Behind the Silver Screen – Producing Movies in the 1920s

When we step into the shoes of a movie director from the 1920s, we are transported to an era of rapid innovation and transformation in the world of cinema. The methods and practices of filmmaking were vastly different compared to what we know today. This was a decade that saw the transition from silent films to the introduction of the “talkies,” laying the foundation of the film industry as we know it.

The Dawn of a New Era

The 1920s marked the advent of a new era in filmmaking. Films were shot on black-and-white nitrate film, a material that was highly flammable and required careful handling. The cameras of that era were large, cumbersome, and lacked the modern technological advancements we take for granted today. They were hand-cranked, with the speed of the crank determining the speed at which the film was shot. This was a time when filmmaking was more physical and hands-on.

The Mighty Studio System

The era was dominated by the studio system, with major studios like Paramount, Warner Bros, and Universal controlling every aspect of the movie-making process. This included the production, distribution, and exhibition of films. The studios were all-powerful entities that held actors under contract, effectively controlling their careers and limiting their freedom.

The Silent Era and the Advent of Talkies

Silent films were the norm at the beginning of the 1920s. These films were not entirely silent, as they were often accompanied by live music played in the cinema. But the advent of the “talkies”, films with synchronised sound, represented a revolutionary change. The Jazz Singer, released in 1927, was the first feature-length motion picture with not only a synchronised recorded music score but also lip-synchronous singing and speech. This breakthrough not only revolutionised the industry but also created a new wave of enthusiasm among the audience.

Innovations in Storytelling

During the 1920s, the art of storytelling through film evolved dramatically. Directors and actors began to experiment with new techniques and styles. This era saw the rise of the close-up shot, which allowed directors to convey emotion and nuance more effectively. These close-ups brought the audience closer to the characters, making the movie experience more intense and personal.

Conclusion

The 1920s was a decade of innovation and transformation in the world of cinema. The practices and techniques developed during this time laid the groundwork for the film industry that we know today. As directors from this era, we would have witnessed these pivotal shifts firsthand, and we would have participated in shaping the future of cinema. This was a time of exploration, experimentation, and revolution that has left an indelible mark on the art of filmmaking.

Written by Mark Murphy Director