Documentary and Animation Film Chapter 9

First Documentary 1893 – The “Blacksmith Scene.” This was literally a blacksmith at work. Produced by Edison Manufacturing Company Lasted 20 seconds. But the scene was shot “at the studio.” This style of documentary was called “Slice of Life.”

First Documentary to a Paid audience Dec 28, 1895 Created by Auguste and Louis Lumiere. “Leaving the Lumiere Factory,” featured workers of the factory leaving. There were still frame cameras placed at exits. This was the first film of its kind to film documentaries “at location.”

Filmmakers travel to the exotic Ethnographic Film – Film that documents the way of life in a foreign land. Travelogue – A film that presents a tour of a foreign land. These became prominent in the 1900s. Filmmakers like, Pathe Freres, simply traveled a city and showed locations.

Robert Flaherty Prime example of what a documentarian is. He would live with his subjects for a year or more in order to observe and understand them. “Nanook of the North.” Filmed a Walrus Hunt by Canadians living off of the land in the Hudson Bay Region. He took different angles to capture the chase, close ups – wide angle shots and used the shots to make a point.

Propaganda Films These films promote a political agenda. Used often in World War II after the Depression of the 1930s. These films were usually financed by the government. They were made for one purpose – to persuade audiences to support the war efforts.

“Why we Fight” Series These films were followed by the attack of Pearl Harbor President Franklin D. Roosevelt worked with the Office of War (D.O.D today) and had them to dispel fears of going into war. They were produced and narrated by Frank Capra, John Huston and William Wyler – used Voice of God narration. (Use of an authoritative voice.)

Other countries did the same “The Triumph of Will” (1935) Nazi Documentary presented Adolph Hitler as a hero. Leni Rienfenstahl

1960s – Direct Cinema Movement This movement originated in the United States. The camera is an “observer” Angles were intimate and out of focus. Implied objectivity

Subject or First Person Documentary New Journalism Style – They go an investigate certain subjects or topics. “Supersize Me.” “Bowling for Columbine.” As a result filmmakers have become big stars such as Michael Moore and Nick Broomfied (“Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer.) Morgan Spurlock – Supersize Me

Animation - 1910 Felix the Cat Films featured Pen- and-ink line drawings and dialogue bubbles. Like a comic. These were illustrated by William McCay. Characters were anthropomorphized

Disney - 1928 Created and introduced Mickey Mouse in “Steamboat Willie” What was inventive about that was that he introduced sound – thought it was not exactly synchronized. Disney created a world of characters.

The MultiPlane Camera – William Garity Revolutionized illustration. Made it more “realistic.” Provided a set so to speak of a location and place. Introduced the importance of lighting.

Warner Bros – 1930s Mel Blanc put word play and his voice on track. Experimentation with music for comical aspect. Experimented with scale of characters and objects for comical effects.

Contemporary Animation This is today’s animation. Computer generated. Pixar became the forerunner in this field. Toy Story – 1995 big breakthrough and Pixar began to create a film every 18 months.

Contemporary Animation Stop motion: Three dimensional objects like clay are moved and photographed frame by frame. Coraline – Took 2 years to create. It takes 3 to 4 months to create the models used in the film.

Anime Most celebrated contemporary animation is Anime. Example – Hayao Miyazake – founder of Studio Ghibli. Spirited Away Princess Mononoke Howl’s Moving Castle.

For Tuesday Complete chapter 8 Complete the Quiz Also remember – Your Film Review is Due that day for extra credit. Don’t forget to finish up your journals and start your research papers!