Moving image production has always been lead by the audiences demand for new sensation

Through the ages of cinema and moving image production sensation has always played a significant role in the development of new films; however I do not believe that the audiences demand for new sensation is the leading aspect that drives cinema and other media types.

To begin I would like to suggest that the plot of a film is key to its success and no amount of new founded technologies will be enough to overcome the faults of a poor narrative structure. In saying this however I do accept that new technologies and methods of creating films and other media types are a draw to the audience, and when combined with a well thought out plot they can turn an ok movie into a fantastic one.
A good example of this is “Terminator 2 Judgment Day”, the film is 1991 sci-fi action film it used revolutionary computer-generated effects, marking the first use of natural human motion for a CG character and the first partially computer-generated main character. The effects in the film where and still are considered to be extraordinary however this is not why the film is remembered, it is remembered due to its influence on popular culture and it has left a permanent mark on the sci-fi and action genres.

To put further emphasis on the point that a great story can never match great effects and sensationalism I would like to mention the original toy story, a film which has charmed millions of people due to its unique and compassionate story line, the story follows the life of toys in particular woody and buzz a doll of a cowboy and an action figure. The story begins with woody feeling good about his life (as a toy) and his owner Andy ,a happy young boy who loves his toys, but as Andy’s birthday approaches the toys become increasingly nervous that they are going to be replaced. Woody’s worst fears are confirmed when buzz light-year a space toy is unveiled, it soon becomes apparent that buzz does not believe he is a toy he believes he is an actual space hero this adds a previously unseen dynamic to a film and reinforces the superb story. After Buzz is unveiled Woody is consumed by jealousy which soon leads to them being lost in the world the story follows their journey home and how they gradually become friends. Toy Story was also the first full length feature film to be made entirely from 3d models generated by a computer but that is not how it is remembered, this clearly shows that sensationalism is not the drive behind this media.

I would say that after plot lines the next key feature in a film has to be the entertainment factor, This includes keeping the audiences interest through continuously changing shot types and using the scenery available to you to the best effect. James Cameron’s Avatar is an extremely entertaining film and I will not deny that the way in which it has been created is sensational but that is not the only reason people have gone to see this film. Many people may have gone to see this film simply due to the fact that it is James Cameron’s work and it has been said to be a remarkable film, the film was shot in a new and unique way allowing complete procedural integration of life characters within a CG world allowing for maximum creativity and imagination. However if this was simply the only feature present in the film it would fail it was made a masterpiece due to its compelling storyline, an abstract version of “dancing with wolves”, and the visionary directing and creational mind of James Cameron who has been sitting on the idea for over a decade. The film can be viewed in 3D which Gives extreme depth and majesty to the piece but the film would still be a stunning creation regardless.

The case in point is sensationalism can be a part of moving image production and its drive but it will never consume the industry due to the fact that audiences now demand greater narrative structure and imaginative writing than every before, meaning the industry can only survive if it caters to the audiences wishes not meaning that sensationalistic visions are cast aside but rather they are part of the system that generates what the audience wants to see.