Filmmaking: The Silent Era

   In the period of time that spanned the 1890's through the 1920's, silent movies were an entertainment staple for millions of people. These movies are quaintly charming by today's production standards, but at the time, they were nothing short of miraculous for people of that time.  These films typically featured strong, simple plot lines, fairly long shot takes and musical backgrounds.  The final cut often appeared choppy or sped up because of varying standards in film speeds and projectors.

   In our filmmaking class, students took on the challenge of creating a black & white silent film in the spirit of that long gone era.  Below, four completed projects that are all successful attempts at recreating films from about 100 years ago.

   James' film is called Teen Chef. It's the story of a young man who needs cash badly so that he can take his girlfriend on a date. It reminds me of many Charlie Chaplin films.

   Cam's film is a morality tale, reminding us that many of the early films were designed to be instructive.  With his modern take on an old theme, Cam suggests that honest, hard work is rewarded in the end.

    Ryan's short film brings back memories of the old Keystone Cops. They were always frantically chasing someone or something. Their chase was earnest, but always funny to the audience.

   Mikaela takes a contemporary cultural figure - The Minion - and makes it the star of short film that does a great job of recreating the silent film genre.  Her use of sped up footage and overly dramatic acting really rings true.