Porn Movies: A History of an Evolving Industry
The porn industry has had a long and varied history, starting in the late 1800s as an underground phenomenon with risqué film stills and reels passing from person to person. From then, to today’s multi-billion dollar industry with its multitude of professional video production companies and its influence on mainstream culture, it has changed dramatically. In this article, we will take a look at the history of porn movies, the major milestones in its evolution, and examine its current state.
The Early Days
The history of pornography can be traced back to the 1750s with the production of bawdy prints and lithographic satirical cartoons. During the Victorian Era in the late 1800s, pornographic photos were being immensely popular but were largely underground and rarely seen in the public space. These risqué materials were often passed around clandestinely or available in seedy theaters and film clubs in many cities.
The Beginnings of Mainstream Pornography
In the 1940s, the porn industry started to become more visible and professionalized. The introduction of the 8mm film format and 16mm film started a movement towards the production of more commercialized adult films. Until this time, it had been difficult for producers to reproduce images and sounds in a satisfactory manner, but the 8mm and 16mm enabled the viewing of adult content in a much less contentious environment.
It was also during this period that the first softcore porn films became popular, allowing producers to reach a wider audience without the fear of censorship. With the industry now having become more commercialized and gaining a larger, more mainstream following, some of the earliest porn stars, such as Marilyn Chambers and Linda Lovelace, started to become household names.
The Rise of Video
In the 1970s, the porn industry exploded with the technological advancements of the VHS. This new format made it possible to produce and watch high-quality porn films on a consumer-grade device, and allowed it to become a bit more accessible to the general public. A few porn stars of this era, such as John Holmes and Seka, rose to fame and cemented their status as porn legends.
By the 1980s, porn had become prevalent in many households, especially as the home video industry Skyrocketed. Much like the decade before, many mainstream porn stars, including Traci Lords and Ginger Lynn, became some of the most recognizable names.
The Current State of Porn Movies
In the 1990s, porn began to see a radical shift. The internet had arrived and with it came the proliferation of oT porn films and services. This brought a significant change to the industry, which was then able to produce and distribute films more efficiently and rapidly than ever before.
Today, the porn industry is worth an estimated 15 billion dollars and is a major force in the entertainment industry. Porn is more accessible than ever and its influence on mainstream culture is undeniable. It is estimated that at least 40% of the content consumed online is pornographic in nature.
The industry is now composed of hundreds of production companies, websites, and studios that produce content both domestically and internationally. Professional actors and actresses have made porn a multi-billion dollar business, allowing the industry to gain much more legitimacy over the years.
Conclusion
The history and evolution of porn movies has been a long journey, from its humble beginnings in the Victorian era to its current state as a multi-billion dollar industry. It has been a journey of technological advancements, changing attitudes, and immense popularity. With its continual growth and mainstream acceptance, porn films look to remain a pivotal part of media and culture for years to come.