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The discovery of motion pictures
IN 1878, Eadweard Muybridge had made a bet that a horse's legs will not be touching the ground when running. His friends, didn't believe this, and asked for proof. So Eadweard Muybridge lined up some cameras and took pictures of the horse while it ran. He'd discover 2 things: 1) He was right and 2) when looking at photos in order really fast, they make a illusion of movement. -
Modern photography is invented
George Eastman, an photography inventor, created the modern photograph film tech. He founded Eastman Kodak, as well as inventing the roll film; a film in which is protected from white light exposure, which can allow it to be rolled in daylight. -
First 'movie theater'
The first movie theaters were a one person show, only one person could use the kinetoscope. Thomas Edison had invented the kinetoscope that way to get more money. -
Vaudevilles evolved into Nickelodeons!
Vaudevilles were small theaters that featured short dramatic skits, comedy routines, dance numbers, etc.) As the film industry started to rise, Vaudevilles needed a way to one-up competition. So in the 1900, Vaudeville started to feature short films between acts, and their names changed into Nickelodeons(because you only payed a nickel to watch) -
The first Narrative Movie
In 1903, the first film with a actual narrative was made. Titled "The Great Train Robbery", it included a plot, and was 12 minutes long; considered at the time an epic. It was directed by Edwin Porter, a coworker of Thomas Edison. -
The MPPC is taking over!
In the 1910, as the industry was booming, it attracted people who wanted to profit big. Lead by Thomas Edison, a company was made for the sake of making a Monopoly, the Motion Picture Patents Company. They started owning everything, from cameras to actors, and they will not hesitate to attack competition. They would end up destroying independent film companies equipment, breaking actors legs, and basically scaring everyone else. -
Lets go to the West!
With the MPPC's horrible attacks, the film industry needed a way out; the West. Film was originally only in New York, but because of the gloomy weather and.. MPPC, they moved to the west. It was much better there, with constant sunshine and no rain to mess up filming, and the quick escape route to Mexico if needed. -
'There's sound!'; First Movie with sound
In 1927, the first 'talkie' film was made, "The Jazz Singer". It had music and voice acting synced up to the movie, although it still had the dialogue title cards. It quickly became a huge hit with the U.S, and soon other films followed suit. -
Film is sailing fine in the Great Depression
While the rest of the U.S was suffering, the film industry was booming. Thanks to the Federal Theatre Project, it made films affordable for citizens as well as help employ actors. -
Film evolved into.. propaganda machine?!
Once the U.S joined WWII, the Office of War Information pressured the film industry to make propaganda films, things like documentaries, comedies, etc; all having a patriotic theme. Even Disney got into this, with its short film "Der Fuehrer's Face", which featured Donald Duck and Hitler. -
Color, color everywhere
The film industry had new competition, the television industry. However, in order to be on top, they had to get something that TV didn't have yet, color. In the 1900s, color has started to pop up in fim thanks to Kodak with its new multilayered film stock with sensitivity to red, green, and blue; which is bonded together in one roll. -
It's going down..we're dying..
In the 1960s it seemed as if the Film industry was doing swell. It started to push for social change, like focusing on fashion, rock n' roll, etc. However in 1963, there were only about 120 movies released, which is the lowest than any date since the 1920s.