Movies are at the center of entertainment in today’s world, and technology has made it possible to enjoy them the way we do today. Over the years, advancements in technology have allowed movies to feature some of the best special effects and quality. Below are just a few examples of how technology has changed the we way we make and view movies:
Cinematograph
Originally invented by French inventor Léon Bouly in 1892, the patent was purchased by the Lumiere Brothers. It combined and improved upon Thomas Edison’s kinetograph and kinetoscope, in that it produced sharper images, better lighting, and added a projector that allowed many people to view the images simultaneously. It also allowed filmmakers to shoot on location rather than being confined to a studio. Without this invention, the category of cinematography at the Academy Awards wouldn’t exist.
Synchronized Sound
The advent of synchronized sound was the result of a combination of photographic pioneer Eadweard Muybridge’s image-casting zoopraxiscope and Thomas Edison’s sound recording technology. It was first used in The Jazz Singer (Crosland 1927) Before the advent of sound, communication of all important aspects of a story had to be imparted visually, rather than through dialogue.
Colorization
The first use of color in film was a simple additive color system patented by Edward Raymond Turner in England in 1899. The process, which consisted of the use of red and green colored filters was improved upon with Technicolor’s three strip process. In the 1950’s Eastman Kodak produced a color film that contained all color on one strip of celluloid.
Computer Generated Imaging
CGI, or computer generated imaging, was the result of experiments conducted in university laboratories in an attempt to create pictures from computer data. This technology has revolutionized animation and special effects in film. The special effects created by computer generated imaging are the result of using a combination of image processing software and “markers” that the software can recognize. These markers are strategically placed on special suits worn by people performing the motions that the filmmaker wants to replicate digitally. While the process is effective and produces incredible results, it is also costly and time-consuming.
Markerless Motion Capture System
The latest step in the evolution of film-making, the Markerless Motion Capture System is also the result of cutting edge university research. It allows filmmakers to translate motion into digital form without the use of markers, relying instead on a complex set of computer algorithms. Like other technologies that have revolutionized the film-making industry, this one too will be refined through further research, development and implementation of new information.
As time goes on, technology will continue to improve, making our movie-viewing that much better. Without some of these important innovations, the world of entertainment would be much different than it is today.
About the Author:
Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO and often writes about technology, business and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family when she isn’t writing. Informational credit to Organic Motion, which has made technological advances with the motion capture system.
