Movie facts for kids
Movies, also called films, are a way to tell stories or share information using moving pictures and sounds. People all over the world watch movies for fun. Some movies make people laugh, while others might make them cry or feel scared.
Most movies are first shown on large screens at movie theaters. After a few weeks or months, you can watch them at home. They become available on pay TV, cable television, DVDs, or through streaming services. Later, they might even be shown on regular television channels.
A movie camera or video camera takes many pictures very quickly. It usually takes 24 or 25 pictures (called frames) every second. When a movie projector, computer, or television shows these pictures at the same speed, it looks like the things in the pictures are really moving! Sound is either recorded at the same time or added later. Movie sounds include people talking (called dialogue), music (the "soundtrack"), and sound effects. Sound effects are the sounds of actions happening in the movie, like doors opening or guns firing. In the past, cameras used photographic film. Even today, movies are often still called "films," even if no actual film is used.
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How Movies Come to Life
Movies are made through a step-by-step process involving many talented people.
From Script to Screen
First, a screenwriter writes a script. This script is the story of the movie, including what the actors will say and do. Then, a producer takes charge. The producer hires all the people needed to work on the movie. They also find the money to pay for the actors and equipment. Producers often get money from banks or from investors who lend money for the movie. Some producers work for big movie studios, while others are independent.
Actors and the director read the script to understand their roles. Actors learn the words they will say and the actions they need to perform. The director guides the actors. A cameraman then films them with a motion picture camera.
After filming is done, an editor puts all the moving pictures together. They arrange them to tell the story in the right order and within a certain time. Audio engineers and sound engineers record music and sounds. They then combine these sounds with the moving pictures.
When the movie is finished, many copies are made. These copies are sent to cinemas. In a movie theater, a movie projector shines the movie onto a large projection screen. This is at the front of the room where the audience watches. At the same time, the dialogue, sounds, and music play through loudspeakers.
Different Kinds of Movies (Genres)
A genre is a word for a type or style of movie. Movies can be fictional (made up), based on true events, or a mix of both. Even though many movies are made each year, most follow a few basic plots or stories. Some movies even combine two or more genres.
- Action movies are full of exciting scenes. These often include car chases and gun fights, with stuntmen doing dangerous moves. They usually have heroes and villains. War and crime are common topics. Action movies are often easy to watch because their stories are usually simple. For example, in Die Hard, terrorists take over a building. A single