Museum of the Moving Image

Quite clearly, the exhibit illustrated the intial simplicity and ongoing advancement of media production as it continues to grow forth. In particular, the "Zoetrope" which was one of the first demonstrations we obsersed, displays and puts into perspective the rudimentary beginnings of the art form. In the demonstration, one student was asked to look at the "toy" from overhead, while the rests were to look at it relatively straight on. We could see a horse trotting, while the student saw a blur of images. The demonstration served to suggest the phenomena of the "persistence of vision," which requires the eye to percieve a single image for a fraction of a second, followed by the absence of that image. However, in order to depict the motion, speed is a necessity. Our tour guide explained that an image, speed, and the manipulation of the "persistence of vision" are essential to creating a motion picture. "Persistence of vision" can be manipulated by using more than a black frame or the "disappearence" of an image; light can also be used. It an effectively manifest and annhilate images by illuminating them or casting them to darkness.

Contemporary media production has advanced quite far beyond the "zoetrope." With its technical advancement, it's important to note the advancement of the medium's significance. It's grown from a toy to an art form, serving the lives of human beings as well as other animals, globally. Now integral to our lives, media production maintains a standard, and has thereby created an exceptional expectation from its viewers. We can now watch film, and tv in high definition on huge screens. It is now a standard past time and most of all, a way of life.