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Persistence of Vision

 J.M. Syken

Course Outline

Through the viewing of several archival/documentary films produced in the 1930s/40s, we will examine the history and development of the motion picture camera/projector and its applications in the motion picture industry. In particular, we will examine the principle of Persistence of Vision - the optical illusion which makes movies possible.

As well, we will examine the principles/operation of the basic film projector/camera and slow-motion and/or high-speed cameras. Also, we will examine scientific/engineering applications of motion pictures. We will also examine the methods by which sound is recorded and reproduced as a sound track on film and the methods used to produce celluloid film.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student will:

Intended Audience

This course is intended for architects, engineers and other design professionals.

Benefit to Attendees

The attendee/s will gain an intimate knowledge and insight into the development, innovations, technologies etc. of the movie industry.

Course Introduction

The course incorporates the viewing of several archival/documentary films broken down as follows;

Part 1 examines the origins of the background/history/innovations etc. that created the motion picture industry. Part 2 examines the principle of persistence of vision which makes movies possible. Part 3 examines the principles/operation of the movie camera/projector and the methods used in recording of a sound track. Part 4 examines the use of specialty cameras for scientific/engineering applications. Part 5 examines the use of color in film production.

Course Content

Part 1 – Industry Overview;
TITLE: Let’s Go to the Movies (1948)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/LetsGoToTheM
DURATION: 09:10
Part 2 – Seeing Is Believing;
TITLE: How You See It (1938)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/HowYouSe1936
DURATION: 07:58
Part 3 – Sound and Picture;
TITLE: How Motion Pictures Move and Talk (1941)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/HowMotionPic
DURATION: 10:53
TITLE: Sound Recording and Reproduction (Sound on Film) (1943)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/SoundRec1943
DURATION: 10:38
Part 4 – Special Purpose;
TITLE: Behind the Lens (1940)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/Behindth1940
DURATION: 08:00
Part 5 – The Magic of Color;
TITLE: Technicolor for Industrial Films (ca.1949)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/Technico1949
DURATION: 08:09

Course Summary

If not for an optical illusion that tricks the brain into seeing an image that is no longer on the retina of the eye, the motion picture would not be possible. This anomaly can be easily seen by watching a cartoon whereby the characters seem to be moving fluidly when, in reality, they are individual drawings with slight changes from one to another. With that understanding, the motion picture camera, projector and an entire industry was born. The early Nickelodeon - the ancient ancestor of the sophisticated modern movie camera, essentially does the same thing: record motion in a manner the human eye and brain can interpret.

Related Links

For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites:

http://en.wikipedia.com/wiki/Persistence_of_vision

http://en.wikipedia.com/wiki/Film

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.