Silver Screen
Ms. Vernon
Film History Project
This project will involve teams presenting specific eras in the history of film. You will research your
time period, arrange the data into a presentation, and teach the class what you‟ve learned.
I want an overall view of the importance and characteristics of the time period. I want to understand
the overall reputation, NOT facts, figures, and dates. DO NOT give us lists!
The following are required for your project:
 a paper copy of your presentation (you can save trees by putting multiple “slides” on one sheet)
 a brief (approx. 300 words) write up of the most important trends and contributions of the era
 a well-organized presentation, approximately 10 minutes, providing the class with accurate
information clearly presented.
 You must have a film clip from your period.
 The best presentation will present information in context with both the present and past.
 The presentation should be visually interesting, and all copy should be well-proofed and
suitable for a public presentation.
 Your team will be expected to present your project equally
 Your clip should be a strong representation of your era; a random unknown which does
not clearly exhibit the trends and characteristics of the era is a poor choice
 Both your teammates and I will contribute to the evaluation.
Time periods will be selected by random drawing. We will go chronologically, but all paperwork will
be due at the same due date.
Due
Thursday, Nov 7
Total points
50
ALL TIME PERIODS MUST INCLUDE:

General - What was true of the era, what were the typical films, important people?

Social - What were the important events or historical movements of the day? What was going on and how
did it affect film? Were any laws passed that affected the industry?

Root causes and lasting effects - What is special about this era, and what was its lasting impression on
film? What were the significant technical advances?
Plus….
1
#1. Pre-silent – before and up to 1910 (way before...)

What were the earliest historical attempts at projected and, later, moving images?

What was “The Trust?” What was the IMP? (don‟t go much further than identifying…)

Where was the industry originally centered? Why did film making move out West?

What was going on in America (agriculture, technology, immigration, economy, politics) that created
audience for the film industry?
Emphasis: go as far back as ancient Greece, Renaissance, 17 th - 19th centuries for tech; look for the
decisions that had far reaching effects in the „00s; try not to trample on next era; look online for your clip
______________________________________________________________________
#2. 1911 – 1920

What were the Patent Wars? What were the biggest effects of the Patent Wars? (build on Trust and IMP…)

How did the star system start? When did credits begin to appear? Who helped make this happen? What
went on before credits?

Describe German Expressionism, how it relates to film, and the great cinematic example.

What happened to film making outside of the U.S., and why?

What‟s significant about Mutual Film Corporation v. Industrial Commission of Ohio?
Emphasis: what are some of the present day effects of these answers; why is the legal stuff important; clip
for German Expressionism should be The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (I have this)
__________________________________________________________________________
# 3. 1920s

Who were the Big Five? the Little Three?

What was vertical integration, and how did it contribute to the studio system? How has that changed
today?

What was blind, or block booking?

What were some of the most famous movie palaces? (don‟t spend a whole lot of time on this)

What legendary awards began in this time?
Emphasis: relate the answers to effects today; I have a great clip for you but you have to preview and cue it
up; is the industry powerful and profitable; how does the industry reflect the times
2
#4. 1930s

What was the Hays Code? Why was it significant? How do you feel about it; good, bad?

What is this period‟s nickname, shared with the 40s, and why was it called that?

Describe the processes and products of Technicolor.

What happened in Camden, NJ, in June 1933? (don‟t spend a lot of time here…)

How did the Depression affect Hollywood? (spend time here…)
Emphasis: relate the answers to today; how did the industry reflect what was going on in the country; check
with 40s and 50s about the roots of political effects
_________________________________________________________________________
#5. 1940s

How did Hollywood respond to WWII? How did that influence the next decade?

What was the Paramount Consent Decree?

Describe characteristics of film noir, and name some examples.

How is film noir related to German Expressionism? gangster movies?

Name some noir influenced films in the 70s, 80s, and 90s
Emphasis: there is important previous and future effects here in the politics so communicate 30s and 50s;
explain the emotional/national influences that led to noir; remember to pick a clip that is
REPRESENTATIVE of the whole decade and not one special movie
____________________________________________________________________
#6. 1950s, 60s, & 70s

How did the post war boom, and the Baby Boomers, affect the film industry? What was the greatest threat
to film at this time? How did Hollywood respond to this threat?

Who were the Hollywood Ten? What happened in the 40s that helped lead to McCarthyism in Hollywood?

Why did the 60s mark the low point in Hollywood‟s history?

Who were the directors who helped save Hollywood? What did they direct? What did they have in
common?

What was founded in ‟72 that affected the movie/TV relationship for good?
Emphasis: check with 30s and 40s for the causes of your political scandals; what made those directors in #4
different from previous directors; try to have small clips from each decade
_____________________________________________________________________________
3
#7. 1980s – present

Describe the significant special FX advancements of specific movies during each decade.

What has happened in technology, marketing, and society to permanently change the movie industry‟s
relationship with the public? (for ex., personal electronics…)

Describe the effects of piracy, cheap movie making and interactive/social media on the industry..

What significant changes to the industry could you predict for the near future?

What trends are going on in film as far as writing, technology, audience, performers, social use?
Emphasis: look at technology and political and social change for help; research what current critics and
politicos are saying about the challenges and opportunities for the future; try to have small clips from
several decades
4