A film is a clear, semi-transparent, transparent covering which may be applied to any nonporous surface such as glass, ceramic, plastic, wood or any other substance, by applying pressure or heat. A thin film is applied to glass and placed on it so that the picture cannot be seen through the film. The most common items used in the production of a film are lamp shades, pictures, and sometimes even letters. Film is also used for the purpose of decorating and protecting furniture in offices and homes.
In spite of the progress made in the field of electronics, photography, and film developing, there are many limitations in the quality of motion-picture images captured by the naked eye. Motion-picture images are usually too dark and blurry to be used to create emotion in art. An exception is made when photography is used to create stills for movies or to provide backgrounds in art galleries. Most people, however, use the film for common purposes such as viewing movies at the cinema, creating home movies, or advertising certain products. In fact, a very large percentage of advertisements are based on some kind of motion-picture image.
Filmmakers have developed a number of film techniques to enhance the visual effects of their work. One such technique is known as Steadiness, which uses long, continuous shots so that the viewer is not disturbed by camera movement. Another technique, known as the Method of Tracking, involves tracking a character throughout a movie to achieve a near real experience of watching the character moving around the picture. Other filmmakers have sought to make their movies more realistic by incorporating elements of reality into their stories using computer animation, or using actors and actresses who do most of the speaking in their movies instead of a silent screen. Of course, there are still countless other film techniques being developed everyday.