paywalled, though the paywall was removed in April 2013, with subscriptions still required for archival content.

What is the 'Variety Hitmakers' franchise?

Variety Hitmakers is the publication's music franchise, first published in November 2017. It recognizes key figures in the music industry who contribute to the year's most popular songs and includes an annual awards ceremony.

What kind of data did Variety's anniversary editions typically include starting from 1938 and 1949?

Starting in 1938, anniversary editions began including lists of the top-performing films of the year. From 1949 onwards, they also featured the annually updated all-time rental chart.

How has Variety's archive been made accessible over time?

Older back issues of Variety are available on microfilm. Since 2010, digitized versions of all issues have been accessible via subscription on Variety.com. Additionally, the Media History Digital Library provides online scans of Variety archives from 1905 to 1963.

What was the paid circulation of the weekly Variety magazine in 2023?

In 2023, the paid circulation for the weekly Variety magazine was 85,300 copies.

How many unique monthly visitors does Variety.com have?

Variety.com attracts 32 million unique monthly visitors.

What is 'slanguage' or 'Varietyese'?

Slanguage, also known as Varietyese, is a jargon used by Variety's writers and columnists, particularly concerning the movie industry. This unique style of language, a form of headlinese, has been widely adopted and imitated within the industry.

What are some terms attributed to Variety magazine?

Terms such as 'boffo', 'payola', and 'striptease' are attributed to Variety magazine.

In what way did Sime Silverman contribute to American jargon according to Time magazine?

In 1934, Time magazine listed Sime Silverman among the "ten modern Americans who have done most to keep American jargon alive," acknowledging his role in popularizing industry-specific language.

What is the significance of Variety's headlines like 'Wall St. Lays an Egg'?

Headlines like 'Wall St. Lays an Egg' (referring to the Wall Street Crash of 1929) and 'Sticks Nix Hick Pix' (1933) are notable examples of Variety's distinctive and often pithy use of language to capture significant events in the entertainment industry and broader culture.

What was the focus of the book 'Variety: An Illustrated History of the World from the Most Important Magazine in Hollywood'?

Published in 2012, this book by Timothy M. Gray covers Variety's reporting on global events, from the 1906 San Francisco earthquake to the 2012 Arab Spring, arguing for the interconnectedness of the entertainment industry with political and societal changes.

What was Variety's first political endorsement?

In 2016, Variety made its first political endorsement by supporting Hillary Clinton for President of the United States, marking a significant departure in its 111-year history.

Where were Variety's first offices located in New York City?

Variety's initial offices were situated in the Knickerbocker Theatre at 1396 Broadway, near 38th Street and Broadway in New York City.

Where was Variety's headquarters located from 1920 until 1987?

From 1920 until 1987, Variety's headquarters were located in an old brownstone building at 154 West 46th Street in New York City.

What changes occurred in Variety's office locations after its sale in 1987?

Following the 1987 sale to Cahners Publishing, the New York headquarters moved to 32nd Street and Park Avenue South, then later to West 18th Street. Eventually, the majority of operations shifted to Los Angeles.

Where are Variety's current offices located?

Variety's current offices are located in Westwood, Los Angeles, at 11175 Santa Monica Blvd., sharing the building with its parent company, Penske Media Corporation (PMC), and other PMC brands.

What is the historical significance of Variety's film reviews?

Variety is credited with publishing the first film review in history in 1907 and remains the longest unbroken source of film criticism. It also pioneered the practice of publishing miniature reviews or capsules.

What was the practice of using four-letter 'sigs' or pen names at Variety?

For many years, Variety reviewers often used four-letter pen names, known as 'sigs,' instead of their full names. This practice, which identified their work, ceased in August 1991.

What are some notable film reviewers who used 'sigs' at Variety?

Notable reviewers who used 'sigs' included Abel Green (Abel), Vincent Canby (Anby), Army Archerd (Army), Todd McCarthy (Cart), Derek Elley (Drek), and Arthur D. Murphy (Murf).

What is the 'Variety Film Reviews' series?

The 'Variety Film Reviews' is a collection of approximately 10,000 film reviews published in book form across 24 volumes, covering the period from 1907 to 1996. It is one of three English-language periodicals with such extensive reprinted film reviews.

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About Variety

The Industry Standard

Variety is a distinguished American trade magazine, owned by Penske Media Corporation. Since its inception in 1905, it has served as a critical voice and comprehensive record of the entertainment industry, covering film, television, theater, music, and technology.

Business of Entertainment

Founded by Sime Silverman, Variety began as a weekly newspaper focused on theater and vaudeville. Its enduring legacy lies in its in-depth reporting on the business aspects of entertainment, providing essential data, analysis, and news for industry professionals.

Digital Reach

Beyond its print editions, Variety.com is a leading online destination for entertainment news, reviews, box office results, and industry databases, reaching millions of unique visitors monthly and solidifying its position in the digital landscape.

A Storied History

Founding Vision

Variety was established by Sime Silverman in New York City on December 16, 1905. Silverman, aiming for editorial independence, launched the publication after a dispute with a previous employer, vowing it would not be influenced by advertising. The initial focus was on theater and vaudeville.

The first issue, featuring a unique logo sketched by scenic painter Edgar M. Miller, included contributions from the original staff and even Silverman's seven-year-old son, Sidne, who was humorously billed as the world's youngest critic.

Expansion and Evolution

In 1933, responding to the burgeoning motion-picture industry, Silverman launched Daily Variety in Los Angeles. This marked a significant expansion, allowing for more focused coverage of Hollywood. Over the decades, Variety adapted to industry changes, navigating ownership shifts and technological advancements.

Acquisition of The New York Clipper in 1922.
Launch of Daily Variety in 1933.
Introduction of the "Just for Variety" column by Army Archerd in 1953.
Sale to Cahners Publishing in 1987.
Acquisition by Penske Media Corporation (PMC) in 2012.
Transition to a primarily digital-first strategy, including the discontinuation of the Daily Variety print edition in 2013.

Industry Recognition

Variety has consistently been recognized for its influential reporting and analysis. Its coverage, including film reviews and industry data, has set standards for trade journalism. The publication has also received accolades, such as Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards for its "Actors on Actors" series.

Diverse Editions

Weekly Variety

The flagship publication, Variety, continues as a weekly print magazine. It offers broad coverage of movies, television, theater, music, and technology, serving as essential reading for entertainment executives worldwide.

Daily Variety

Originally launched in 1933 as a Los Angeles-based daily, Daily Variety provided immediate coverage of Hollywood. While its print edition ceased in 2013, the brand has been revived as a daily email newsletter and online presence, delivering top stories.

Digital Platforms

Variety.com, launched in 1998, is the publication's robust online counterpart. Initially featuring a paywall, it now offers extensive content, including archives and specialized sections, accessible via subscription for premium features.

Variety Hitmakers: Recognizes key figures in music production.
Variety Studio: Actors on Actors: Emmy-winning series featuring actor interviews.
Variety Insight (now Luminate Film & TV): Data and research division.

Content & Culture

The Language of Showbiz

Variety is renowned for its unique industry jargon, often referred to as "slanguage" or "Varietyese." This distinctive lexicon, which includes terms like "boffo," "payola," and "show biz," has significantly influenced industry communication and is documented in resources like Variety's "Slanguage Dictionary."

Pioneering Reviews

In 1907, Variety published what is widely considered the first film review in history. Despite a brief hiatus, it maintains the longest unbroken record of film criticism, providing invaluable historical context and analysis of cinematic trends.

Since 1930, Variety has featured concise "miniature reviews" or capsules at the top of its film critiques, a format that continues to this day, offering quick insights into film performance.

Industry Data and Charts

Variety has been a crucial source for industry data since the 1920s, tracking box office grosses, film rentals, TV ratings, and music charts. Its comprehensive charts and annual reports provide essential metrics for understanding the industry's performance and trends.

Office Locations

Historical Hubs

Initially headquartered in New York City, Variety established its first overseas office in London in 1909. The publication's New York offices moved several times before settling in a brownstone on West 46th Street, which served as its headquarters for decades.

West Coast Presence

The launch of Daily Variety in 1933 cemented its presence in Los Angeles. Over the years, its offices have been located in various iconic Hollywood areas, eventually moving to 5900 Wilshire Boulevard, famously marked by a prominent "Variety" sign.

Currently, Variety's operations are based in Westwood, Los Angeles, within the Penske Media Corporation's corporate headquarters, sharing the space with other PMC media brands.

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References

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Variety: A Century of Showbiz Insight

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

About Variety ℹ️

📰 The Industry Standard

💰 Business of Entertainment

🌐 Digital Reach

A Storied History 📜

🌟 Founding Vision

🎬 Expansion and Evolution

🏆 Industry Recognition

Diverse Editions 📚

📅 Weekly Variety

☀️ Daily Variety

💻 Digital Platforms

Content & Culture 🗣️

💬 The Language of Showbiz

✍️ Pioneering Reviews

📊 Industry Data and Charts

Office Locations 🏢

📍 Historical Hubs

🌴 West Coast Presence

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

About Variety

The Industry Standard

Business of Entertainment

Digital Reach

A Storied History

Founding Vision

Expansion and Evolution

Industry Recognition

Diverse Editions

Weekly Variety

Daily Variety

Digital Platforms

Content & Culture

The Language of Showbiz

Pioneering Reviews

Industry Data and Charts

Office Locations

Historical Hubs

West Coast Presence

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice