Film PDF

FILM Film - a photographic material on which visual images and sound are printed. The term “cinema” was derived from a French word “cinematographe” which means movie and motion or in other words, motion picture. ELEMENTS OF FILM 1. Screenplay The backbone of the film, written by a scriptwr...

FILM Film - a photographic material on which visual images and sound are printed. The term “cinema” was derived from a French word “cinematographe” which means movie and motion or in other words, motion picture. ELEMENTS OF FILM 1. Screenplay The backbone of the film, written by a scriptwriter. Two types: Spec Script (pre-written by the writer) and Commissioned Script (written upon request by producers, directors, or actors). Ricky Lee's six elements for writing a film: ○ Concept: The theme of the film. ○ Premise: The "What if?" question to make the story exciting. ○ Statement: The plot elaboration. ○ Millieu: Time and place (setting). ○ Characters: Give life and dialogue to the screen. ○ Structure: Organizes the entire film. 2. Direction The director holds overall artistic control of the film. Types: ○ Actors' Director: Focuses on the performance and believability of characters. ○ Visual Director: Focuses on production design, often with a background in visual arts. ○ Film Director: Masters both acting and cinematography styles. Directors work closely with producers, who handle budget, promotions, and legal aspects. 3. Production Design ○ Involves everything seen on screen: props, location, lighting, costumes, makeup, and visual effects. ○ The production designer ensures the set aligns with the film's aesthetic. 4. Acting ○ Lead actors play the primary roles. ○ Supporting actors complement the leads. ○ Extras or bit-players have minimal or no speaking lines.  5. Cinematography ○ Cinematographers manage camera work: lighting, angles, and shot composition. ○ They create the visual style and atmosphere of each scene. 6. Editing ○ Happens during post-production. ○ The editor selects and arranges scenes, often deleting unnecessary shots, and connects the remaining angles to create a seamless story. 7. Music ○ Enhances the emotional tone, builds tension, and complements key scenes. 8. Sound ○ Includes dialogue, dubbing, and even silence to add meaning to each scene. ○ Creates atmosphere and aids in storytelling. TYPES OF FILM 1. Narrative Film ○ Also known as Commercial or Mainstream Film. ○ Focuses on fictional characters and stories. ○ Example: Movies from Star Cinema. 2. Documentary Film ○ Focuses on real people and actual events. ○ No scripted lines; often uses interviews and real dialogues. 3. Experimental Film ○ Also known as Indie or Digital Film. ○ Uses new styles and approaches in storytelling. FILM GENRES 1. Drama ○ Characterized by emotional scenes and often associated with crying. 2. Comedy ○ Focuses on humor and makes the audience laugh. ○ Celebrates life and being alive. 3. Action/Adventure ○ Features physical struggles and risky situations. 4. Mystery/Crime ○ Creates a suspenseful and thrilling atmosphere with inquisitive plot twists. 5. Romantic Comedy ○ A blend of humor and love stories. 6. Biography  ○ Depicts the real-life stories of real people. 7. Sci-Fi/Science Fiction ○ Uses modern technology and futuristic gadgets as key elements. 8. Fantasy ○ Features magic, mythological creatures, and worlds beyond reality. 9. Horror ○ Dark, gothic, and often associated with evil or supernatural forces. BRIEF HISTORY OF FILM 1. The Birth of the Moving Picture Early films were static shots of events with no editing or cinematic techniques. Referred to as the "peeping hole," the first versions were viewing machines that displayed images through paper prints on a rotating drum. 2. The Silent Era (Late 19th century - 1920s) Silent films dominated the early film industry. No synchronized sound, but films were often accompanied by live musicians and sound effects. Intertitles were used for dialogue and narration. 3. The Sound Era (Late 1920s onwards) New technology introduced synchronized sound (speech, music, sound effects). These films were called "talkies" or talking pictures. 4. Black-and-White vs. Color Color films gradually replaced black-and-white as color processes became affordable. By the 1960s, color became the standard for filmmaking. 5. The 2000s: Documentary, Animation, Digital Filmmaking & 3D The rise of modernized films as a commercial genre, driven by profit and sustainability. Digital technology revolutionized filmmaking and distribution. Platforms like YouTube and other online video services increased the demand for audio-visual content. 3D films became popular during this era. Philippine Film History 1. Early Beginnings (1890s-1930s) ○ Film began with Swiss filmmakers showing film clips in the 1890s.  ○ 1912: Two Americans created a movie about José Rizal. ○ José Nepomuceno: "Father of Philippine Movies" for his 1919 film "Dalagang Bukid" (live sounds added by performers). ○ 1930s: Filipino filmmakers like Vicente Salumbides and Julian Manansala began producing films. 2. Golden Age of Philippine Cinema (1950s) ○ After Japanese liberation, films became popular entertainment in Manila. ○ Creation of major film studios: LVN (comedy, metrical tales) Sampaguita Pictures (women-themed, komiks adaptations, musical) Premiere Films (action) Lebran (historical epics) ○ Awards: First Philippine film awards were the Maria Clara Awards (now FAMAS). ○ Gerry de Leon won international acclaim for Genghis Khan. 3. 1960s Film Era ○ Rise of fan culture: Popular tandems like Nora Aunor & Tirso Cruz III and Vilma Santos & Bobot Mortiz. ○ Emergence of "bomba" films (softcore sex films) and cowboy movies. ○ Martial Law (1970s): BCMP (now MTRCB) created under Marcos. ○ Rise of brilliant filmmakers like: Lino Brocka (Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang, Maynila sa Kuko ng Liwanag) Ishmael Bernal (Himala, City After Dark) Celso Ad Castillo, Eddie Romero, Peque Gallaga, Mario O’Hara. 4. 1980s and Beyond ○ Barkada-themed movies and English comedies like Gosiengfiao’s Temptation Island and Bagets. ○ Film industry faced challenges: foreign films, producers' preferences, audience taste, censorship, and entertainment tax. 5. Contemporary Philippine Cinema ○ Today, independent films are gaining popularity, blending Western and Korean influences while keeping faithful to Filipino culture. ○ Challenges include foreign competition, producers' control, and censorship. PROBLEMS OF PHILIPPINE FILM TODAY  Excessive Tax Actors' Working Attitude Invasion of Foreign Film Producers Censorship The Taste of the Audience