Meaning: The quote by Sharon Gless highlights a significant shift in the way film studios were managed and operated in the past compared to the present. Gless, an accomplished actress known for her roles in television series such as "Cagney & Lacey" and "Burn Notice," reflects on the traditional structure of film studios, emphasizing the presence of a distinct leader at the helm of each studio and a sense of loyalty and dedication among the employees. Let's delve deeper into the context and implications of this quote.

In the early days of Hollywood, major film studios held a dominant position in the industry, exerting control over nearly every aspect of the filmmaking process. Each studio was typically headed by a powerful executive or producer who wielded considerable influence over the projects undertaken by the studio. This hierarchical structure meant that decisions regarding film production, distribution, and marketing were centralized and often made by the studio head or a small group of top executives.

Gless alludes to a time when individuals within the industry had a strong attachment to their respective studios. This sentiment reflects an era when studio loyalty was a defining characteristic of Hollywood culture. Actors, directors, writers, and other professionals often worked exclusively for specific studios, forming enduring relationships and a sense of belonging to a particular creative entity. The phrase "people who loved their studios" evokes a bygone era when artists and industry professionals felt a deep connection to the studio they were affiliated with, fostering a collaborative and communal spirit.

Furthermore, Gless emphasizes the practice of studios loaning out their talent to other industry players. This was a common practice in the classic Hollywood era, where studios would enter into agreements to lend their contracted actors, directors, or other personnel to work on projects for other studios. This system of talent sharing allowed studios to maximize the utilization of their resources and also facilitated creative exchange and cross-pollination within the industry.

The notion of "everybody sort of got a piece" alludes to a more equitable distribution of benefits and opportunities within the studio system of the past. In the classic studio era, successful projects translated into financial gains not only for the studio heads but also for the employees who contributed to the film's creation. This could include profit participation, bonuses, and other forms of compensation that reflected a shared stake in the success of a project.

However, Gless contrasts this historical model with the present state of the industry, suggesting that there has been a significant consolidation, with only a handful of major studios exerting substantial influence. This observation resonates with the contemporary landscape of the film industry, where a few major conglomerates dominate the market, leading to concerns about the concentration of power and resources in the hands of a select few.

In conclusion, Sharon Gless's quote offers a poignant reflection on the evolution of film studio management and the shifting dynamics within the industry. It provides valuable insight into the historical organization of studios, the sense of loyalty and attachment prevalent in the past, and the changes that have reshaped the industry's structure and operations. This quote serves as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of the entertainment business and the enduring impact of these transformations on the creative professionals who contribute to the art of filmmaking.

I hope you find this analysis helpful and informative. If you have any further questions or need additional information, feel free to ask!