IST 605: History of Film

This peer-reviewed article, written by Douglas Gomery, outlines the historical development of the American film industry, focusing on its growth into entertainment for the masses. It analyzes the beginning of the film industry, highlighting important developments, turning points, and key figures. Gomery emphasizes the film industry as a business enterprise influenced by societal trends and technological advancements. Being published in 1984, this article lacks insight into the more modern developments in and impacts of the film industry. It is also exclusively focused on American cinema, lacking an in-depth analysis of international film. However, it shares a unique perspective of the film industry as a mass entertainment business enterprise, which is important to consider.

Gomery, D. (1984). Film and Business History: The Development of an American Mass Entertainment Industry. Journal of Contemporary History, 19(1), 89-103. https://doi.org/10.1177/002200948401900105

This peer-reviewed article by Thorsten Hennig-Thurau, Abraham S. Ravid, and Olav Sorenson, examines how the film industry has been impacted by digitalization. The article focuses on the shift from the original analog film process to the digital creation and distribution process that is known today. The article also analyzes the economic impacts of these technological changes on the structure of the film industry and its profitability. This article gives the reader an understanding of the shift to the digital creation process and the impacts technological advancements have had on the film industry.

Hennig-Thurau, T., Ravid, A. S., & Sorenson, O. (2021). The Economics of Filmed Entertainment in the Digital Era. Journal of Cultural Economics, 45(2), 157-170. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10824-021-09407-6
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This article explores how technological advancements have influenced and impacted the film industry. It focuses specifically on how science fiction films have been impacted, highlighting the role of digital effects and the use of these technologies in the portrayal of futuristic themes. It gives a unique perspective on the impact of technological advancements in specific film genres. It should be acknowledged, though, that this limited focus on specific genres could limit the article in its ability to fully analyze the impact of new technologies in the film industry as a whole.

Kuo, L. (2023). Emerging Technologies on the Prosperity of Image, Film, and Television. Emerging Media, 1(2), 141-145. https://doi.org/10.1177/27523543241229243
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This peer-reviewed article by Gerben Bakker analyzes the shift from live performances to entertainment as a global product through film. The article emphasizes the growth in consumer demand for entertainment, as well as the technological advancements of the time. This article compares the birth and growth of the American, British, and French film industries, giving an often overlooked international perspective. Though it does fail to acknowledge the emergence of Asian film industries, which should not be forgotten. Bakker highlights the societal and economic impacts that the birth of the film industry had, focusing on its influence on consumers and consumer culture. This article is an important source for education on international film industries and their economic impacts. Though it must be acknowledged that there is a lack of focus on the artistic dimensions of these industries, which should be examined.

Bakker, G. (2008). Entertainment Industrialized: The Emergence of the International Film Industry, 1890-1940. Enterprise & Society, 4(4), 579-585. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1467222700012891