motionpicture

A motion picture is a sequence of photographs presented rapidly enough to create the illusion of continuous movement. Traditionally captured on photographic film, motion pictures are now frequently recorded, stored, and projected digitally. Standard cinema frame rates are around 24 frames per second, though video and streaming may use higher rates. Most productions include synchronized sound, though silent cinema and alternative sound formats also exist.

Motion pictures are produced for entertainment, information, and artistic expression. They are created by writers, directors, cinematographers, editors, and many other professionals in studios or independent settings. After production, films are distributed to theaters, television networks, streaming services, and educational or archival outlets. The term motion picture is often used interchangeably with film, cinema, or movie, though usage varies by region and industry context.

Early experiments by Muybridge and Marey laid the groundwork in the 19th century. In the 1890s, the Lumière brothers and Thomas Edison introduced practical projection systems, and public screenings began in 1895. The silent era developed narrative cinema; synchronized sound emerged in the late 1920s; color processes were introduced mid-20th century. In recent decades digital cinematography, non-linear editing, and streaming have transformed production and distribution.

Preservation and copyright considerations accompany the medium. Archives seek to conserve films for cultural heritage, while studios manage rights, distribution, and digital rights management. Motion pictures have had a profound impact on culture, communication, and education and continue to evolve with technologies such as digital capture, image restoration, and on-demand streaming.