Film history

A study of the historical development of cinema as a medium, including its technological advances, major movements, and influential filmmakers.

When did the development of film as a visual art form begin?

"The history of film chronicles the development of a visual art form created using film technologies that began in the late 19th century."

What event is considered the breakthrough for projected cinematographic motion pictures?

"The commercial, public screening of ten of the Lumière brothers' short films in Paris on 28 December 1895 can be regarded as the breakthrough of projected cinematographic motion pictures."

Were there any earlier cinematographic results and screenings before the Lumière brothers' breakthrough?

"Yes, like the Skladanowsky brothers, who used their self-made Bioscop to display the first moving picture show to a paying audience on 1 November 1895, in Berlin."

What were the characteristics of the earliest films?

"Those earliest films were in black and white, under a minute long, without recorded sound, and consisted of a single shot from a steady camera."

How did the film industry evolve during its first decade?

"The first decade of motion pictures saw film move from a novelty to an established mass entertainment industry, with film production companies and studios established all over the world."

What were some developments in cinematic techniques during this time?

"Conventions toward a general cinematic language also developed, with editing camera movements and other cinematic techniques contributing specific roles in the narrative of films."

How did television influence the distribution and consumption of films?

"Popular new media, including television (mainstream since the 1950s), home video (mainstream since the 1980s), and the internet (mainstream since the 1990s), influenced the distribution and consumption of films."

How did film production respond to the emergence of new media?

"Film production usually responded with content to fit the new media, and with technical innovations (including widescreen (mainstream since the 1950s), 3D, and 4D film) and more spectacular films to keep theatrical screenings attractive."

What technological advancements allowed for more people to create films?

"Systems that were cheaper and more easily handled (including 8mm film, video, and smartphone cameras) allowed for an increasing number of people to create films of varying qualities, for any purpose (including home movies and video art)."

How did digital production methods improve the quality of films?

"Improving over time, digital production methods became more and more popular during the 1990s, resulting in increasingly realistic visual effects and popular feature-length computer animations."

Did different film genres have varying degrees of success over time?

"Yes, various film genres emerged and enjoyed variable degrees of success over time, with huge differences among, for instance, horror."