Article: Cinema vs. Video–What’s the difference?

VIDEO-CINEMA-MOTION PICTURES-FILM…WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Video did not exist before film.  At one time, all movies were shot on film, the film was then developed, spliced together and voila, a movie.  But then television came along and began using ‘waves’ to send a signal that was broadcast on the airwaves and folks like you and me could sit at home and watch television.  Then ‘video’ tape came along–in really big sizes–and pretty soon shows could be recorded and provided to the public to play at home on a machine called a VCR.  In fact, initially, Beta (a really large bulky tape format) seemed to be the winner, but ultimately VHS (smaller tape) became the consumer option.  Soon, tape recorders were created so everyone could make home ‘movies’ that they could plop in the VCR player and watch immediately–rather than sending film in to be developed.  The new tape was quicker, cheaper and easier to use.

Professionally trained in media production–television, film, radio, news gathering, journalism–both in front of and behind the camera, this Sacramento wedding video and photographer knows a little something about the difference betwixt video, cinema and motion pictures and it’s about time we discussed those differences.   And this is gonna be fun because I like watching the hair stand up on the back of the ‘old timer’ videographers out there when a woman talks about video. Actually, most of the ‘wedding videography’ businesses are male owned and run. I have a theory about this, so follow me for a minute. My father handled ex-ray stuff so there were always a lot of electronics around his house. Boring. As much as I tried, I could not find electrical tape and a few power meters good playmates. When I followed the ‘film and television’ track in college, there was a lot of duct tape, lights, unattractive plastic boxes, tubes and electrical cords. Boring.  As it turns out, even in Hollywood, the Best Boys and gaffers and even director of photography are mostly men.  Interesting.  During my education I found that I excelled in communicating with people and telling a story visually.

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