Week_1_Slides

Film History Overview

• Instructor: Andy Lewis

• Contact: alewis@torontofilmschool.ca

Course Structure

• Introductions to each other and the course.

• Overview of assignments.

• Initial exploration of film history.

Introductions

• Instructor Information:

  • Name: Andy Lewis

  • Roles: Writer, Producer, Director, Costume Designer.

  • Notable Work: "Cup Of Cheer"

• Student Introductions:

  • Share name, location, career aspirations, and favorite films or genres.

Lesson Format

• Class format includes lectures, breaks, and film clips.

• Importance of note-taking during lessons (handwritten preferred).

• Open discussion encouraged, with awareness of sensitive topics; instructors available for content warnings.

Assignments Overview

1. Assignment 1:

   • Presentation on a film that influenced you (max 5 mins, due Week 3, 20%).

2. Midterm Test: (25%) - Week 5

3. Assignment 2:

   • Film Critique essay on an influential film (20%, due August 27).

4. Final Exam: (25%, due September 17).

5. Professionalism: (10%) - assessed throughout course.

• All deadlines at the start of class on respective due dates.

Assignment 1 Tips

• Focus on analysis rather than summarization.

• Consider aspects of filmmaking: cinematography, music, sound, etc.

• Aim for a brief presentation (3-4 minutes).

• Be personal and authentic in your presentation style.

• Avoid overthinking; manage expectations given time constraints.

Cheat Sheet for Assignment 1

1. Include:

   • Budget, box office, critical reception, background info, key names, and film terms.

2. Analyze 2-3 key areas using PEE (Point, Evidence, Explanation).

3. Reference films that inspired yours and your personal connection to the film.

4. Use specific moments (shots, scenes, dialogue) for analysis.

5. Deliver your presentation with clarity and personality; ensure slides are well-designed.

The Beginnings of Film

• Early Pioneers:

  • Eadweard Muybridge: First motion picture creator.

  • Louis Le Prince: Creator of the first film.

  • Thomas Edison & William Dickson: Innovators of early cameras and film studios.

  • Lumière Brothers: Developers of early projectors and documentary films.

Key Figures in Early Film

• George Méliès: Known for special effects and the first sci-fi film.

• Alice Guy Blaché: One of the first filmmakers; recognized as the first female filmmaker.

• Edwin S. Porter: Notable for early narrative films.

• Hiralal Sen: Likely the first Indian filmmaker with lost or destroyed works.

Significant Milestones in Film History

• 1872: Muybridge hired by Governor Stanford to resolve a bet.

• 1879: Muybridge invents the Zoopraxiscope.

• 1888: Louis Le Prince’s film, possibly the first moving picture sequence with a single lens camera.

• 1891: Dickson invents the Kinetograph and Kinetoscope.

• 1895: Lumière brothers' invention of the Cinematographe and first public showing.

Milestones in Special Effects and Narrative

• George Méliès:

  • 1896: Establishes Star Film trademark.

  • A Trip to the Moon (1902): First sci-fi film with innovative special effects.

• Alice Guy-Blaché:

  • 1907: Becomes head of film production at Gaumont, directs over 1,000 films.

• Edwin S. Porter:

  • Life of an American Fireman (1903): First American narrative film that utilized close-up shots.

  • The Great Train Robbery (1903): Popularized cross-cutting, initiated film audience engagement leading to Nickelodeon theatres.

Notable Clips from Early Films

• Eadweard Muybridge: "The Horse in Motion" (1878).

• Louis Le Prince: "Roundhay Garden Scene" (1888).

• Lumière Brothers: "The Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat Station" (1896).

• Georges Méliès: "A Trip to the Moon" (1902).

• Alice Guy-Blaché: "Pierrette's Escapades" (1900).

• Edwin S. Porter: "The Great Train Robbery" (1903).