The Origins of the Film Star System: Persona, P. Shail**

Name: The Origins of the Film Star System: Persona, P. Shail**
Brand: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Explore the fascinating evolution of film stardom with "The Origins of the Film Star System" by Andrew Shail. This in-depth book delves into the persona, publicity, and economic forces that shaped early cinema's most iconic figures. Drawing on extensive archival research, Shail meticulously traces the rise of film stardom across Europe and North America in the early 20th century. The book modifies and expands upon existing accounts of the US star system, detailing the complex economic landscape that led both studios and actors to embrace the concept of stardom. It further examines the film industry's strategic shift towards character-based series films from 1908 onwards, illustrating how these characters paved the way for the star system. Shail argues that series characters and the 'firmament' of film stars are functionally equivalent, demonstrating how fictional characters continue to serve as the blueprint for 'real' film stars. This paperback edition offers 424 pages of insightful analysis for anyone interested in film history, media studies, and the sociology of celebrity. Written in English by Andrew Shail. Product Summary: The Origins of the Film Star System, Andrew Shail, Paperback, English, 424 pages, Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, ISBN 9781350272255.