Films & TV
By: Kamila Damia binti Kamrul Fahmy (2023298808)
The Birth of Motion Pictures: Eadweard Muybridge and the First Film
The first film was made by Eadweard Muybridge in 1782. He was a photographer and inventor who worked in United States. He was commissioned by Leland Stanford, a former governor of California and a racehorse owner, to settle a debate: Does a horse lift all four hooves off the ground when it runs?
Muybridge arranged a line of cameras with shutters that were triggered mechanically, allowing him to capture 12 distinct moment of a horse’s movement. Then, Muybridge used a simple early movie projector he invented, called the zoopraxiscope, to show images quickly one after another and create the effect of motion.
This lead to a famous series called “The Horse in Motion”, which showed the moment where all four of a horse’s hooves are off the ground. Even though Muybridge’s work wasn’t a true film, his results laid the groundwork for the entire film industry.
Brief history: When and how Hollywood started.
American cinema originally began in New York, but frequent rain and high production costs made filming difficult. Seeking better weather and lower expenses, filmmakers moved to Los Angeles, where conditions were ideal for year-round shooting. This shift led to the rise of Hollywood as the new center of American filmmaking. In 1910, director D.W. Griffith shot In Old California, the first film made in Hollywood. Soon after, studios in Los Angeles expanded rapidly, sound films were introduced, and Hollywood entered its Golden Age, attracting top directors, actors, and screenwriters from across the country.
The Evolution of American Cinema
The Silent Era - 1800s to the early 1930s.
The “silent era” refers to the time in film history before movies had synchronized sound. These early films had no recorded dialogue or music and instead used visual storytelling, facial expressions, and title cards to convey the story. Often with live music performed by real musicians in the theater, to make it more engaging and immersive viewing experience.
The Golden Age of Hollywood (1920s - 1960s)
The Great Depression that followed in 1929 made movies more popular than ever. Since cinema tickets were cheaper than theaters, many Americans went to the movies as a form of escapism. New technology like color film and better cameras helped create amazing films such as The Wizard of Oz. During this time, five big studios like MGM, RKO, 20th Century Fox, Warner Bros., and Paramount ruled Hollywood. They controlled everything, the studios, the actors, the movie production, and even the theaters which made them more powerful and lead to the arise of Hollywood.
The Rise of Television in The 1950s
The rise of television in 1950s marked a turning point in American entertainment, signaling the challenging dominance of Hollywood cinema. As TV became the preferred source of entertainment in US households, movie theaters saw a drop in attendance. Eventually, Hollywood adapted by embracing television by diversifying the production.
Blockbuster Era (70s - 80s)
Focused on making expensive movie that could attract huge audiences. These films were known for their extensive advertising and exciting stories. It was also the start of movie franchises and sequels. This era changed how movies were made and watched, and its influence can still be seen in today’s film industry and pop culture.
Streaming Revolution Now (Netflix, Disney+)
The shift from traditional cinemas to online platforms has changed the way films are produce and distributed as well as how audiences consume them. Streaming services offer on-demand access to variety of movies and TV shows. This shift became significant during the Covid-19 pandemic, when many people turned to streaming as their main source of entertainment.
The Impact of Pop Culture on American Movies and TV Shows
Defining Fashion Trends
Hollywood has a significant impact on fashion trends. Costume designers and stylists play a pivotal role in creating memorable looks that resonate with viewers and often inspire real-life fashion choices. The red carpet events, award shows, and celebrity endorsements further solidify Hollywood’s influence on the fashion industry.
Reflects and Shapes Society
Movies and TV Shows significantly impact in shaping and reflect American society. They can inspire, raise awareness and challenge societal norms. However, they have potential to normalize harmful behaviours or raise negative stereotypes. Filmmakers are aware of these impacts. They may intentionally or unintentionally shape how people think. With the rise of streaming platform and American film industry are reaching global audiences, producers must now be more aware of cultural differences and avoid content that could be misunderstood or seen as insensitive by international viewers.
Influencing Consumer Behavior
Actors have a powerful impact on consumer behaviour, especially when they are using certain products in movies or TV shows. When audiences see their favorite actor or character using a specific brand, it can spark admiration and encourage them to want the same item. This type of influence often leads to increased sales and setting trends across industries like fashion, electronics and lifestyle products. For example, Carrie Bradshaws, a character from Sex in The City that are known for her great outfits, boosted sales of Manolo Blahnik shoes. The same goes with movie merchandise.
