Meaning: The quote by Don Bluth, a renowned animator and filmmaker, provides insight into the relationship between independent artists and major film studios. Bluth's words convey a sense of frustration and disillusionment with the dynamics of working within the studio system. By likening the studio to an enormous clam that takes ownership of the work created within its confines, he highlights the lack of creative control and autonomy experienced by artists once they collaborate with a studio. This quote reflects the challenges faced by many independent creators in the film industry and serves as a commentary on the power dynamics at play in the world of cinema.

Don Bluth is known for his work as an animator and director, having been involved in the creation of numerous beloved animated films such as "The Secret of NIMH," "An American Tail," and "The Land Before Time." Throughout his career, Bluth has been vocal about the difficulties faced by independent artists in navigating the Hollywood studio system. His quote encapsulates the sentiment of many creatives who have grappled with the trade-offs of working with major studios.

The metaphor of the clam is particularly evocative, painting a vivid picture of the studio as a formidable entity that engulfs everything within its reach. The imagery of the clam opening, taking everything, and then closing signifies the studio's dominance and control over the creative output generated through its involvement. This portrayal captures the sense of disillusionment felt by artists who find themselves constrained by the demands and constraints imposed by the studio system.

Bluth's assertion that "no one enters again" after the studio has taken ownership speaks to the finality of the arrangement, suggesting that once a studio has claimed control over a project, there is little room for external influence or the re-entry of the original creators. This portrayal of the studio as an impenetrable entity reinforces the notion of the power differential between artists and large corporate entities within the film industry.

In the context of the quote, the notion of the studio "owning it all" underscores the lack of creative agency experienced by artists once their work becomes enmeshed within the studio apparatus. The reference to ownership implies a loss of authorship and creative control, as the studio exerts its influence over the direction and final form of the project. This sentiment reflects the common struggle faced by independent artists who must navigate the tension between creative integrity and the commercial imperatives imposed by studios.

Overall, Don Bluth's quote encapsulates the complex and often challenging dynamics inherent in the relationship between independent artists and major film studios. It serves as a poignant reflection on the power dynamics, creative autonomy, and the struggles faced by creators within the studio system. Bluth's words resonate with the experiences of many artists who have grappled with the trade-offs of collaborating with large studios, making it a compelling and thought-provoking commentary on the state of the film industry.