- One of the first masterminds of film distribution in the early 1910s. He banded loosely organized distribution territories into statewide systems that remained in effect for four decades. Unfortunately, one of the producers he signed to supply his need for product was the hard-driving Adolph Zukor, who wanted to control distribution himself. He eventually maneuvered Hodkinson out of the chairmanship of his company, W.W. Hodkinson Corp., which eventually became Producers Distributing Corp., which in turn eventually became Paramount Pictures. Hodkinson later became an aircraft manufacturer.
- Business partner of Hiram Abrams, who was manipulated by Adolph Zukor to oust Hodkinson from his chairmanship of W.W. Hodkinson Corp.
- He is credited for naming Paramount Pictures after passing an apartment building called "Paramount". Another story is that future studio head Adolph Zukor was stopped at a red light one day and noticed a truck in the next lane with the logo "Paramount Plumbing" on the door. He liked the name and decided to use it for his company.
- Co-founded W.W. Hodkinson Corp., a production/distribution company, in New York City in 1916.
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