History of Filmmaking: Part III - Sound Film

【🎥 EMI X Communication】

History of Filmmaking: Part III - Sound Film

Welcome to the EMI X Communication series! In this series, we will explore the fascinating history of filmmaking, from the inception of motion pictures to their evolution into today's multi-billion-dollar film industry. This week, let’s dive into the transition from silent films to the era of sound.

🎬 Before Sound Film

Before sound technology, silent films featured live music. Smaller theaters had pianists to provide soundtracks, while grander venues may house organs or full orchestras. Some films also have performers voice the dialogue live. From the start of cinema, there was a strong connection between sound and motion pictures, driving scientists and inventors to unify them.

🎬 Audio Technology

In the mid-1920s, the invention of the Vitaphone revolutionized film audio. This sound-on-disc system allowed synchronized playback through a vinyl disc manually linked to a film projector. Using this technology, the 1927 film "The Jazz Singer" was the first feature-length film to incorporate synchronized music, singing, and dialogue. The term “talkies'' was coined to describe such films. Alternatives for the Vitaphone, such as Movietone, were later developed to ensure better synchronization.

🎬 The Impact on the Industry

Sound becoming the new norm in film has transformed the industry drastically. Theaters had to rewire for sound projection, while a number of live performers lost their jobs. On set, productions had to adapt to new technology, with actors restricting their movements for stationary microphones and equipment being soundproofed. The most significant impact was on the actors, who struggled to transition from the exaggerated physicality of silent films to the vocal demands of talkies. 

The introduction of sound in film not only marked a technological leap but also reshaped the landscape of cinema, forever altering how stories were told and experienced on screen.

Reference:

https://artdevivre.com/articles/the-era-of-sound-from-silent-films-to-talkies/

https://youtu.be/utntGgcsZWI?si=0Nk1y92UZYKo0KPv