Chassity Hardrick-Nelms
Dr. Leon J. Waszak
A Survey of Film
February 13, 2013

Hollywood’s Impact on Cinema During the early period of cinema, film had no sound. This was known as the silent era because other than music playing in the background, there was no sound from the actors seen upon the screen. Written dialogue, body language, and facial expression were tactics directors used to tell a story. When inventors learned how to project voices from film they got a positive response form the public who demanded more. Warner Brothers took it upon themselves to give the people what they wanted. The film “The Jazz singer was one of the first films that featured a scene with talking dialogue in it. The scene allowed the audience to not only see but actually hear what was going on. People were stunned and amazed with what just took place and the film left them wondering why filmmakers could not do this all the time. Many filmmaker and producers were skeptical because majority of the people who watched and enjoyed films were not fluent in English. They were afraid of a decrease in revenue and lack of interest from the audience. So they did not bother to experiment with sound film. The Radio influenced filmmakers to come to a startling conclusion. Not only were theaters left empty, but no money was generated. People were amazed to hear a game or be entertained by a radio, which allow a voice or music to confront you. It was something new and unheard of. It grasped everyone that that once filled up movie theaters and had them enjoying entertainment from the comfort of their own homes. . Warner Bros. began to notice the positive response towards the radio and began to make history. In the 1900’s film was shot in New York, which was known as the nation's theatrical center. A few films were shot in New Jersey, Chicago, Florida, and elsewhere. Not until 1908, did a growing number of filmmakers locate to southern California. The land and labor was affordable with diverse scenery and a climate ideal for year-round outdoor filming. This also attracted Warner Bros. who purchased their own radio station and began to produce film, television and music as entertainment. By the early 1920s, Hollywood had become the world's film capital. It produced virtually all films show in the United States and received 80 percent of the revenue from films. This allowed many actors and actresses like Greta Garbo and Hedy Lamarr to come to America and make a name for themselves.