Literature
The Evolution of Movie Story Structure from Early Cinema to Green-Lighting
The Evolution of Movie Story Structure from Early Cinema to Green-Lighting
The first movie was invented in 1899 with a brief train scene, but cinema as a storytelling form actually began earlier, with Lumière's The Waterer Watered (1895) and The Roudhay Garden Scene (1888) setting the stage. However, the question often arises, 'When did movies first have to follow the classic story structure to be green-lit?' This question involves two distinct issues: the rise of plot-oriented storytelling in cinema and the business aspect of securing financial approval to proceed with a film project.
Early Days of Cinema: A More Organic Development
During the early days of cinema, directors and producers like Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, and others created films based on their own ideas and starring themselves. The financial structure was more personal and creative, with profits feeding back into the company to continue making more films. This organic approach to filmmaking did not involve a formal 'green-light' system where a higher-up entity decides to fund a project.
The first films with complex storytelling were short films, with The Waterer Watered by the Lumière brothers being a pivotal example. Although the filmmaking was driven by a core of visionaries, the need for a green-light system did not exist, as the funding and production were more like a small, personal project.
The Emergence of Studios and Business Structures
As directors and producers realized the potential of bringing in investors, the filming facilities and cinemas expanded. This marked a transition from early independent filmmaking to a more corporate structure. The 'green-light' system is a term used in the film industry to denote approval from a higher-ups (such as a studio executive) to proceed with a project.
In the early 20th century, the rise of production studios and the growth of cinema theaters necessitated a more structured approach to filmmaking. Directors and producers began to conceptualize stories with more elaborate plotlines to capture audience interest and justify the investment. This organic evolution towards a more plot-oriented narrative structure was driven by both artistic aspirations and business needs.
The Green-Light System and Its Impact
The introduction of the 'green-light' system further refined the storytelling process in cinema. A project must pass through a series of approvals before production can commence. This system ensures that only stories deemed marketable and financially viable are developed. As a result, filmmakers are encouraged to craft story structures that appeal to a wide audience and align with the business goals of the production company.
However, the green-light system can also stifle creativity by focusing primarily on profitability. Filmmakers may be inclined to follow a predictable formula to secure funding, potentially sacrificing artistic integrity for commercial success. This balance between creative freedom and business constraints continues to be a central theme in the film industry.
In conclusion, the transition from early, personal filmmaking to a structured, green-light system marked a significant evolution in movie story structure. While the organic beginnings of cinema relied more on artistic vision, later developments in the industry introduced a business-driven need for more complex story structures. The green-light system, though essential for the viability of large-scale film production, is a double-edged sword that continues to shape the creative landscape of the film industry.