The four walls (also known as the four wall system) is a film production system whereby a
film production
Filmmaking (film production) is the process by which a motion picture is produced. Filmmaking involves a number of complex and discrete stages, starting with an initial story, idea, or commission. It then continues through screenwriting, casti ...
company rents a
sound stage
A sound stage (also written soundstage) is a soundproof, large structure, building, or room with large doors and high ceilings, used for the production of theatrical film-making and television productions, usually located on a secured movie or ...
and associated space but then separately contracts for additional facilities and hires freelance staff. The four walls system became prominent in the 1960s, following the demise of the Hollywood
studio system
A studio system is a method of filmmaking wherein the production and distribution of films is dominated by a small number of large movie studios. It is most often used in reference to Hollywood motion picture studios during the Golden Age of Hol ...
from 1948.
Some big studios, like
Pinewood Studios
Pinewood Studios is a British film and television studio located in the village of Iver Heath, England. It is approximately west of central London.
The studio has been the base for many productions over the years from large-scale films to te ...
in England, became four walls facilities
for independent film producers and television companies. These facilities no longer engage in the development or distribution of films.
References
Filmmaking
Film production
Cinematic techniques
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