Which of the following is NOT a typical operating expense for movie studios?

Operating expenses for movie studios typically include a variety of costs that are necessary for the production and distribution of films. Set maintenance, advertising costs, and utilities are all considered essential to the day-to-day operations of a studio.

Set maintenance is crucial because studios need to keep their facilities and filming locations in good condition for ongoing production schedules. Advertising costs are vital for promoting films and attracting audiences, making them a common expense related to generating revenue from movie releases. Utilities, including electricity, water, and heating, are basic operational costs that every studio incurs while maintaining their facilities.

Market research, while informative for strategizing and decision-making, is not typically classified as a direct operating expense in the same way as the other three. While studios might conduct market research to understand audience preferences and trends, it's not a routine expense tied to the actual operations of creating and distributing films. Therefore, identifying it as not a typical operating expense aligns with the understanding of standard budgeting practices in the film industry.