Selznick Pictures

Selznick Pictures was an American film production company active between 1916 and 1923 during the silent era.

For the later company, see Selznick International Pictures.
Trade advertisement with Selznick Pictures logo at top.
Rear view of the Selznick studio in Fort Lee, New Jersey, 1920.

History

Selznick Pictures was founded in April 1916 by Lewis J. Selznick following his loss of control at World Film. Selznick moved production from his former base at Fort Lee, New Jersey to California, and brought with him Clara Kimball Young who had been World Film's biggest star.[1]

In 1917 Adolph Zukor, head of Paramount Pictures, bought a half share in the company. Selznick remained as head of the studios, but films were now released under the label of Select Pictures. In April 1919 Selznick bought out Zukor's half share in the company for over $1 million.[2] Selznick's sons David and Myron were both involved in the company.

In 1923 Select Pictures went out of business.[3] Selznick Pictures continued to release pictures until the following year, including three British imports from Gainsborough Pictures. However the firm itself had run into financial difficulties. The bankrupt Selznick was briefly made head of production at Associated Exhibitors, but this company was soon merged. His son David later revived the family name with his own production company Selznick International Pictures.

Filmography

References
  1. Slide p.115
  2. Slide p.115
  3. Slide p.115

Bibliography
  • Slide, Anthony. The New Historical Dictionary of the American Film Industry. Routledge, 2014.
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