SMPTE Historical Paper: GSSI — Ma Bell's Little-Known Grandchild

John G. Matthews

This article chronicles the short history of General Service Studios, Inc. (GSSI) founded by Western Electric Co., a subsidiary of the Bell System. From its troubled beginnings, GSSI went on to become a dream studio for independent producers of the 1930's. The role of the independent producer and studio in the early days of talking motion pictures is recalled, together with their contributions to the innovative equipment designed to fit the needs of the fledgling industry. An interesting picture is painted of the technical side of Hollywood's heyday prior to the advent of television.

Print ISSN
Published
1984-12
Content type
Original Research
DOI
10.5594/J03428