Hollywood: A Brief History
The term 'Hollywood' originally referred to a small adobe hut in California. By 1912, major film companies began moving there, attracted by the region's diverse scenery and year-round filming-friendly weather.
The Hollywood Sign Story
Erected in 1923, the Hollywood Sign was initially an advertisement for a local real estate development named 'Hollywoodland.' It was only intended to last 18 months, but became an iconic landmark.
Hollywood's Golden Age
Hollywood's Golden Age spanned from the late 1920s to the early 1960s, characterized by the studio system and the rise of classical cinema. It produced stars like Marilyn Monroe and Humphrey Bogart.
Technicolor Revolution
Though color films existed in early Hollywood, Technicolor's three-color process, perfected in the 1930s, brought vibrant, lifelike colors to the screen, revolutionizing film aesthetics.
The Blacklist Era
In the late 1940s to 1950s, the Hollywood blacklist ostracized individuals accused of communist ties or sympathies, profoundly affecting careers and the industry's political climate.
Hollywood's Diversity Struggle
Despite its global influence, Hollywood has faced criticism for lack of diversity. Only in recent years have initiatives and discussions truly begun to address representation in front of and behind the camera.
Digital Transformation
The advent of digital filming and CGI has transformed Hollywood since the 1990s. Blockbusters now often rely on elaborate visual effects, altering storytelling and production processes.