1. Why did film makers and producers move to Hollywood?

Typically film makers, producers and people interested in the business moved to Hollywood as it presented the most opportunities, and it also became known as the “capital of the film industry”. This city was chosen specifically for its consistent climate which allowed for more lenient filming and to avoid the costs of Edison’s patents.

2. Name some of the big stars, directors and pictures from the Silent Era of Hollywood? (at least TWO of each)

Firstly, the most famous and iconic star of this era was Charlie Chaplin, an actor and director most known for his character of The Tramp. Another famous actress was Clara Bow who rose to fame in the 1920s and was known as the “It Girl”. For directors, Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau and David Wark Griffith were highly regarded and known.

3.In what ways were the early Hollywood studio system like a factory or production line or even the Premier League (football)?

This is because they worked in similar ways: the studio system operated like a factory with stars, directors, writers, and crew all working under long-term contracts.

4.When and what was the first “talking picture”?

The first ever “talking picture” or “talkie” was The Jazz Singer which premiered on the 6th of October 1927. It was made with the Vitaphone which was at the time the leading brand of sound-on-disc technology.

5.Why did the end of the silent era cause problems for some performers working in the film industry?

The end of the silent era was catastrophic for many performers in the film industry at the time because when “talkies” began becoming popular many actors and actresses either didn’t understand the technology involved to productively work or directors/producers thought their voice didn’t fit the film.

6.What was happening in America(and around the world) at this time?

The first World War, the Wallstreet Crash which was an economic disaster for Americans in the 1920’s and eventually what also led to the Great Depression.