Conversation so far:
What did Florence Lawrence do with Independent Moving Pictures Company?
Finding themselves at liberty, Florence Lawrence and Solter in 1909 were able to join the Independent Moving Pictures Company of America. The company, was looking for experienced filmmakers and actors.
Why were Florence Lawrence and Solter at liberty?
Florence Lawrence and Solter began looking for work, writing to the Essanay Company to offer their services. Essanay reported the offer to Biograph's head office, and they were promptly fired.
Did Florence Lawrence take the offer by IMP?
Independent Moving Pictures Company of America, founded by Carl Laemmle needing a star, lured Florence Lawrence away from Biograph by promising a marquee. First, Laemmle organized a publicity stunt
How did people react to Laemmle's organize publicity stunt after luring Florence Lawrence?
Carl Laemmle organized a publicity stunt by starting a rumor that Florence Lawrence had been killed by a street car in New York City. Then gained much media attention
What was the public reaction the first publicity stunt involving Florence Lawrence and IMP?
The fans in St. Louis were so thrilled to see Florence Lawrence alive that they grabbed at her and popped the buttons off her coat.
What happened after fans grabbed Florence Lawrence's coat buttons?
Carl Laemmle falsely claimed that Lawrence's St. Louis fans rushed Florence Lawrence in a frenzy and tore her clothes off. Partially due to Laemmle's ingenuity, the star system was born

Question: What was the star system?
Self-contained rewrite: What was the star system in filmmaking?