Introduction.

The start of the history of movies is not particularly defined but it is established that movies, otherwise known as motion pictures, have been around for more than a century. The earlier motion pictures did not have either the quality or the momentum, but still they inspired film-makers and got the traction they deserved.

The First Motion Picture.

Although there is no documented date for the first motion picture to be premiered, but the Roundhay Garden Scene, a short silent film recorded by Louis Le Prince in 1888, can be regarded as one of the first motion pictures to be premiered. It is considered to be the oldest surviving film, according to the Guinness Book Of World Records. But according to some claims, the film, Sortie De L’usine Lumiere De Lyon (1885), by Louis Lumiere, is considered the true first motion picture.

Film Production Companies.

In the late 1880s and the early 1990s, film production companies were established all around the world. The pioneers of this evolutionary new entertaintment business such as

Gaumont Film Company(1895),

Pathé(1896),

Nordisk Film(1906),

Universal Pictures(1912),

Paramount Pictures(1912),

Warner Bros(1923),

Were established in the early stages of motion picture development.

The films in the early stages, were black and white and their playtime was only under a minute and without any recorded sound.

As time passed, the duration of these movies became several minutes long and started to consist of several shots. Special effects and film continuity (moving from one shot to another) began to be used.

Development Of The Future Of Motion Picture.

The first decade of the 1900s was a crucial stage for the development of motion picture. The early years of the decade introduced continuity of action across successive shots. Most motion pictures of this period were called what we know as “chase films“. By the end of the decade American films had most of the shares in the market of many countries such as Australia and all the countries of Europe except France. The end of the decade opened the doorway for creation of film-stars.

The Beginning Of An Era.

The end of the first decade marked the revolution which was soon to begin in the filming industry. New filming techniques such as artificial lighting and fire effects for enhanced atmosphere during the scene were used. As the play time for the motion pictures increased, special writers were recruited to simplify the previously written plays and novels.

Later in the years, motion pictures were categorized mainly as drama and comedy. These categories were further divided into sub-categories.

Effects Of World War On Motion Pictures.

During the first world war, (1914-1919) motion pictures went under a complex change as compared to before. Instead of one short reel program, long featured films started to be premiered. By the year 1914 motion pictures were so developed that, as a part of the advanced continuity techniques, the transition between shots was more smooth and more accurate and was enjoyed more by the viewers.

Problems Faced By Motion Pictures.

Not even a few decades had passed when the filming industry accross the globe was threatened by various challenges.

In the years 1929-1939, came the time of the “Great Depression” which marked the fall in stock prices all over the globe. The depression had the same effect on all the countries, rich and poor alike. But the filming industry made it through those hard times. The only reason of the industry’s salvation was that they started to use sounds in their films

In the 1950s, the filming industry had a new competitor, the telivision. When the television was introduced in the market it was feared that many of the theatres and cinemas would go bankrupt and would have to shut down because of the advancements of technology. But cinemas and theatres were not affected that much.

D. W. Griffith.

D. W. Griffith who, according to some claims, is one of the pioneers of the first close-up shot, had the highest standing among the several of the top directors of American film industry solely due to his unique action movies and the dramatic excitement he conveyed to his audience. He was also known for his contributions to the filming world.

Present Day Filming Industry.

Today, the United States has a reputable position in the filming industry. In the early 1920s, the American film industry gained it’s position by giving out almost 800 films, annually. That is almost 87 percent of the films produced worldwide. Today, the United States gives out movies at an average of 600 movies annually, making it the biggest share-holder in the market of almost every country in the world.