IST 605: History of Film

This book provides an in-depth account of the evolution of film, analyzing major developments and changes in the filmmaking process. The book analyzes various genres, production methods, technological advancements, and cultural and historical impacts associated with the film industry. This fifth edition includes discussions on the impact of streaming services and COVID-19 on the production and distribution of films, analyzing how both events acted as major turning points in the industry. Examples of frames from films are used to aid in the reader's understanding, providing them with a relatable point of reference. Though the book does have a global overview, the focus is mainly on American and European cinema, not truly representing global cinema. In addition, as an introductory text, some specific movements, films, and or filmmakers are briefly or not mentioned. However, this book provides an excellent introduction to the history of film, benefiting students and researchers beginning their education.

Thompson, K., Bordwell, D., & Smith, J. (2021). Film History: An Introduction. (5th ed.) McGraw-Hill.

This book provides an outline of the creation and founding of the animation company Pixar, giving a unique insight into the company's production methods and the company's development as technology continues to advance. Price analyzes the technological advancements seen in the animation sector of the film industry and discusses the impacts they had. In addition, he describes the pivotal figures in the company's development and their contributions to its growth. Though this is a helpful resource for understanding the technological developments of animation, Price focuses more on the history of the company and its business endeavors, making it less helpful than other sources related to film and animation.

Price, D. A. (2009). The Pixar Touch: The Making of a Company (1st Vintage Books ed.). Vintage Books.
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This book explores the methods and principles of animation filmmaking. The book covers a variety of topics, including the technical process of animation, the history of animation, the basic principles of art, as well as the role of animation in different media such as movies, television, educational videos, etc. The book serves as a helpful guide to those seeking to gain an understanding of the animation process and those starting their journey in animation. The biggest drawback of this book, however, is that this latest fourth edition was published in 1976, meaning that animation has developed quite a bit since then. With the introduction of computerized, 3D animation and other developments, this book can only serve as a basis for understanding the technological processes of animation.

Halas, J. & Manvell, R. (1976). The Technique of Film Animation (4th ed.). Focal Press.

This book analyzes the technological developments and advancements that the film industry has seen over time, considering how they have reshaped the industry. Dixon considers how emerging technologies and distribution systems are impacting the film industry and the delivery of the final product to consumers. The book examines the development of new technologies and how their integration into the film industry has societal impacts. Written over twenty years ago, this book lacks an analysis of the impact of the increased use of streaming services and decreased use of movie theaters and cinemas. In addition, this book provides little physical evidence, acting more as a theoretical proposition rather than a definitive factual statement. However, the conclusions reached in this book give readers an understanding of the goals and predictions for the film industry that we currently use and experience.

Dixon, W. W. (2000). The Second Century of Cinema: The Past and Future of the Moving Image. State University of New York Press.

This book examines the modern problems facing the film industry today, focusing on the rise of streaming platforms and a shift in audience behaviors. Fritz largely focuses on a shift to franchise-based films and storylines, analyzing how film executives are grappling with this and attempting to understand changing consumer desires. He considers the influence of cinematic universes, especially those of superheroes, as well as the influence of streaming platforms on filmmaking. He argues that original storytelling has been overshadowed by franchise films, providing an inside look into the changing film industry through an examination of strategies and interviews with film professionals. While a helpful resource for understanding the changing storytelling dynamics in the film industry, the book does not provide an international perspective, focusing on the American film industry. In addition, it does not detail the impacts of the rise in use of streaming services due to COVID-19, being published in 2018, which means it lacks key insights into today's industry.

Fritz, B. (2018). The Big Picture: The Fight for the Future of Movies. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
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This book is a collection of essays that examine the future of the film industry, analyzing the role critics play, as well as the shifting nature of stardom and celebrity status. Drawing from his experience as a critic for The New Yorker, Denby reflects on the impact critics have had and continue to have in shaping the film industry. He also examines the shift in the early 21st century to franchise films, though, because the book was published in 2012, there is no examination of the rise in the use of streaming services, especially after COVID-19. Though the book gives a unique perspective on the film industry, allowing users to understand the critic's influence, the niche perspective means that the book fails to represent a diverse range of film professionals.

Denby, D. (2012). Do the Movies Have a Future? (1st Simon & Schuster Hardvoer ed.). Simon & Schuster.
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This book discusses the changes and challenges that the global film industry faced during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. It describes how film production, distribution, and consumption methods had to quickly adapt to the new environment and which of those changes have become a permanent part of the current film industry. It considers factors like the rise in streaming services and consumer needs and behaviors. Though the book does intend to cover the global film market, there is a focus on the U.S. film industry.

Li, Q., Wilson, D., Guan, Y. (2023) The Global Film Market Transformation in the Post-Pandemic Era: Production, Distribution and Consumption. (1st edition.) Taylor & Francis Group.