In a recent article in this journal, I examined the early development and launch of a film studio, PolyGram Filmed Entertainment (PFE), and the integration of an independent production company, Working Title Films, into this new venture between 1988 and 1993. This article resumes that narrative by considering the evolving parent company-subsidiary dynamic at play between PFE and Working Title between 1993 and 1998. In doing so, four overlapping objectives are pursued. Firstly, I examine the structures and processes which linked PFE to Working Title by conceptualising the relationship between the two in terms of creative and commercial gatekeeping with gates at the points of development, green-lighting and distribution. Secondly, I consider the release of Working Title’s first worldwide hit, Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994), and assess its impact upon both the production company and the studio. Thereafter, PFE’s subsequent development - the expansion of its distribution and marketing network, its acquisition of various film libraries, the proliferation of its production deals – is charted, as well as its premature demise and the fate of its assets, including Working Title. Finally, I position this history within the wider context of the relationship between the film industries and cultures of Britain and Hollywood by considering PFE’s unique achievements and legacy.

中文翻译：

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PolyGram 拍摄的娱乐和工作片名第二部分：电影制片厂的兴衰

在本期刊最近的一篇文章中，我研究了电影制片厂 PolyGram Filmed Entertainment (PFE) 的早期开发和推出，以及 1988 年至 1993 年间独立制作公司 Working Title Films 与这家新企业的整合。文章通过考虑 1993 年至 1998 年间 PFE 和工作职称之间不断变化的母公司 - 子公司动态来继续该叙述。在这样做时，追求四个重叠的目标。首先，我通过在开发、绿灯和分销点的创意和商业把关方面概念化两者之间的关系，研究将 PFE 与工作标题联系起来的结构和过程。其次，我考虑了工作标题的第一部全球热门歌曲《四个婚礼和一个葬礼》（1994）的发行，并评估其对制作公司和工作室的影响。此后，PFE 的后续发展——其发行和营销网络的扩张、对各种电影库的收购、其制作交易的激增——以及它的过早消亡和其资产的命运，包括工作片名。最后，通过考虑 PFE 的独特成就和遗产，我将这段历史置于英国和好莱坞电影产业和文化之间关系的更广泛背景中。包括工作职称。最后，通过考虑 PFE 的独特成就和遗产，我将这段历史置于英国和好莱坞电影产业和文化之间关系的更广泛背景中。包括工作职称。最后，通过考虑 PFE 的独特成就和遗产，我将这段历史置于英国和好莱坞电影产业和文化之间关系的更广泛背景中。