When countries are at war, every industry within them is also under attack. Or at the very least, is vulnerable to change. After WW1, German films became stranger and quite a bit darker. The control of the government banning foreign films also aided to their isolation. From there, German Expressionism was born. But what is German Expressionism in film? Let’s find out.Continue reading What is German Expressionism in Film? Defining the Style
You’ve probably heard the term ‘film noir’ hundreds of times. You may associate it with detectives and femme fatales running around in black and white. But what is film noir, really? Well, it turns out it’s not so clear cut, but there are some elements of the style that are fairly obvious. Let’s get into it. Continue reading What is Film Noir? A Brief History with Examples from Cinema
Do you ever wonder what is a biopic, or what counts as a biopic? In contemporary cinema, biopic movies seem to be everywhere. Old historical figures, musicians, politicians, as well as "regular" people dealing with extraordinary events. There have been more biopic films in recent decades, but they’re nothing new. Biopics have been a staple in the cinema landscape dating back to its earliest days. So, what is a biopic, what do they usually entail and how has the genre evolved to be where it is today? Continue reading What is a Biopic — Definition & Best Examples Explained
Imagine, if you will, a time when the magic of moving pictures was still fresh and new. A time when every flicker on the screen brought gasps of wonder from the audience. Now, imagine adding sound to that experience. It was a revolution in the making, a seismic shift in the way stories were told and experienced. Continue reading What Was the First Movie With Sound — Film History 101
Have you ever stumbled upon a movie that, while it might not have the glitz and glamour of big-budget Hollywood productions, still managed to captivate your attention and provide an entertaining experience? If so, there's a good chance you've encountered a "B movie." But what exactly makes a movie a "B movie"? Let's dive into this fascinating aspect of the film industry and why it matters.Continue reading What is a B Movie — Definition, Examples and Legacy
A uguste and Louis Lumière, two French brothers, left an enduring legacy in the realm of filmmaking with their inventive genius. Their stint in cinema, while fleeting, was marked by innovative leaps that revolutionized visual storytelling. Today, we still feel the reverberations of their pioneering accomplishments. Their story is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation, proving that even brief moments can lead to lasting impact. Continue reading The Lumière Brothers — Pioneers of the Silver Screen
Avant-garde cinema, a term synonymous with artistic rebellion and cinematic innovation, has challenged and redefined our understanding of film narrative and aesthetics. This cinematic art form bravely departs from the mainstream, offering unconventional narratives, styles, and techniques that push the boundaries of traditional filmmaking. In this post, we will dive into the history of the movement, some of the best examples, and how they function as high art. Continue reading What is Avant-Garde Cinema — History, Examples & Styles
Before The Walt Disney Company owned a bunch of companies, and before other film studios and companies were being bought by other big companies, there was the classic Hollywood studio system. What is the studio system? While it would be easy to simplify it as the time when movie studios owned the theaters that would play their movies, there is a bit more to the Hollywood studio era. Continue reading What is the Studio System — Hollywood’s Studio Era Explained
Motion pictures have enticed and inspired artists, audiences, and critics for more than a century. Today, we’re going to explore the history of film by looking at the major movements that have defined cinema worldwide. We’re also going to explore the technical craft of filmmaking from the persistence of vision to colorization to synchronous sound. By the end, you’ll know all the broad strokes in the history of film.Note: this article doesn’t cover every piece of film history. Some minor movements and technical breakthroughs have been left out – check out the StudioBinder blog for more content.Continue reading The History…
What is the MPAA? You may or may not have heard the acronym before, but you have definitely seen and felt the influence of this organization if you have been to the movies in the past 99 years. The acronym was recently shortened to the MPA, but most people will be more familiar with their previous title as the MPAA. This long-standing organization has a complex history and has been a powerful force in the film industry for better and worse. In this post, we’ll be unraveling the entire complicated history of the MPAA, but first, let’s get started by…