If you've ever wondered why screenplays are formatted in such a strict and precise manner, or thought, "When did the first filmmakers start using scripts," or wanted a clear rundown of the first decades of the history of cinema -- well -- you're in luck. Not only can you learn the origins of the screenplay and the basics of "The History of Film 101" (arguably 102) for free without buying textbooks, but you can do it all in less than 15 minutes.
Okay, I admit, you're not going to get the full scope of cinema's history, but this video by Filmmaker IQ does a great job highlighting each important and notable time in cinematic history, while at the same time linking it to the birth of the modern script. From Muybridge's horse gait experiment (which was commissioned by Leland Stanford -- yes -- the founder of the university) to Casablanca's screenplay, considered by many to be one, if not the, best screenplay of all time.
Check out the video below.
Maybe it's just because I'm a history junkie, but seeing the evolution of the screenplay is so incredible to me. First of all, the fact that the fathers of cinema found that connecting individual "scenarios" created a longer moving picture that formed a story which just so happened to make sense just -- blows my mind.
What do you think? What are some other interesting facts about the history of screenwriting that the video didn't touch on?
Link: The Origins and Formatting of Modern Screenplays -- Filmmaker IQ
