what technical advancement in movie making prevented the cinematographer from moving the camera around?
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The technical advancement in movie making that prevented cinematographers from moving the camera around is the introduction of sound recording systems in film production.
Before the introduction of synchronized sound in movies, cinematographers had the flexibility to move the camera around freely since the sound recording was done separately. They could use handheld cameras, dollies, cranes, or any other equipment to achieve dynamic and creative shots.
However, with the emergence of synchronized sound technology, a new challenge arose. The early sound recording systems were large and bulky, usually requiring soundproof booths or soundproofing the entire filming location. These systems also had limited mobility and were sensitive to camera movement, making it difficult for cinematographers to freely move the camera as they did before.
To overcome this limitation, a solution known as a "sound blimp" was introduced. A sound blimp is a device that encases the camera to reduce or eliminate the noise it produces during filming. It muffles the sound generated by the camera's mechanical movements, allowing cinematographers to move the camera while recording sound. However, the sound blimp was often heavy and added an extra layer of complexity to the filmmaking process.
As technology progressed, more advanced sound recording systems were developed, which became smaller, lighter, and less sensitive to camera movements. This evolution eventually led to the use of compact and flexible sound recording equipment, allowing cinematographers to regain their freedom of movement with the camera.
In summary, the introduction of synchronized sound in movies initially restricted the movement of the camera due to the limitations of early sound recording systems. However, advancements in sound recording technology over time have enabled cinematographers to regain their flexibility and ability to move the camera around.