| Seminar Introduction |
 | | American Film Institute |
The studio system dominated American film production during the classical Hollywood era, from the advent of sound to the late 1940s. During this time, five major studios reached the peak of their production powers, controlling all aspects of movie development: from the time a film was produced to the time it was released in theaters. As the studios reached full maturity, they set both an ideal industrial structure and a visual code for the American film industry.
This seminar introduces the most popular narrative tendencies and film genres that were developed during the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema: from the Marx Brothers to Fred Astaire; from Westerns and musicals to melodramas; and from Singin' in the Rain to Frankenstein. Karen Voss, an AFI consultant and expert on critical film studies, provides a lively and thoughtful description of the rise of the major classical Hollywood studios and defines the key characteristics of seamless storytelling--the basic mode of film production used during this period.
This introduction to Hollywood's Golden Age is useful for both novices and film-lovers interested in learning more about this critical period in American film history.
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| Learning Objectives |
- List "The Big Five" studios that dominated the film industry during the classical Hollywood period and explain how they used vertical integration to strengthen their positions.
- Define vertical integration and describe reasons why the major studios aimed to control all aspects of film production.
- Explain two impacts that the 1948 Paramount court case had on the motion-picture industry.
- Define seamless storytelling and explain the 180-degree rule.
- Describe the components of a three-point lighting system and explain how it enhances a character's presence on film.
- List four of the popular Hollywood film genres developed during the classical Hollywood period.
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| Sessions |
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| Credits |
This seminar was written by Karen Voss in August 2001. Copyright American Film Institute.
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| Technical Requirements |
To appreciate this seminar experience, it is critical that you have the appropriate software, plug-ins, and network connections. Please take the time to download the latest versions of the plug-ins mentioned below if you do not already have them.
Browser: Netscape versions 4.x up to 4.76, or Internet Explorer versions 4.x or later. Your browser must have JavaScript enabled and must be set to accept cookies.
Network Connection: The recommended minimum connection is 56K modem with throughput of 34Kbps or more. A faster connection is encouraged to take better advantage of the media elements in the seminar. Plug-ins: If you do not have QuickTime already installed, please download it from the following site:
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