WEBQUEST
The Origin of Cinema
1. Introduction
Hello everyone. Here is the task you have to do. As I already explained in class, a webquest is a guided research in which I am giving you the resources to find out the information. The topic I have chosen is the origin of cinema and its evolution,
I guess that everyone, or almost everyone, likes films, and taking into account that cinema is over 100 years, I have considered this topic of eveyone's interest.
In the next section you have the task you'll have to present. In the resources section you will find all the sites you can use to develop your task acording to the guideline you have in point 3.
I hope you like it and enjoy it, even if it's a project ;D
2. Task
The project you will have to do will be presented in class orally, that is. you don't have to hand it in.
You will research to find out the information you are asked in each question. For that, you will be given a series of websites where you can find, contrast and use the information to develop your presentation.
The final project has to be well organised and structured. The length is up to you, you can do it as long as you want providing that you have included the correct information.
Needless to say, any questions you may have about this, you can ask me via this blog.
3. Process
1. The origin of cinema
Explain the origin of cinema, the year in which it was invented, who invented it and when the first film was projected.
2. From the silent era to the first sound films.
Find out about the most important silent films and their filmmakers. Then, check out some sites to research on the first sound film(s).
3. Black and white films vs. Colour films. One step further.
- Were all the films in colour?
- Which and when was the first colour film released or projected?
4. Special effects. A revolution.
- What does a special effect consist of?
- Which films have been the most revolutionary in terms of special effects?
5. The evolution of film genres.
- What was/were the most popular film genre/s in the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's 2000's and 2010's
6. My favourite film, its genre and why I like it.
As a conclusion to your project you will have to write about your favourite film. Write about the year it was released, the plot, whether it's in colour, its special effects, etc.
4. Resources
Here you are the links to the information. You can find links to both text and video:
- Links to the origins infomation:
http://www.precinemahistory.net/introduction.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CDyjMouQyc
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_film (this link provides you information about origins and history as well as information about the silent era)
- Links on the silent era:
http://www.silentera.com/info/top100.html
http://www.cinemacom.com/top-silent-films.html
http://benbeck.co.uk/firsts/talkies1.htm
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_was_the_first_movie_with_sound
An example of the silent era filmmaking 'A trip to the Moon' by George Meliés:
- Link to Wikipedia about the first colour films:
- Links about special effects:
http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,2055255,00.html (Click on Enter to read the information)
http://blogcritics.org/video/article/top-ten-revolutionary-effects-movies-of/
http://www.filmsite.org/visualeffects4.html
A very interesting video, '100 years of visual effects in 5 minutes'
- Links about film genres:
http://www.filmsite.org/boxoffice2.html#sixties
5. Conclusion
Currently, cinema is considered the seventh art. From time to time, we watch some film to get amused without accounting the genre. Some like action films, some like author films, some see cinema as a spectacle full of special effects, some other prefer watching films because filmmakers use it as way to express themselves, but what it is certain for everyone is that watching films is an undeniable pleasure.
I really hope that this topic will be engaging for you as it is for me.
