How to write a history essay introduction?

What can I write for my research essay about film making?

• I have to write a 4 page essay on the history of film making. I guess I'll start from the very beginning when the cameras were made and whatnot. How should I go about it though? I have a page that's kind of like a table of contents but it lists the subjects I write about in order. I started with an introduction and thesis statement. How can I separate my essay into different subjects of film making? Where can I find information for this essay? I need websites with good reliable information. No Wikipedia or whatever. Thanks(:

• Answer:

  Doing a chronological format would be okay, but tedious and boring. I would break it into different types of films and maybe what made them successful. I would do three categories-- silent films/classic Hollywood, action films and their progression, and animation. I'd talk about special effects (CGI, stunts, drawing boards vs computer animation, MUSIC!, etc.) as they pertain to the films. Try to pick things that have changed the quality of those types of films. For example, in animation, the making of Disney's first films (Sleeping Beauty and Snow White) and the progression to computer animated films such as Pixar films. Note: Beauty and the Beast was the FIRST to incorporate computer animation with drawing board animation (the ballroom scene is where it made the biggest difference). As for sites, not sure but start with an advanced google search for the history of each category/subject of interest. Look for educational works (searching for .edu works best!) and look through databases! Good luck!