Meaning: This quote by Cary Grant, the iconic actor of the Golden Age of Hollywood, provides a unique analogy that compares the entertainment industry to a factory. By referring to the stage as a factory and the product as something that is colored, titled, and shipped out in cans, Grant offers a thought-provoking perspective on the process of creating and presenting entertainment to audiences.

In this quote, "We have our factory, which is called a stage," Grant is likening the stage, where performances take place, to a factory where products are manufactured. This comparison suggests that just as a factory is a space where goods are produced, the stage is a space where entertainment is created and presented. This metaphor highlights the organized and structured nature of the entertainment industry, indicating that the creation and delivery of performances involve a systematic and deliberate process.

Grant's statement, "We make a product," emphasizes the idea that the entertainment industry produces a tangible output, much like a factory creates a physical product. In the context of entertainment, this "product" refers to the performances, shows, and productions that are crafted for audiences. Whether it's a play, a film, a musical, or any other form of entertainment, the industry is responsible for producing these creative works as its "product."

The next part of the quote, "we color it," suggests that the entertainment industry adds its own unique flair and creativity to the product. Much like adding color to a physical object, the industry infuses its productions with artistic elements, such as storytelling, acting, music, and visual effects. This creative process serves to enhance and enrich the entertainment product, making it more engaging and appealing to audiences.

"We title it" implies that the industry assigns a name or title to the finished product, further reinforcing the idea that entertainment is a carefully packaged and branded creation. Titles play a crucial role in marketing and promoting entertainment works, as they serve as a point of identification and differentiation for audiences. A well-chosen title can capture the essence of a production and generate interest and intrigue among potential viewers.

Finally, "we ship it out in cans" is a metaphorical expression that suggests the distribution and dissemination of the finished entertainment product to audiences. In the past, films were actually shipped in cans to theaters for screening, but in the broader sense, this phrase symbolizes the delivery and presentation of entertainment to the public. Whether through physical distribution or digital streaming platforms, the industry ensures that its products reach their intended audience for consumption and enjoyment.

Overall, Cary Grant's quote provides a fascinating perspective on the entertainment industry, framing it as a factory-like process of creating, enhancing, packaging, and distributing creative works for public consumption. This analogy sheds light on the structured and organized nature of the industry, highlighting the various stages involved in bringing entertainment to audiences. It also underscores the artistic and creative elements that are infused into the final products, emphasizing the industry's role in captivating and engaging viewers through its offerings.