Critical Ways Film is
Different from Theater

We tend to think of film as either like real life or like theater but, of course, it isn't really anything like either.

1) In film, little things mean a lot.  Expressions, props, costuming, etc. that are unnoticeable in theater can be critical in film.

2) Many special effects available in film can't exist in theater (and this goes back to the early days of the movies).

3) In theater (and life) actions happen sequentially.  Films may be shot in any order.

4) In theater you get to do it once (per performance).  In film, scenes may be filmed many, many times.  You do it until the director thinks you've got it right.