Development of Film through 20th and into the 21st Century - Essay Example

History of Film Production In the periods preceding 1920’s, crank camera method of filmmaking was predominant. Most films created in this era were very short, precisely under a minute long and did not have any sounds. Motor-driven cameras were present at that time, and, therefore, could have been used in developing films. However, the machines were so huge that it made the whole process cumbersome and ineffective. Given the circumstances in these times, the onus was placed upon the cinematographer to crank the film steadily to uncover the frames. Motor-driven projectors became the preferred choice when showing the films. By early 1900’s, twenty-four frames per second standardized method became most popular for projecting films. The characteristic discrepancies in filming speeds due to being dependent on cinematographers hand speed saw the process of filming remain unstandardized for a long period. A skilled cinematographer was able to film a complete film at constant speeds; however, variations were made in order to incorporate special effects. Georges Melies, the popular French filmmaker was the first individual to use changing backgrounds and outfits to narrate his story. Prior to that event, most films were short and took place on a single set. His idea on stage opened up a wide variety of new prospects and stimulated growth in the largely green industry. As the film industry spread and wide, American cinematographers thought it wise to find a central location that would serve them better in creating films uninterrupted. California features of bright sunlight, favourable climatic conditions and a wide-ranging terrain made it perfect for filmmakers, and, thus, ended up being their preferred choice. Hollywood, as is commonly known became a chosen heaven for movie creators. Key innovations within this period also played a vital role that propelled Hollywood dominance in the film industry. Hollywood became an audience pleaser, as technological advancements in the use of double reel in filming made it possible to have lengthy films. The two-hour long films replaced the short 30 minutes films. The double reel camera became a darling for filmmakers. The film industry grew exponentially in two fronts, both financially and in creativity. Film producers in Hollywood swiftly learned that movie spectators were attracted to particular artists and film players, the “movie stars,” who could attract the largest crowds, thus, bringing in a lot of revenue. Colloquially, this is referred to as the “Star System.” This discovery in Hollywood came as a surprise, and from there on movie stars in Hollywood started earning more than other actors’ start, as demand for their services increased. The continued innovation in Hollywood saw filmmakers develop the studio system. The general public demand for new films was on the rise, and producers had to devise a method to satisfy the ever-growing demand for new feature films. The filmmaking process became specialized with movie production structured into different centres. Films were produced in parts, and then incorporated into the correct sequence through film editing techniques. As a result, the film props were repeatedly used and re-used in separate scenes, increasing production. The film industry in Hollywood progressed rapidly, exploring the American local market and beyond. Global distribution of Hollywood films took centre stage for a short period, a move that was truncated by the outbreak of the First World War (WWI). American involvement in the war was insignificant, and therefore the internal environment made it conducive for continued film production. Other countries actively involved in film production like England, France and Italy were actively involved in the war, and so by the time it ended, Hollywood was conducting mass distributions across Europe and other parts of the world. By 1920’s, Hollywood had become the biggest global film manufacturer and supplier. Technological advancements that made it possible for production of sound films consolidated Hollywood’s position in the global film industry. American film producers swiftly grasped the notion of social art in cinematography. They came to the understanding that films are appreciated more when watched in venues that accommodated many people. This understanding led to the development of huge comfortable and lavish film theatres, fitted with functioning air conditioning systems. Movie theatres were opulently constructed, and had snacks available for revellers. It is reported that after paramount pictures purchased Katz and Balaban film theatres, approximately two million individuals showed up for their film screenings daily. The number was considered high at that time, considering that the American economy was suffering a major depression and that population at that time was capped at 125 million, most of whom were small children. Evolution, History and Development of Film Genres Genre examination involves the deepest understanding of the transformation of a genre over time. The transformation of genres is affected profoundly by cultural variation and historical accounts of events taking place at the time the genre is being developed. For example, Hollywood films clearly depict the historical events taking place, in the world and locally. For instance, the Solo character was very prevalent in the films produced in the 1940’s and 1950’s. The character however transformed into assemblage of heroes in later years of 1960’s and 70’s, with television programs such as Bonanza. This transformation represented a change in the workplace to a group setting in business organizations or enterprises in that period. The constant battles between Native Americans and Red Indians were depicted in cowboy movies such as the searchers and stagecoach. These battles took place earlier in American towns, but in rural American settlements, disagreements on issues relating to land took centre stage much later. The period between 1975 and 1990 featured the Americans against the Soviet Union in a silent cold war. The same could feature in cinemas when Hollywood embarked on producing espionage movies and television series. Urban crime was also rampant during the same period and thriller cop detective movies were produced to reflect the same. Film genres additionally gain a lot of recognition with particular spectators who look out for these genres in relation to cultural or historical events taking place in a particular time. When the world was hit by the great depression, individuals assembled in film theatres to enjoy Hollywood produced romantic comedy films as an avenue for evading the bleak realities of daily struggles typified by resource deprivation and deficiency. Science fiction movies reflected changes in societal beliefs and fears. Certain science fiction movies portrayed alien invasions such as Men in Black movie during the period that featured after the Second World War (WWII). In the period between 1935 and after the WWII, Americans articulated racial apprehensions as evidenced in the growth of the Klu-Klux-Clan. The same was depicted in the American movie, King Kong. In the period after 1990, there was heightened production of formulaic genre movies. This came as a result of increased need for managing media house corporations over the forms of movies created. Major investments were made in producing high end specialized movies with special effects. Film studio directors therefore turned to producing movies that were considered safe, films that had a certain percentage of return on investment. Familiar film genres were therefore preferred. According to Dixon Wheeler (2000), “more of the same” is currently desired and production houses, frightened immensely by costs of production and supply that are rising everyday similarly detest removing them in fresh non-specific directions. Production studios had to keep audiences contented, they had to endeavour to uphold narrative conclusions at whatever costs and had to be within heterotypic love story limits, regardless of the genre an individual was supposedly operating on. Nonetheless, the studio houses had to present these ancient stories in seductive stylish garments, with huge budgets, popular movie stars and if the film genre asks for it, continuous action to mask the used nature of the modern genre movie. Television Genres verses Movie There are fundamental variations between television genres and cinema genres. Genres in films are relatively broad, for instance, the western, comic, espionage, science fiction, while on the other hand, television genres tend to be mostly specific, for instance sports shows, social talk shows and crime scene investigative action episodes. A movie that represents particular movie genres are more inclined to be self-enclosed, i.e. the disagreement is usually determined within the particular movie, or subsequent parts of a sequel. Conversely, a television program genre is inclined in parts to a serial that features a storyline, which may go on for lengthy periods and develop or the program characters may progress across various parts. Read More