Black-and-white photo of a bearded Civil War–era Union soldier wearing a kepi and uniform, standing before a blurred background with a horse and a tent marked “U.S.” Bold blue arrows radiate outward from the soldier in multiple directions, drawing focus to him and suggesting movement or spreading influence. The blend of historical imagery and modern graphic elements gives the image an analytical, interpretive feel—connecting past events with broader themes or impacts.

The Ken Burns Effect

Name: The Ken Burns Effect
Uploaded: 2025-11-21T06:08:29.028Z
Duration: 38 s
Description: Ken Burns' technique to help bring still photography and documents to life by panning and zooming with the camera became known as the “Ken Burns Effect.” It is now available in most video-editing apps.

Ken Burns' technique to help bring still photography and documents to life by panning and zooming with the camera became known as the “Ken Burns Effect.” It is now available in most video-editing apps.

to come

Media Editor: Lee Goldstein

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Astaire's first screen test earned him a negative review: “Can't act, can't sing. Balding. Can dance a little.”

How Fred Astaire Became a Dancer
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.; thumbnail © LanKS/Shutterstock.com

And why are they also called the Oscars?

How Old Are the Academy Awards?
Max Fleischer/Fleischer Studios

The Fleischer brothers' Out of the Inkwell series featured the comic character Ko-Ko the Clown.

Media Editor: Lee Goldstein

The Tantalizing Fly (1919)
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Davis recorded more than 50 albums and starred in three Broadway shows.

What Made Sammy Davis, Jr., the World's Greatest Entertainer?
Great Museums Television (A Britannica Publishing Partner)

A discussion of George Eastman and the museum established on his estate, from Picture Perfect: George Eastman House.

The Life and Inventions of George Eastman
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

This 1976 film presents a behind-the-scenes look at the production of Tennessee Williams's play The Red Devil Battery Sign—from its opening press conference, through rehearsals and revisions, to its early performances.

Follow Claire Bloom, Anthony Quinn, and Tennessee Williams behind the scenes of a theatrical production
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Using the example of Encyclopaedia Britannica Educational Corporation's 1977 dramatization of Walter van Tilburg Clark's “The Portable Phonograph,” director John Barnes discusses the problems of translating a short story into film and explains what it means to be faithful to the original.

Examine how to direct a film adaption of Walter van Tilburg Clark's short story “The Portable Phonograph”