Universal Pictures
NBCUniversal's film division known for Fast & Furious, Jurassic World, Illumination animation, and horror through Blumhouse.
Definition
Universal Pictures is the film production and distribution subsidiary of NBCUniversal, itself owned by Comcast. The studio is known for blockbuster franchises including Fast & Furious, Jurassic World, Despicable Me/Minions (through Illumination Entertainment), and critically acclaimed horror through partnerships with Blumhouse Productions.
Universal also operates Focus Features for prestige and specialty films, and has pioneered shortened theatrical windows with premium video-on-demand releases through its Premium VOD initiative.
Why It Matters
Universal's willingness to experiment with release windows has made it an industry innovator. Their premium VOD strategy, accelerated during COVID-19, has influenced how all studios approach home entertainment timing.
The studio's horror success through Blumhouse demonstrates how low-budget, high-margin genre films can generate substantial returns, offering a counterpoint to tentpole-dependent strategies.
Examples in Practice
Universal's deal with AMC Theatres to allow PVOD releases after 17 days broke the traditional 90-day theatrical window, reshaping industry economics and consumer expectations.
Blumhouse's production model - low budgets, creative freedom, profit participation - has produced hits like Get Out, which earned 255x its $4.5 million budget.
Illumination's Minions franchise demonstrates how animation studios can build merchandising empires, with character licensing generating billions beyond box office.