FH Ch. 3 Flashcards
The Serial
Transitional form between the one-reeler and the feature film. Thrilling, action-oriented episodes of a larger story released regularly, typically ending in cliffhangers.
Precision Staging
Technique of using deep shots to create complex compositions to aid storytelling. Used by European filmmakers instead of transitioning to editing to aid storytelling like in the US.
Major Producing Nations from 1913–1919
Germany, Italy, Russia, France, Denmark, Sweden.
D. W. Griffith
The most famous filmmaker of the teens. Known for Birth of a Nation and Intolerance. Credited with innovating most major film techniques (though he really just popularized them).
American Biograph
Also known as American Mutoscope & Biograph (AM&B). Company founded by William Kennedy Dickson after he left Edison. (Had D. W. Griffith and Mary Pickford until they left)
D. W. Griffith
The most famous filmmaker of the teens. Known for Birth of a Nation and Intolerance (also made The Lonely Villa and A Corner in Wheat. Credited with innovating most major film techniques (though he really just popularized them).
Charlie Chaplin
A stage actor and comedian
Continuity Script
A highly detailed script that broke the action down into individual, numbered shots. Allowed people working on different parts of the film to coordinate their efforts.
Cecil B. DeMille
American filmmaker with a long and successful career. (directed The Cheat)
Charlie Chaplin
A stage actor and comedian who became an international star under Keystone. Went on to direct his own films.
Maurice Tourneur
A French immigrant filmmaker in America known for his strong sense of pictorial beauty. Eventually began losing control of his productions due to the studio system, so he moved back to Europe.
Mack Sennett
Producer-director who headed the Keystone company, which specialized in slapstick comedy.
