OtterKnow Kids Encyclopedia

Making a movie takes a big team of people working together. Writers come up with the story and write a script that tells the actors what to say. Directors are like the team leaders — they tell everyone what to do. Actors pretend to be the characters and act out the scenes.

Camera operators use special cameras to film everything. After filming, editors put all the pieces together in the right order and add music and sound effects. It can take months or even years to make just one movie!

• The first movie ever shown to an audience was in 1895 in Paris, France. It was only about 50 seconds long!
• A movie camera takes 24 pictures every second. Those pictures played back quickly are what make the movie look like it is moving.
• Some movies use hundreds of costumes for all the different characters and scenes.
• The longest movie ever made is over 35 hours long, but most movies for kids are about one and a half hours.
• Movie theaters did not always have sound. The first movies were silent, and a piano player would play music while people watched!