Savini entered the American motion picture world by becoming a theatre usher in August, 1904.
The film distribution company was named for the Hotel Astor in New York City where Savini was then residing.
Sometimes Astor would "streamline" the older films by editing them to fit as part of a double feature and often gave them new and more exciting titles.
He also provided films in 16 mm to small cinemas and clubs for screening as well as for home use.
Astor distributed many race films and organised a Broadway premiere for Oscar Micheaux's The Betrayal (1948).