In a career spanning more than four decades, Spielberg's films have covered many themes and genres. Spielberg's early science-fiction and adventure films were seen as archetypes of modern Hollywood blockbuster filmmaking. In later years, his films began addressing humanistic issues such as the Holocaust (in Schindler's List), the transatlantic slave trade (in Amistad), war (in Empire of the Sun, Saving Private Ryan, War Horse and Bridge of Spies) and terrorism (in Munich). His other films include Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the Indiana Jones film series, and A.I. Artificial Intelligence.

What issue did Spielberg address in his movie Schindler's List?

the Holocaust

What issue did Spielberg address in his movie Amistad?

the transatlantic slave trade

What issue did Spielberg address in his movie Munich?

terrorism

How long has Steven Spielberg had his career so far?

more than four decades

In what film did Spielberg address humanistic issues?

Schindler's List

In what film did Spielberg cover the slave trade?

Amistad

In what films did Spielberg address war?

Empire of the Sun, Saving Private Ryan, War Horse and Bridge of Spies

In what film did Spielberg address terrorism?

Munich

What type of films did Spielberg find early success with?

y science-fiction and adventure

What is Spielberg's most critically acclaimed film?

I'm not sure.

What film of Spielberg's was his first to address humanistic issues?

I'm not sure.

What was Spielberg's first adventure film?

I'm not sure.

What was Spielberg's first science-fiction movie?

I'm not sure.


Spielberg was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to an Orthodox Jewish family. His mother, Leah (Adler) Posner (born 1920), was a restaurateur and concert pianist, and his father, Arnold Spielberg (born 1917), was an electrical engineer involved in the development of computers. His paternal grandparents were immigrants from Ukraine who settled in Cincinnati in the first decade of the 1900s. In 1950, his family moved to Haddon Township, New Jersey when his father took a job with RCA. Three years later, the family moved to Phoenix, Arizona.:548 Spielberg attended Hebrew school from 1953 to 1957, in classes taught by Rabbi Albert L. Lewis.

Where was Steven Spielberg born?

Cincinnati, Ohio

What religion was Steven Spielberg's family?

Orthodox Jewish

Where were Steven Spielberg's granparents from?

Ukraine

Where did Steven Spielberg's family move to in 1953?

Phoenix, Arizona

What job did Steven Spielberg's father have?

electrical engineer

Where was Spielberg born?

Cincinnati, Ohio

What religion was Spielberg's family?

Orthodox Jewish

What was Spielberg's mother's career?

restaurateur and concert pianist

What was Spielberg's father's career?

electrical engineer involved in the development of computers

Where did Spielberg's paternal grandparents immigrate from?

Ukraine

What was Spielberg's paternal grandfather's first name?

I'm not sure.

What was Spielberg's paternal grandmother's first name?

I'm not sure.

In what year did Rabbi Albert L. Lewis join Hebrew School in Phoenix, Arizona?

I'm not sure.

In what year did Spielberg's father become an electrical engineer?

I'm not sure.

In what year was RCA founded?

I'm not sure.


Spielberg won the Academy Award for Best Director for Schindler's List (1993) and Saving Private Ryan (1998). Three of Spielberg's films—Jaws (1975), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), and Jurassic Park (1993)—achieved box office records, originated and came to epitomize the blockbuster film. The unadjusted gross of all Spielberg-directed films exceeds $9 billion worldwide, making him the highest-grossing director in history. His personal net worth is estimated to be more than $3 billion. He has been associated with composer John Williams since 1974, who composed music for all save five of Spielberg's feature films.

How much money has all of Steven Spielberg's movies grossed worldwide?

exceeds $9 billion

What composer has Steven Spielberg been associated with since 1974?

John Williams

How much money is Steven Spielberg worth?

more than $3 billion

What record does Steven Spielberg have?

the highest-grossing director in history

Who has composed most of Steven Spielberg's movies?

John Williams

When was Jaws released?

When did Jurassic Park come out?

What did Spielberg win for Schindler's List?

Academy Award for Best Director

What is Spielberg's net worth?

more than $3 billion

Who composes music for most of Spielberg's movies?

John Williams

How much have all Spielberg-directed films combined earned in adjusted gross?

I'm not sure.

How much in unadjusted gross have Spielberg-directed films combined earned in the United States?

I'm not sure.

What is one of Spielberg's movies that has had the music composed by John Williams?

I'm not sure.

What is one of Spielberg's movies that John Williams hasn't composed the music for?

I'm not sure.

What was Spielberg's first movie?

I'm not sure.


As a child, Spielberg faced difficulty reconciling being an Orthodox Jew with the perception of him by other children he played with. "It isn't something I enjoy admitting," he once said, "but when I was seven, eight, nine years old, God forgive me, I was embarrassed because we were Orthodox Jews. I was embarrassed by the outward perception of my parents' Jewish practices. I was never really ashamed to be Jewish, but I was uneasy at times." Spielberg also said he suffered from acts of anti-Semitic prejudice and bullying: "In high school, I got smacked and kicked around. Two bloody noses. It was horrible."

When did Steven Spielberg have trouble dealing with being an Orthodox Jew?

As a child

How did Steven Spielberg feel about being an Orhtodox Jew?

embarrassed

What kind of prejudice did Spielberg have to deal with in High school?

anti-Semitic

How many bloody noses did Spielberg get in High School?

Two

At what age was Spielberg embarrassed by his family being Jewish?

seven, eight, nine years old

What was Spielberg bullied because of?

anti-Semitic prejudice

How many bloody noses did Spielberg get in high school?

Two

How many bloody noses did Spielberg get from fighting while in elementary school?

I'm not sure.

How many Orthodox Jew friends did Spielberg have while in high school?

I'm not sure.

At what age did Spielberg become alright with being an Orthodox Jew?

I'm not sure.

How many bloody noses from fighting did Spielberg get in middle school?

I'm not sure.

What kind of prejudice did Spielberg have to deal with while in elementary school?

I'm not sure.


In 1958, he became a Boy Scout and fulfilled a requirement for the photography merit badge by making a nine-minute 8 mm film entitled The Last Gunfight. Years later, Spielberg recalled to a magazine interviewer, "My dad's still-camera was broken, so I asked the scoutmaster if I could tell a story with my father's movie camera. He said yes, and I got an idea to do a Western. I made it and got my merit badge. That was how it all started." At age thirteen, while living in Phoenix, Spielberg won a prize for a 40-minute war film he titled Escape to Nowhere, using a cast composed of other high school friends. That motivated him to make 15 more amateur 8mm films.:548 In 1963, at age sixteen, Spielberg wrote and directed his first independent film, a 140-minute science fiction adventure called Firelight, which would later inspire Close Encounters. The film was made for $500, most of which came from his father, and was shown in a local cinema for one evening, which earned back its cost.

What was Spielberg's first indepenent film?

Firelight

How long was Spielberg's film "Escape to Nowhere"?

How much money did Spielberg spend to film Close Encounters?

Who did Spielberg get money from to film Close Encounters?

his father

What genre was Spielberg's first film "The Last Gunfight"

Western

When did Spielberg join the Boy Scouts?

What film did Spielberg make to earn a merit badge?

The Last Gunfight

Why did Spielberg make a movie instead of taking still photos for the photography merit badge?

dad's still-camera was broken

At what age did Spielberg make 'Escape to Nowhere'?

thirteen

What film led to Close Encounters?

Firelight

How many high school friends did Spielberg have?

I'm not sure.

How much did Escape to Nowhere cost to make?

I'm not sure.

What was the runtime for Close Encounters?

I'm not sure.

In what year did Spielberg tell a magazine interviewer about earning his Boy Scouts merit badge?

I'm not sure.

What motion picture format was Firelight shot in?

I'm not sure.


While still a student, he was offered a small unpaid intern job at Universal Studios with the editing department. He was later given the opportunity to make a short film for theatrical release, the 26-minute, 35mm, Amblin', which he wrote and directed. Studio vice president Sidney Sheinberg was impressed by the film, which had won a number of awards, and offered Spielberg a seven-year directing contract. It made him the youngest director ever to be signed for a long-term deal with a major Hollywood studio.:548 He subsequently dropped out of college to begin professionally directing TV productions with Universal.

What job was SPielberg offered when he was a student?

Universal Studios

Who offered Spielberg a contract at Universal Studios?

Sidney Sheinberg

What short film did Spielberg make for theatrical release?

Amblin

What did Steven Spielberg do to begin directing TV prouctions for Universal?

dropped out of college

How did Sidney Sheinberg feel about the film "Amblin'"

impressed

What studio gave Spielberg an unpaid internship?

Universal Studios

What department did Spielberg have an unpaid internship with?

editing

How long was 'Amblin'?

What was Sidney Sheinberg's position with Universal?

vice president

How long of a contract did Sheinberg give Spielberg?

seven-year

Who was the producer for Amblin'?

I'm not sure.

Who greenlit Spielberg making Amblin'?

I'm not sure.

Who was the CEO of Universal Studios at the time that Amblin' was released?

I'm not sure.

Who offered Spielberg an intern job at Universal Studios?

I'm not sure.


His first professional TV job came when he was hired to direct one of the segments for the 1969 pilot episode of Night Gallery. The segment, "Eyes," starred Joan Crawford; she and Spielberg were reportedly close friends until her death. The episode is unusual in his body of work, in that the camerawork is more highly stylized than his later, more "mature" films. After this, and an episode of Marcus Welby, M.D., Spielberg got his first feature-length assignment: an episode of The Name of the Game called "L.A. 2017". This futuristic science fiction episode impressed Universal Studios and they signed him to a short contract. He did another segment on Night Gallery and did some work for shows such as Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law and The Psychiatrist, before landing the first series episode of Columbo (previous episodes were actually TV films).

Who starred in the TV show segment "Eyes"

Joan Crawford

What was Steven Spielberg's first feature-length assignment?

an episode of The Name of the Game called "L.A. 2017".

What genre was Steven Spielberg's episode of "The Name of the Game"?

science fiction

What was the relatioship between Joan Crawford and Steven Spielberg?

reportedly close friends

What year was Spielberg hired to direct one of the segments for "Night Gallery"?

What was the first TV episode Spielberg directed part of?

1969 pilot episode of Night Gallery

Who starred in Spielberg's TV debut?

Joan Crawford

What was Spielberg's first full TV episode to direct?

an episode of The Name of the Game called "L.A. 2017"

What genre was 'LA 2017'?

futuristic science fiction

What law show did Spielberg work on?

Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law

In what year did Spielberg direct an episode of The Name of the Game?

I'm not sure.

In what year did Spielberg direct an episode of Marcus Welby, M.D.?

I'm not sure.

What was the name of the Marcus Welby, M.D. episode that Spielberg directed?

I'm not sure.

In what city did Joan Crawford die?

I'm not sure.

In what year did Spielberg work on the tv show Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law?

I'm not sure.


Based on the strength of his work, Universal signed Spielberg to do four TV films. The first was a Richard Matheson adaptation called Duel. The film is about a psychotic Peterbilt 281 tanker truck driver who chases the terrified driver (Dennis Weaver) of a small Plymouth Valiant and tries to run him off the road. Special praise of this film by the influential British critic Dilys Powell was highly significant to Spielberg's career. Another TV film (Something Evil) was made and released to capitalize on the popularity of The Exorcist, then a major best-selling book which had not yet been released as a film. He fulfilled his contract by directing the TV film-length pilot of a show called Savage, starring Martin Landau. Spielberg's debut full-length feature film was The Sugarland Express, about a married couple who are chased by police as the couple tries to regain custody of their baby. Spielberg's cinematography for the police chase was praised by reviewers, and The Hollywood Reporter stated that "a major new director is on the horizon.":223 However, the film fared poorly at the box office and received a limited release.

How many TV films did Universal sign Spielbergo to direct?

four

What British critic helped boost Steven Spielberg's career?

Dilys Powell

Who starred in the TV show "Savage"?

Martin Landau

How did Steven Spielberg's film "The Sugarland Express" do in the box office?

poorly

What were the married couple in Steven Spielberg's film "The Sugarland Express" trying to regain?

custody of their baby

How many TV movies was Spielberg signed to direct?

four

What kind of truck was 'Duel' about?

Peterbilt 281 tanker

Which British critic praised 'Duel'?

Dilys Powell

Which TV film Spielberg directed played off 'The Exorcist'?

Something Evil

Who starred in 'Savage'/

Martin Landau

Who starred in Duel as the tanker truck driver?

I'm not sure.

Who starred in Something Evil?

I'm not sure.

Who starred as the father in The Sugarland Express?

I'm not sure.

What was the tv movie Savage about?

I'm not sure.

Who starred as the mother in The Sugarland Express?

I'm not sure.


Studio producers Richard D. Zanuck and David Brown offered Spielberg the director's chair for Jaws, a thriller-horror film based on the Peter Benchley novel about an enormous killer shark. Spielberg has often referred to the gruelling shoot as his professional crucible. Despite the film's ultimate, enormous success, it was nearly shut down due to delays and budget over-runs. But Spielberg persevered and finished the film. It was an enormous hit, winning three Academy Awards (for editing, original score and sound) and grossing more than $470 million worldwide at the box office. It also set the domestic record for box office gross, leading to what the press described as "Jawsmania.":248 Jaws made Spielberg a household name and one of America's youngest multi-millionaires, allowing him a great deal of autonomy for his future projects.:250 It was nominated for Best Picture and featured Spielberg's first of three collaborations with actor Richard Dreyfuss.

What film did Richard D. Zanuck and David Brown offer Steven Spielberg to direct?

Jaws

Why was Jaws nearly shut down?

delays and budget over-runs

How many Academy Awards did the film "Jaws" win?

three

How much money did the film "Jaws" gross worldwide?

$470 million worldwide

What was the film "Jaws" nominated for?

Best Picture

Who made Spielberg the 'Jaws' director?

Richard D. Zanuck and David Brown

Who wrote the 'Jaws' book?

Peter Benchley

How many Academy Awards did 'Jaws' win?

three

How much did 'Jaws' earn in theaters?

more than $470 million worldwide

How many times did Spielberg work with Richard Dreyfus?

three

How much did Jaws earn in America?

I'm not sure.

How many Best Picture Academy awards has Richard D. Zanuck won?

I'm not sure.

How many Best Picture Academy awards has David Brown won?

I'm not sure.

How much profit has Richard Dreyfuss movies made over the course of his career?

I'm not sure.

Which one of Spielberg's movies has he said had few problems directing?

I'm not sure.


Rejecting offers to direct Jaws 2, King Kong and Superman, Spielberg and actor Richard Dreyfuss re-convened to work on a film about UFOs, which became Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977). One of the rare films both written and directed by Spielberg, Close Encounters was a critical and box office hit, giving Spielberg his first Best Director nomination from the Academy as well as earning six other Academy Awards nominations. It won Oscars in two categories (Cinematography, Vilmos Zsigmond, and a Special Achievement Award for Sound Effects Editing, Frank E. Warner). This second blockbuster helped to secure Spielberg's rise. His next film, 1941, a big-budgeted World War II farce, was not nearly as successful and though it grossed over $92.4 million worldwide (and did make a small profit for co-producing studios Columbia and Universal) it was seen as a disappointment, mainly with the critics.

What films did Spielberg turn down in the 70s?

Jaws 2, King Kong and Superman

How many Oscars did Close Encounters win?

two

How many Oscars did Close Encounters get nominated for, besides Best Director?

six

What was the genre of '1941'?

World War II farce

How much did '1941' earn?

over $92.4 million worldwide

In what year did Vilmos Zsigmond become a cinematographer?

I'm not sure.

In what year did Frank E. Warner become a sound effects editor?

I'm not sure.

How much did Close Encounters earn overseas?

I'm not sure.

Who starred in 1941?

I'm not sure.

How much did 1941 earn in the US?

I'm not sure.


Spielberg then revisited his Close Encounters project and, with financial backing from Columbia Pictures, released Close Encounters: The Special Edition in 1980. For this, Spielberg fixed some of the flaws he thought impeded the original 1977 version of the film and also, at the behest of Columbia, and as a condition of Spielberg revising the film, shot additional footage showing the audience the interior of the mothership seen at the end of the film (a decision Spielberg would later regret as he felt the interior of the mothership should have remained a mystery). Nevertheless, the re-release was a moderate success, while the 2001 DVD release of the film restored the original ending.

When did Spielberg re-release Close Encounters?

What new footage did Columbia require for a Close Encounters revisit?

the interior of the mothership

What was the Close Encounters revisit called?

Close Encounters: The Special Edition

Which studio funded Close Encounters?

Columbia Pictures

When did a Close Encounters DVD come out?

What was one of the flaws Spielberg saw in the original Close Encounters?

I'm not sure.

Did the special edition or DVD release make more money?

I'm not sure.

Which studio released the 1977 version of Close Encounters?

I'm not sure.

What studio released the 2001 DVD version of Close Encounters?

I'm not sure.

In what year did Spielberg say he regretted showing the motherships interior in the 1980 version of Close Encounters?

I'm not sure.


Next, Spielberg teamed with Star Wars creator and friend George Lucas on an action adventure film, Raiders of the Lost Ark, the first of the Indiana Jones films. The archaeologist and adventurer hero Indiana Jones was played by Harrison Ford (whom Lucas had previously cast in his Star Wars films as Han Solo). The film was considered an homage to the cliffhanger serials of the Golden Age of Hollywood. It became the biggest film at the box office in 1981, and the recipient of numerous Oscar nominations including Best Director (Spielberg's second nomination) and Best Picture (the second Spielberg film to be nominated for Best Picture). Raiders is still considered a landmark example of the action-adventure genre. The film also led to Ford's casting in Ridley Scott's Blade Runner.

Who was responsible for Star Wars?

George Lucas

Who played Indiana Jones?

Harrison Ford

Who played Han Solo?

Harrison Ford

What was the first Indiana Jones movie?

Raiders of the Lost Ark

When did the first Indiana Jones movie come out?

In what year did Spielberg become friends with George Lucas?

I'm not sure.

In what year did Blade Runner release?

I'm not sure.

In what year did the second Star Wars movie get released?

I'm not sure.

What was the first movie Ridley Scott got an Oscar nomination for?

I'm not sure.

What was the first movie George Lucas got an Oscar nomination for?

I'm not sure.


His next directorial feature was the Raiders prequel Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Teaming up once again with Lucas and Ford, the film was plagued with uncertainty for the material and script. This film and the Spielberg-produced Gremlins led to the creation of the PG-13 rating due to the high level of violence in films targeted at younger audiences. In spite of this, Temple of Doom is rated PG by the MPAA, even though it is the darkest and, possibly, most violent Indy film. Nonetheless, the film was still a huge blockbuster hit in 1984. It was on this project that Spielberg also met his future wife, actress Kate Capshaw.

What rating did 'Temple of Doom' receive?

PG

When did 'Temple of Doom' debut?

What movie caused 'PG-13' to be created?

Gremlins

Why did Gremlins need 'PG-13'?

the high level of violence in films targeted at younger audiences

What was Spielberg's future wife's career?

actress

What rating did Gremlins get?

I'm not sure.

Which is the least violent Indiana Jones movie?

I'm not sure.

In what year did the original Indiana Jones movie release?

I'm not sure.

In what year did Kate Capshaw start her acting career?

I'm not sure.

In what year did Kate Capshaw do her last movie?

I'm not sure.


In 1985, Spielberg released The Color Purple, an adaptation of Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, about a generation of empowered African-American women during depression-era America. Starring Whoopi Goldberg and future talk-show superstar Oprah Winfrey, the film was a box office smash and critics hailed Spielberg's successful foray into the dramatic genre. Roger Ebert proclaimed it the best film of the year and later entered it into his Great Films archive. The film received eleven Academy Award nominations, including two for Goldberg and Winfrey. However, much to the surprise of many, Spielberg did not get a Best Director nomination.

Who wrote 'The Color Purple'?

Alice Walker

What was 'The Color Purple' about?

a generation of empowered African-American women during depression-era America

Who starred in 'The Color Purple'?

Whoopi Goldberg and future talk-show superstar Oprah Winfrey

What did Ebert think of 'The Color Purple'?

proclaimed it the best film of the year and later entered it into his Great Films archive

How many Oscar nominations did 'The Color Purple' get?

eleven

In what year did the novel The Color Purple release?

I'm not sure.

What was Oprah Winfrey's first movie?

I'm not sure.

What was Whoopi Goldberg's first movie?

I'm not sure.


In 1987, as China began opening to Western capital investment, Spielberg shot the first American film in Shanghai since the 1930s, an adaptation of J. G. Ballard's autobiographical novel Empire of the Sun, starring John Malkovich and a young Christian Bale. The film garnered much praise from critics and was nominated for several Oscars, but did not yield substantial box office revenues. Reviewer Andrew Sarris called it the best film of the year and later included it among the best films of the decade. Spielberg was also a co-producer of the 1987 film *batteries not included.

Until the 1980s, when had an American film last been shot in Shanghai?

the 1930s

Who wrote 'Empire of the Sun'?

J. G. Ballard

Who starred in 'Empire of the Sun'?

John Malkovich and a young Christian Bale

Who thought 'Empire of the Sun' was the best film of the year?

Andrew Sarris

What was Spielberg's role on 'Batteries Not Included'?

co-producer

Where was "Batteries Not Included" shot?

I'm not sure.

Before Empire of the Sun what was the last American movie shot in Shanghai?

I'm not sure.

Who was nominated for an Oscar for Empire of the Sun?

I'm not sure.

In what year did the novel Empire of the Sun get released?

I'm not sure.

What was Christian  Bale's first movie?

I'm not sure.


After two forays into more serious dramatic films, Spielberg then directed the third Indiana Jones film, 1989's Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Once again teaming up with Lucas and Ford, Spielberg also cast actor Sean Connery in a supporting role as Indy's father. The film earned generally positive reviews and was another box office success, becoming the highest grossing film worldwide that year; its total box office receipts even topped those of Tim Burton's much-anticipated film Batman, which had been the bigger hit domestically. Also in 1989, he re-united with actor Richard Dreyfuss for the romantic comedy-drama Always, about a daredevil pilot who extinguishes forest fires. Spielberg's first romantic film, Always was only a moderate success and had mixed reviews.

When did the 3rd Indiana Jones film come out?

What was the 3rd Indiana Jones film called?

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

Who played Indiana Jones's father?

Sean Connery

Who directed 'Batman'?

Tim Burton

What was 'Always' about?

a daredevil pilot who extinguishes forest fires

When did the second Indiana Jones movie come out?

I'm not sure.

Besides Richard Dreyfuss who else starred in Always?

I'm not sure.

What is Sean Connery's highest grossing movie?

I'm not sure.

What is Spielberg's most profitable movie?

I'm not sure.

What is Tim Burton's most profitable movie?

I'm not sure.


Spielberg's next film, Schindler's List, was based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a man who risked his life to save 1,100 Jews from the Holocaust. Schindler's List earned Spielberg his first Academy Award for Best Director (it also won Best Picture). With the film a huge success at the box office, Spielberg used the profits to set up the Shoah Foundation, a non-profit organization that archives filmed testimony of Holocaust survivors. In 1997, the American Film Institute listed it among the 10 Greatest American Films ever Made (#9) which moved up to (#8) when the list was remade in 2007.

Whose life was 'Schindler's List' based on?

Oskar Schindler

How many Jews did Schindler save?

What did Spielberg first win Best Director for?

Schindler's List

What did Spielberg do with 'Schindler's List' profits?

set up the Shoah Foundation, a non-profit organization that archives filmed testimony of Holocaust survivors

Where did the American Film Institute rank 'Schindler's List' in 1997?

In what year was the Shoah Foundation set up?

I'm not sure.

What movie did the American Film Institute rank as #1 on their 10 Greatest American Films ever Made list in 2007?

I'm not sure.

What was the first Spielberg movie to win the Best Picture award?

I'm not sure.

How many Holocaust survivors have filmed testimony for the Shoah Foundation?

I'm not sure.


His next theatrical release in that same year was the World War II film Saving Private Ryan, about a group of U.S. soldiers led by Capt. Miller (Tom Hanks) sent to bring home a paratrooper whose three older brothers were killed in the same twenty-four hours, June 5–6, of the Normandy landing. The film was a huge box office success, grossing over $481 million worldwide and was the biggest film of the year at the North American box office (worldwide it made second place after Michael Bay's Armageddon). Spielberg won his second Academy Award for his direction. The film's graphic, realistic depiction of combat violence influenced later war films such as Black Hawk Down and Enemy at the Gates. The film was also the first major hit for DreamWorks, which co-produced the film with Paramount Pictures (as such, it was Spielberg's first release from the latter that was not part of the Indiana Jones series). Later, Spielberg and Tom Hanks produced a TV mini-series based on Stephen Ambrose's book Band of Brothers. The ten-part HBO mini-series follows Easy Company of the 101st Airborne Division's 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment. The series won a number of awards at the Golden Globes and the Emmys.

Who did Tom Hanks play in 'Saving Private Ryan'?

Capt. Miller

What war was 'Saving Private Ryan' about?

World War II

How much did 'Saving Private Ryan' earn?

over $481 million worldwide

Which film beat 'Saving Private Ryan' worldwide?

Armageddon

Who directed 'Armageddon'?

Michael Bay

What was Tom Hanks first movie?

I'm not sure.

How much did Saving Private Ryan earn in America?

I'm not sure.

How much did Armageddon make in the US?

I'm not sure.

Which studio produced Armageddon?

I'm not sure.

Who directed Enemy at the Gates?

I'm not sure.


Spielberg and actor Tom Cruise collaborated for the first time for the futuristic neo-noir Minority Report, based upon the science fiction short story written by Philip K. Dick about a Washington D.C. police captain in the year 2054 who has been foreseen to murder a man he has not yet met. The film received strong reviews with the review tallying website Rotten Tomatoes giving it a 92% approval rating, reporting that 206 out of the 225 reviews they tallied were positive. The film earned over $358 million worldwide. Roger Ebert, who named it the best film of 2002, praised its breathtaking vision of the future as well as for the way Spielberg blended CGI with live-action.

What movie did Spielberg collaborate with Cruise for?

Minority Report

When is Minority Report set?

What was the Rotten Tomatoes rating for Minority Report?

How much did Minority Report earn?

over $358 million worldwide

When was Minority Report released?

How much did Minority Report earn in the US?

I'm not sure.

In what year was Philip K. Dicks novel Minority Report published?

I'm not sure.

Who produced Minority Report?

I'm not sure.

What was Spielberg's first move to blend CGI and live-action?

I'm not sure.


Also in 2005, Spielberg directed a modern adaptation of War of the Worlds (a co-production of Paramount and DreamWorks), based on the H. G. Wells book of the same name (Spielberg had been a huge fan of the book and the original 1953 film). It starred Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning, and, as with past Spielberg films, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) provided the visual effects. Unlike E.T. and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, which depicted friendly alien visitors, War of the Worlds featured violent invaders. The film was another huge box office smash, grossing over $591 million worldwide.

Which studios produced Spielberg's 'War of the Worlds'?

Paramount and DreamWorks

Who wrote the 'War of the Worlds' book?

H. G. Wells

When was the first 'War of the Worlds' movie released?

Who did the visual effects for 'War of the Worlds'?

Industrial Light & Magic

How much did 'War of the Worlds' earn?

over $591 million worldwide

In what year was the novel War of the Worlds published?

I'm not sure.

What was the first film Industrial Light & Magic did the visual effects for?

I'm not sure.

How much did War of the Worlds earn in the US?

I'm not sure.

How much did War of the Worlds earn overseas?

I'm not sure.

What was Dakota Fanning's first movie?

I'm not sure.


Spielberg's film Munich, about the events following the 1972 Munich Massacre of Israeli athletes at the Olympic Games, was his second film essaying Jewish relations in the world (the first being Schindler's List). The film is based on Vengeance, a book by Canadian journalist George Jonas. It was previously adapted into the 1986 made-for-TV film Sword of Gideon. The film received strong critical praise, but underperformed at the U.S. and world box-office; it remains one of Spielberg's most controversial films to date. Munich received five Academy Awards nominations, including Best Picture, Film Editing, Original Music Score (by John Williams), Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Director for Spielberg. It was Spielberg's sixth Best Director nomination and fifth Best Picture nomination.

What was 'Munich' about?

the 1972 Munich Massacre of Israeli athletes at the Olympic Games

What book was 'Munich' based on?

Vengeance

Who wrote 'Vengeance'?

George Jonas

How many Oscar nominations did 'Munich' get?

five

Who composed music for 'Munich'?

John Williams

In what year was the book Vengeance published?

I'm not sure.

Who directed Sword of Gideon?

I'm not sure.

Who did the score for Sword of Gideon?

I'm not sure.

How many Israeli athletes died during the 1972 Munich Massacre?

I'm not sure.

What was George Jonas' first novel to be published?

I'm not sure.


In June 2006, Steven Spielberg announced he would direct a scientifically accurate film about "a group of explorers who travel through a worm hole and into another dimension", from a treatment by Kip Thorne and producer Lynda Obst. In January 2007, screenwriter Jonathan Nolan met with them to discuss adapting Obst and Thorne's treatment into a narrative screenplay. The screenwriter suggested the addition of a "time element" to the treatment's basic idea, which was welcomed by Obst and Thorne. In March of that year, Paramount hired Nolan, as well as scientists from Caltech, forming a workshop to adapt the treatment under the title Interstellar. The following July, Kip Thorne said there was a push by people for him to portray himself in the film. Spielberg later abandoned Interstellar, which was eventually directed by Christopher Nolan.

When did Spielberg announce what would become 'Interstellar'?

June 2006

Who took over directing 'Interstellar'?

Christopher Nolan

What was the concept for 'Interstellar'?

a group of explorers who travel through a worm hole and into another dimension

Who wrote the 'Interstellar' script?

Jonathan Nolan

What university provided scientific consultation for 'Interstellar'?

Caltech

In what year did Kip Thorne and Lynda Obst do a treatment of Interstellar?

I'm not sure.

In what year did Lynda Obst become a producer?

I'm not sure.

In what year did Jonathan Nolan become a screenwriter?

I'm not sure.

In what year did Christopher Nolan become a director?

I'm not sure.


In early 2009, Spielberg shot the first film in a planned trilogy of motion capture films based on The Adventures of Tintin, written by Belgian artist Hergé, with Peter Jackson. The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn, was not released until October 2011, due to the complexity of the computer animation involved. The world premiere took place on October 22, 2011 in Brussels, Belgium. The film was released in North American theaters on December 21, 2011, in Digital 3D and IMAX. It received generally positive reviews from critics, and grossed over $373 million worldwide. The Adventures of Tintin won the award for Best Animated Feature Film at the Golden Globe Awards that year. It is the first non-Pixar film to win the award since the category was first introduced. Jackson has been announced to direct the second film.

What was the first non-Pixar movie to win the Best Animated Feature Film award?

The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn

Where did Adventures of Tintin debut?

Brussels, Belgium

When did Adventures of Tintin debut?

October 22, 2011

When was Adventures of Tintin released in the US?

December 21, 2011

How much did Adventures of Tintin earn?

over $373 million worldwide

What was one of the cities that The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn took place in?

I'm not sure.

How much did The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn make in the United States?

I'm not sure.

How much did The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn earn overseas?

I'm not sure.

When was it announced that Peter Jackson would direct the next The Adventures of Tintin movie?

I'm not sure.

What will be the name of the next Tintin movie?

I'm not sure.


Spielberg followed with War Horse, shot in England in the summer of 2010. It was released just four days after The Adventures of Tintin, on December 25, 2011. The film, based on the novel of the same name written by Michael Morpurgo and published in 1982, follows the long friendship between a British boy and his horse Joey before and during World War I – the novel was also adapted into a hit play in London which is still running there, as well as on Broadway. The film was released and distributed by Disney, with whom DreamWorks made a distribution deal in 2009. War Horse received generally positive reviews from critics, and was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Where was 'War Horse' filmed?

England

When did 'War Horse' come out?

December 25, 2011

Who wrote the 'War Horse' book?

Michael Morpurgo

When did the 'War Horse' book come out?

Who distributed 'War Horse'?

Disney

Which movie earned more, The Adventures of Tintin or War Horse?

I'm not sure.

Where was The Adventures of Tintin mostly made?

I'm not sure.

In what year was War Horse made into a play in London?

I'm not sure.

Who released The Adventures of Tintin?

I'm not sure.

How many Academy Award nominations did The Adventures of Tintin receive?

I'm not sure.


Spielberg next directed the historical drama film Lincoln, starring Daniel Day-Lewis as United States President Abraham Lincoln and Sally Field as Mary Todd Lincoln. Based on Doris Kearns Goodwin's bestseller Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, the film covered the final four months of Lincoln's life. Written by Tony Kushner, the film was shot in Richmond, Virginia, in late 2011, and was released in the United States by Disney in November 2012. The film's international distribution was handled by 20th Century Fox. Upon release, Lincoln received widespread critical acclaim, and was nominated for twelve Academy Awards (the most of any film that year) including Best Picture and Best Director for Spielberg. It won the award for Best Production Design and Day-Lewis won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Lincoln, becoming the first three time winner in that category as well as the first to win for a performance directed by Spielberg.

Who starred in 'Lincoln' as Abraham Lincoln?

Daniel Day-Lewis

What book was 'Lincoln' based on?

Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln

What part of Lincoln's life did the film cover?

the final four months

Where was 'Lincoln' filmed?

Richmond, Virginia

Who played Mary Todd Lincoln in 'Lincoln'?

Sally Field

In what year did Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln get released?

I'm not sure.

How many times has Spielberg been nominated for Best Director?

I'm not sure.

How many times has Daniel Day-Lewis been nominated for Best Actor?

I'm not sure.

In what year did Doris Kearns Goodwin release her first book?

I'm not sure.

What movie has covered the start of Lincoln's presidency?

I'm not sure.


Spielberg directed 2015's Bridge of Spies, a Cold War thriller based on the 1960 U-2 incident, and focusing on James B. Donovan's negotiations with the Soviets for the release of pilot Gary Powers after his aircraft was shot down over Soviet territory. The film starred Tom Hanks as Donovan, as well as Mark Rylance, Amy Ryan, and Alan Alda, with a script by the Coen brothers. The film was shot from September to December 2014 on location in New York City, Berlin and Wroclaw, Poland (which doubled for East Berlin), and was released by Disney on October 16, 2015. Bridge of Spies received positive reviews from critics, and was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

When was 'Bridge of Spies' released?

October 16, 2015

How many Oscar nominations did 'Bridge of Spies' get?

six

When was 'Bridge of Spies' set?

Who played Donovan in 'Bridge of Spies'?

Tom Hanks

Where was 'Bridge of Spies' filmed?

New York City, Berlin and Wroclaw, Poland

Who played Gary Powers in Bridge of Spies?

I'm not sure.

Where was most of Bridge of Spies shot?

I'm not sure.

How many times has Spielberg won Best Director?

I'm not sure.

How many times has Tom Hanks been nominated for Best Actor?

I'm not sure.

How many movies has Tom Hanks been in that have won Best Picture?

I'm not sure.


Since the mid-1980s, Spielberg has increased his role as a film producer. He headed up the production team for several cartoons, including the Warner Bros. hits Tiny Toon Adventures, Animaniacs, Pinky and the Brain, Toonsylvania, and Freakazoid!, for which he collaborated with Jean MacCurdy and Tom Ruegger. Due to his work on these series, in the official titles, most of them say, "Steven Spielberg presents" as well as making numerous cameos on the shows. Spielberg also produced the Don Bluth animated features, An American Tail and The Land Before Time, which were released by Universal Studios. He also served as one of the executive producers of Who Framed Roger Rabbit and its three related shorts (Tummy Trouble, Roller Coaster Rabbit, Trail Mix-Up), which were all released by Disney, under both the Walt Disney Pictures and the Touchstone Pictures banners. He was furthermore, for a short time, the executive producer of the long-running medical drama ER. In 1989, he brought the concept of The Dig to LucasArts. He contributed to the project from that time until 1995 when the game was released. He also collaborated with software publishers Knowledge Adventure on the multimedia game Steven Spielberg's Director's Chair, which was released in 1996. Spielberg appears, as himself, in the game to direct the player. The Spielberg name provided branding for a Lego Moviemaker kit, the proceeds of which went to the Starbright Foundation.

Which Warner Bros. cartoons did Spielberg produce?

Tiny Toon Adventures, Animaniacs, Pinky and the Brain, Toonsylvania, and Freakazoid!

What films did Spielberg produce for Don Bluth?

An American Tail and The Land Before Time

What video game did Spielberg come up with the concept for?

The Dig

When was 'The Dig' released?

What charity did Spielberg's 'Lego Moviemaker' kit fund?

Starbright Foundation

Who did one of the voices in Tiny Toon Adventures?

I'm not sure.

Who did one of the voices in Pinky and the Brain?

I'm not sure.

In what year did Tiny Toon Adventures debut?

I'm not sure.

In what year was the Starbright Foundation launched?

I'm not sure.

Who was one of the voices in Toonsylvania?

I'm not sure.


Spielberg served as an uncredited executive producer on The Haunting, The Prince of Egypt, Just Like Heaven, Shrek, Road to Perdition, and Evolution. He served as an executive producer for the 1997 film Men in Black, and its sequels, Men in Black II and Men in Black III. In 2005, he served as a producer of Memoirs of a Geisha, an adaptation of the novel by Arthur Golden, a film to which he was previously attached as director. In 2006, Spielberg co-executive produced with famed filmmaker Robert Zemeckis a CGI children's film called Monster House, marking their eighth collaboration since 1990's Back to the Future Part III. He also teamed with Clint Eastwood for the first time in their careers, co-producing Eastwood's Flags of Our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima with Robert Lorenz and Eastwood himself. He earned his twelfth Academy Award nomination for the latter film as it was nominated for Best Picture. Spielberg served as executive producer for Disturbia and the Transformers live action film with Brian Goldner, an employee of Hasbro. The film was directed by Michael Bay and written by Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, and Spielberg continued to collaborate on the sequels, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and Transformers: Dark of the Moon. In 2011, he produced the J. J. Abrams science fiction thriller film Super 8 for Paramount Pictures.

When was 'Men In Black' released?

Who wrote the book 'Memoirs of a Geisha' is based on?

Arthur Golden

Who did Spielberg collaborate with in 2006?

Robert Zemeckis

What film did Spielberg first collaborate with Zemeckis on?

Back to the Future Part III

Which studio produced 'Super 8'?

Paramount Pictures

In what year did the book Memoirs of a Geisha get released?

I'm not sure.

Who directed Back to the Future?

I'm not sure.

In what year did Brian Goldner join Hasbro?

I'm not sure.

Who wrote Men in Black?

I'm not sure.

Who wrote Just Like Heaven?

I'm not sure.


Other major television series Spielberg produced were Band of Brothers, Taken and The Pacific. He was an executive producer on the critically acclaimed 2005 TV miniseries Into the West which won two Emmy awards, including one for Geoff Zanelli's score. For his 2010 miniseries The Pacific he teamed up once again with co-producer Tom Hanks, with Gary Goetzman also co-producing'. The miniseries is believed to have cost $250 million and is a 10-part war miniseries centered on the battles in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Writer Bruce McKenna, who penned several installments of (Band of Brothers), was the head writer.

When did 'Into the West' air?

How many Emmys did 'Into the West' win?

two

Who wrote the music for 'Into the West'?

Geoff Zanelli

When was 'The Pacific' released?

How much did 'The Pacific' cost?

$250 million

In what year did Band of Brother debut on tv?

I'm not sure.

In what year did Geoff Zanelli start to score movies?

I'm not sure.

What was the first tv show Gary Goetzman co-produced?

I'm not sure.

What was the first tv shows writer Bruce McKenna has worked on?

I'm not sure.

In what year did Bruce McKenna become a writer?

I'm not sure.


In 2011, Spielberg launched Falling Skies, a science fiction television series, on the TNT network. He developed the series with Robert Rodat and is credited as an executive producer. Spielberg is also producing the Fox TV series Terra Nova. Terra Nova begins in the year 2149 when all life on the planet Earth is threatened with extinction resulting in scientists opening a door that allows people to travel back 85 million years to prehistoric times. Spielberg also produced The River, Smash, Under the Dome, Extant and The Whispers, as well as a TV adaptation of Minority Report.

Which channel aired 'Falling Skies'?

TNT

In what year does 'Terra Nova' begin?

How far back in time do people in 'Terra Nova' travel?

85 million years

Which channel aired 'Terra Nova'?

Fox

What show did Spielberg work with Rodat on?

Falling Skies

In what year did Under the Dome premiere?

I'm not sure.

What was the first original show on the TNT network?

I'm not sure.

In what year does Smash take place?

I'm not sure.

In what year does Minority Report take place?

I'm not sure.

In what year did the movie Minority Report get released?

I'm not sure.


Apart from being an ardent gamer Spielberg has had a long history of involvement in video games. He has been giving thanks to his games of his division DreamWorks Interactive most notable as Someone's in the Kitchen with script written by Animaniacs' Paul Rugg, Goosebumps: Escape from HorrorLand, The Neverhood (all in 1996), Skullmonkeys, Dilbert's Desktop Games, Goosebumps: Attack of the Mutant (all 1997), Boombots (1999), T'ai Fu: Wrath of the Tiger (1999), and Clive Barker's Undying (2001). In 2005 the director signed with Electronic Arts to collaborate on three games including an action game and an award winning puzzle game for the Wii called Boom Blox (and its 2009 sequel: Boom Blox Bash Party). Previously, he was involved in creating the scenario for the adventure game The Dig. In 1996, Spielberg worked on and shot original footage for a movie-making simulation game called Steven Spielberg's Director's Chair. He is the creator of the Medal of Honor series by Electronic Arts. He is credited in the special thanks section of the 1998 video game Trespasser. In 2013, Spielberg has announced he is collaborating with 343 Industries for a live-action TV show of Halo.

Who wrote the script for 'Someone's in the Kitchen'?

Paul Rugg

When was 'Skullmonkeys' released?

When was Boombots released?

When was The Neverhood released?

What video game did Spielberg say in 2013 he's working on a TV show based on?

Halo

Who wrote the script for Boombots?

I'm not sure.

In what year did Boom Blox get released on the Wii?

I'm not sure.

In what year did The Dig get released?

I'm not sure.

In what year did the first EA Medal of Honor game get released?

I'm not sure.

Who is one of the writers for the upcoming Halo tv show?

I'm not sure.


Spielberg has filmed and is currently in post-production on an adaptation of Roald Dahl's celebrated children's story The BFG. Spielberg's DreamWorks bought the rights in 2010, originally intending John Madden to direct. The film was written by E.T. screenwriter Melissa Mathison and is co-produced by Walt Disney Pictures, marking the first Disney-branded film to be directed by Spielberg. The BFG is set to premiere out of competition at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2016, before its wide release in the US on July 1, 2016.

Who wrote 'The BFG'?

Roald Dahl

Who wrote E.T.'s script?

Melissa Mathison

What film festival will first air 'The BFG'?

Cannes Film Festival

In what month is Cannes held?

May

When will 'The BFG' be in most theaters?

July 1, 2016

In what month in 2010 did Dreamworks buy the rights to The BFG?

I'm not sure.

In what year was John Madden dropped from directing The BFG?

I'm not sure.

What was the first movie written by Melissa Mathison?

I'm not sure.

In what year did Spielberg become the director of The BFG?

I'm not sure.


After completing filming on Ready Player One, while it is in its lengthy, effects-heavy post-production, he will film his long-planned adaptation of David Kertzer's acclaimed The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara. The book follows the true story of a young Jewish boy in 1858 Italy who was secretly baptized by a family servant and then kidnapped from his family by the Papal States, where he was raised and trained as a priest, causing international outrage and becoming a media sensation. First announced in 2014, the book has been adapted by Tony Kushner and the film will again star Mark Rylance, as Pope Pius IX. It will be filmed in early 2017 for release at the end of that year, before Ready Player One is completed and released in 2018.

Who wrote 'The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara'?

David Kertzer

When does 'The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara' take place?

Where does 'The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara' take place?

Italy

Who plays Pope Pius IX in 'The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara'?

Mark Rylance

When is 'Ready Player One' planned to be released?

In what year did The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara book get published?

I'm not sure.

In what year does most of The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara take place?

I'm not sure.

Who will play the family servant in The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara?

I'm not sure.

In what year did David Kertzer become a writer?

I'm not sure.

What was the first movie adapted by Tony Kushner?

I'm not sure.


Spielberg was scheduled to shoot a $200 million adaptation of Daniel H. Wilson's novel Robopocalypse, adapted for the screen by Drew Goddard. The film would follow a global human war against a robot uprising about 15–20 years in the future. Like Lincoln, it was to be released by Disney in the United States and Fox overseas. It was set for release on April 25, 2014, with Anne Hathaway and Chris Hemsworth set to star, but Spielberg postponed production indefinitely in January 2013, just before it had been set to begin.

When was 'Robopocalypse' scheduled for release?

April 25, 2014

Who was going to star in 'Robopocalypse'?

Anne Hathaway and Chris Hemsworth

How far in the future was 'Robopocalypse' set?

15–20 years

Who wrote the book 'Robopocalypse' is based on?

Daniel H. Wilson

What was the budget for 'Robopocalypse'?

$200 million

How much did Anne Hathaway's last movie earn?

I'm not sure.

What was the first movie Drew Goddard has adapted?

I'm not sure.

In what year was the novel Robopocalypse released?

I'm not sure.

In what year was Lincoln released?

I'm not sure.

In what month was Lincoln released?

I'm not sure.


Spielberg's films often deal with several recurring themes. Most of his films deal with ordinary characters searching for or coming in contact with extraordinary beings or finding themselves in extraordinary circumstances. In an AFI interview in August 2000 Spielberg commented on his interest in the possibility of extra terrestrial life and how it has influenced some of his films. Spielberg described himself as feeling like an alien during childhood, and his interest came from his father, a science fiction fan, and his opinion that aliens would not travel light years for conquest, but instead curiosity and sharing of knowledge.

What theme is common to Spielberg's films?

ordinary characters searching for or coming in contact with extraordinary beings or finding themselves in extraordinary circumstances

When in his life did Spielberg 'feel like an alien'?

during childhood

When did Spielberg give an interview saying he had 'felt like an alien'?

August 2000

Why does Spielberg think aliens would visit?

curiosity and sharing of knowledge

Which of Spielberg's parents liked sci-fi?

his father

In what interview was it the first time that Spielberg talked about extra terrestrials?

I'm not sure.

What does Spielberg say he might have saw in his childhood?

I'm not sure.

What type of films did Spielberg's father enjoy?

I'm not sure.

What do most people think aliens would visit Earth for?

I'm not sure.


A strong consistent theme in his family-friendly work is a childlike, even naïve, sense of wonder and faith, as attested by works such as Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Hook, A.I. Artificial Intelligence and The BFG. According to Warren Buckland, these themes are portrayed through the use of low height camera tracking shots, which have become one of Spielberg's directing trademarks. In the cases when his films include children (E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Empire of the Sun, Jurassic Park, etc.), this type of shot is more apparent, but it is also used in films like Munich, Saving Private Ryan, The Terminal, Minority Report, and Amistad. If one views each of his films, one will see this shot utilized by the director, notably the water scenes in Jaws are filmed from the low-angle perspective of someone swimming. Another child oriented theme in Spielberg's films is that of loss of innocence and coming-of-age. In Empire of the Sun, Jim, a well-groomed and spoiled English youth, loses his innocence as he suffers through World War II China. Similarly, in Catch Me If You Can, Frank naively and foolishly believes that he can reclaim his shattered family if he accumulates enough money to support them.

Which Spielberg films are examples of a childlike sense of wonder?

Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Hook, A.I. Artificial Intelligence and The BFG

What camera style does Spielberg often use?

low height camera tracking shots

What are some Spielberg films that included kids?

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Empire of the Sun, Jurassic Park

How were the water scenes in Jaws filmed?

from the low-angle perspective of someone swimming

Who is naive in 'Catch Me if You Can'?

Frank

What is one of the countries in which Catch Me if You Can takes place?

I'm not sure.

Who wrote the book Amistad is based on?

I'm not sure.

Who wrote the novel Catch Me if You Can is based on?

I'm not sure.

Who wrote Empire of the Sun?

I'm not sure.

Who wrote A.I. Artificial Intelligence?

I'm not sure.


The most persistent theme throughout his films is tension in parent-child relationships. Parents (often fathers) are reluctant, absent or ignorant. Peter Banning in Hook starts off in the beginning of the film as a reluctant married-to-his-work parent who through the course of the film regains the respect of his children. The notable absence of Elliott's father in E.T., is the most famous example of this theme. In Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, it is revealed that Indy has always had a very strained relationship with his father, who is a professor of medieval literature, as his father always seemed more interested in his work, specifically in his studies of the Holy Grail, than in his own son, although his father does not seem to realize or understand the negative effect that his aloof nature had on Indy (he even believes he was a good father in the sense that he taught his son "self reliance," which is not how Indy saw it). Even Oskar Schindler, from Schindler's List, is reluctant to have a child with his wife. Munich depicts Avner as a man away from his wife and newborn daughter. There are of course exceptions; Brody in Jaws is a committed family man, while John Anderton in Minority Report is a shattered man after the disappearance of his son. This theme is arguably the most autobiographical aspect of Spielberg's films, since Spielberg himself was affected by his parents' divorce as a child and by the absence of his father. Furthermore, to this theme, protagonists in his films often come from families with divorced parents, most notably E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (protagonist Elliot's mother is divorced) and Catch Me If You Can (Frank Abagnale's mother and father split early on in the film). Little known also is Tim in Jurassic Park (early in the film, another secondary character mentions Tim and Lex's parents' divorce). The family often shown divided is often resolved in the ending as well. Following this theme of reluctant fathers and father figures, Tim looks to Dr. Alan Grant as a father figure. Initially, Dr. Grant is reluctant to return those paternal feelings to Tim. However, by the end of the film, he has changed, and the kids even fall asleep with their heads on his shoulders.

What was Indy's father's career?

professor of medieval literature

What artifact did Indy's father focus on?

the Holy Grail

What is Spielberg's most common theme?

tension in parent-child relationships

Whose son disappeared in 'Minority Report'?

John Anderton

Whose parents divorced in 'Catch Me If You Can'?

Frank Abagnale

Who is one of the main characters of Jurassic Park?

I'm not sure.

What was Oskar Schindler in real life?

I'm not sure.

What did Indiana Jones do for a living?

I'm not sure.

What occupation was Avner in Munich?

I'm not sure.


In terms of casting and production itself, Spielberg has a known penchant for working with actors and production members from his previous films. For instance, he has cast Richard Dreyfuss in several films: Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Always. Aside from his role as Indiana Jones, Spielberg also cast Harrison Ford as a headteacher in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (though the scene was ultimately cut). Although Spielberg directed veteran voice actor Frank Welker only once (in Raiders of the Lost Ark, for which he voiced many of the animals), Welker has lent his voice in a number of productions Spielberg has executive produced from Gremlins to its sequel Gremlins 2: The New Batch, as well as The Land Before Time, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and television shows such as Tiny Toons, Animaniacs, and SeaQuest DSV. Spielberg has used Tom Hanks on several occasions and has cast him in Saving Private Ryan, Catch Me If You Can, The Terminal, and Bridge of Spies. Spielberg has collaborated with Tom Cruise twice on Minority Report and War of the Worlds, and cast Shia LaBeouf in five films: Transformers, Eagle Eye, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, and Transformers: Dark of the Moon.

Which Spielberg films has Dreyfuss been in?

Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Always

Who was Ford going to play in E.T., until the scene was removed?

a headteacher

Which Spielberg TV shows has Frank Welker been a voice actor for?

Tiny Toons, Animaniacs, and SeaQuest DSV

Which Spielberg films has Tom Hanks been in?

Saving Private Ryan, Catch Me If You Can, The Terminal, and Bridge of Spies

Which Spielberg films has Tom Cruise been in?

Minority Report and War of the Worlds

What was Shia LaBeouf's first film?

I'm not sure.

What movie was Frank Welker's first voicework?

I'm not sure.

What was Richard Dreyfuss' first film?

I'm not sure.

Who made a cameo in the finished version of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial?

I'm not sure.


Spielberg prefers working with production members with whom he has developed an existing working relationship. An example of this is his production relationship with Kathleen Kennedy who has served as producer on all his major films from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial to the recent Lincoln. For cinematography, Allen Daviau, a childhood friend and cinematographer, shot the early Spielberg film Amblin and most of his films up to Empire of the Sun; Janusz Kamiński who has shot every Spielberg film since Schindler's List (see List of film director and cinematographer collaborations); and the film editor Michael Kahn who has edited every film directed by Spielberg from Close Encounters to Munich (except E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial). Most of the DVDs of Spielberg's films have documentaries by Laurent Bouzereau.

Which film did Kathleen Kennedy first work with Spielberg on?

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Which childhood friend worked on Spielberg's films?

Allen Daviau

Which film did Kaminski first work with Spielberg on?

Schindler's List

Which film did Daviau first work with Spielberg on?

Amblin

Which film did Kahn first work with Spielberg on?

Close Encounters

What was the first movie Kathleen Kennedy produced?

I'm not sure.

What movie did Allen Daviau first work on as a cinematographer?

I'm not sure.

What was the first movie Janusz Kaminski ever shot?

I'm not sure.

What was the first film Michael Kahn ever edited?

I'm not sure.

For what movie did Laurent Bouzereau complete his first documentary?

I'm not sure.


A famous example of Spielberg working with the same professionals is his long-time collaboration with John Williams and the use of his musical scores in all of his films since The Sugarland Express (except Bridge of Spies, The Color Purple and Twilight Zone: The Movie). One of Spielberg's trademarks is his use of music by Williams to add to the visual impact of his scenes and to try and create a lasting picture and sound of the film in the memories of the film audience. These visual scenes often uses images of the sun (e.g. Empire of the Sun, Saving Private Ryan, the final scene of Jurassic Park, and the end credits of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (where they ride into the sunset)), of which the last two feature a Williams score at that end scene. Spielberg is a contemporary of filmmakers George Lucas, Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, John Milius, and Brian De Palma, collectively known as the "Movie Brats". Aside from his principal role as a director, Spielberg has acted as a producer for a considerable number of films, including early hits for Joe Dante and Robert Zemeckis. Spielberg has often never worked with the same screenwriter in his films, beside Tony Kushner and David Koepp, who have written a few of his films more than once.

What are the only Spielberg films since Sugarland Express to not have music by John Williams?

Bridge of Spies, The Color Purple and Twilight Zone: The Movie

What happens at the end of 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade'?

they ride into the sunset

Who are the 'Movie Brats', besides Spielberg?

George Lucas, Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, John Milius, and Brian De Palma

Who are the only screenwriters Spielberg has worked with on more than one film?

Tony Kushner and David Koepp

What was the first movie John Williams ever scored?

I'm not sure.

Who scored The Color Purple?

I'm not sure.

Who wrote Bridge of Spies?

I'm not sure.

Who wrote Twilight Zone: The Movie?

I'm not sure.

Who wrote Saving Private Ryan?

I'm not sure.


Spielberg first met actress Amy Irving in 1976 at the suggestion of director Brian De Palma, who knew he was looking for an actress to play in Close Encounters. After meeting her, Spielberg told his co-producer Julia Phillips, "I met a real heartbreaker last night.":293 Although she was too young for the role, she and Spielberg began dating and she eventually moved in to what she described as his "bachelor funky" house.:294 They lived together for four years, but the stresses of their professional careers took a toll on their relationship. Irving wanted to be certain that whatever success she attained as an actress would be her own: "I don't want to be known as Steven's girlfriend," she said, and chose not to be in any of his films during those years.:295

Who did Spielberg begin dating in 1976?

Amy Irving

What was Amy Irving's career?

actress

Who introduced Irving to Spielberg?

Brian De Palma

How did Irving describe Spielberg's house?

"bachelor funky"

Why did Irving not want to be in Spielberg's films while dating?

"I don't want to be known as Steven's girlfriend,"

In what year did Brian de Palma direct his first film?

I'm not sure.

What was the first movie Julie Phillips ever co-produced?

I'm not sure.

In what year did Amy Irving move into Spielberg's home?

I'm not sure.

Who was one of the actresses in Close Encounters?

I'm not sure.

In what year did Amy Irving move out of Spielberg's home?

I'm not sure.


As a result, they broke up in 1979, but remained close friends. Then in 1984 they renewed their romance, and in November 1985, they married, already having had a son, Max Samuel. After three and a half years of marriage, however, many of the same competing stresses of their careers caused them to divorce in 1989. They agreed to maintain homes near each other as to facilitate the shared custody and parenting of their son.:403 Their divorce was recorded as the third most costly celebrity divorce in history.

When did Spielberg and Irving initially break up?

When did Spielberg and Irving get back together?

When did Spielberg and Irving marry?

November 1985

When did Spielberg and Irving divorce?

How expensive was Spielberg and Irving's divorce?

third most costly celebrity divorce in history

Who broke up with his girlfriend in 1979?

I'm not sure.

Who got back together with his girlfriend in 1984?

I'm not sure.

Which celebrity got divorced in 1989?

I'm not sure.

Who was the husband in the most costly celebrity divorce in history?

I'm not sure.


In 2002, Spielberg was one of eight flagbearers who carried the Olympic Flag into Rice-Eccles Stadium at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. In 2006, Premiere listed him as the most powerful and influential figure in the motion picture industry. Time listed him as one of the 100 Most Important People of the Century. At the end of the 20th century, Life named him the most influential person of his generation. In 2009, Boston University presented him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

In which Olympics was Spielberg a flagbearer?

2002 Winter Olympic Games

Where was Spielberg an Olympic flagbearer?

Salt Lake City

How did Time Magazine recognize Spielberg?

one of the 100 Most Important People of the Century

How did Life Magazine recognize Spielberg?

the most influential person of his generation

What honorary degree did Spielberg receive from Boston University?

Doctor of Humane Letters

Where were the 2006 Winter Olympics held?

I'm not sure.

Where is Rice-Eccles Stadium?

I'm not sure.

Where did Spielberg attend college?

I'm not sure.

Who did Time list as the most important person of the century?

I'm not sure.


According to Forbes' Most Influential Celebrities 2014 list, Spielberg was listed as the most influential celebrity in America. The annual list is conducted by E-Poll Market Research and it gave more than 6,600 celebrities on 46 different personality attributes a score representing "how that person is perceived as influencing the public, their peers, or both." Spielberg received a score of 47, meaning 47% of the US believes he is influential. Gerry Philpott, president of E-Poll Market Research, supported Spielberg's score by stating, "If anyone doubts that Steven Spielberg has greatly influenced the public, think about how many will think for a second before going into the water this summer."

When was Spielberg named the 'most influential celebrity in America'?

How much of the US believes Spielberg is influential?

Who is Gerry Philpott?

president of E-Poll Market Research

How did Spielberg influence the public's behavior?

many will think for a second before going into the water this summer

Who did Forbes' list in 2014 as the most influential celebrity in the world?

I'm not sure.

In what year was E-Poll Market Research founded?

I'm not sure.

When did Gerry Philpott become president of E-Poll Market Research?

I'm not sure.

In what year did Forbes' publish their first Most Influential Celebrities list?

I'm not sure.


A collector of film memorabilia, Spielberg purchased a balsa Rosebud sled from Citizen Kane (1941) in 1982. He bought Orson Welles's own directorial copy of the script for the radio broadcast The War of the Worlds (1938) in 1994. Spielberg has purchased Academy Award statuettes being sold on the open market and donated them to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, to prevent their further commercial exploitation. His donations include the Oscars that Bette Davis received for Dangerous (1935) and Jezebel (1938), and Clark Gable's Oscar for It Happened One Night (1934).

When was Citizen Kane released?

When was 'The War of the Worlds' radio broadcast?

When did Spielberg buy a sled from Citizen Kane?

When did Spielberg buy Orson Welles' personal script copy from 'The War of the Worlds'?

What does Spielberg do with Academy Awards he buys?

donated them to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, to prevent their further commercial exploitation

Who directed Citizen Kane?

I'm not sure.

Who wrote The War of the Worlds (1938 version)?

I'm not sure.

In what year did Spielberg buy his first open market Academy Award?

I'm not sure.

In what year was the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences established?

I'm not sure.

Who directed the 1935 movie Dangerous?

I'm not sure.


Since playing Pong while filming Jaws in 1974, Spielberg has been an avid video gamer. Spielberg played many of LucasArts adventure games, including the first Monkey Island games. He owns a Wii, a PlayStation 3, a PSP, and Xbox 360, and enjoys playing first-person shooters such as the Medal of Honor series and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. He has also criticized the use of cut scenes in games, calling them intrusive, and feels making story flow naturally into the gameplay is a challenge for future game developers.

What was the first video game Spielberg played?

Pong

When did Spielberg first play a video game?

What movie was Spielberg working on when he first played Pong?

Jaws

What game consoles does Spielberg own?

a Wii, a PlayStation 3, a PSP, and Xbox 360

How does Spielberg feel about cutscenes in games?

intrusive

In what year was Pong released?

I'm not sure.

On what console did a video game come out about Jaws?

I'm not sure.

On what console can one buy a modern version of Pong?

I'm not sure.

Who thinks video game cut scenes are great?

I'm not sure.

What console features an updated version of the first Monkey Island game?

I'm not sure.


Drawing from his own experiences in Scouting, Spielberg helped the Boy Scouts of America develop a merit badge in cinematography in order to help promote filmmaking as a marketable skill. The badge was launched at the 1989 National Scout Jamboree, which Spielberg attended, and where he personally counseled many boys in their work on requirements. That same year, 1989, saw the release of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The opening scene shows a teenage Indiana Jones in scout uniform bearing the rank of a Life Scout. Spielberg stated he made Indiana Jones a Boy Scout in honor of his experience in Scouting. For his career accomplishments, service to others, and dedication to a new merit badge Spielberg was awarded the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.

What Boy Scout merit badge did Spielberg help develop?

cinematography

When was Spielberg's merit badge launched?

Which major Spielberg movie character was a Boy Scout?

Indiana Jones

Which Spielberg movie showed its main character was a Boy Scout?

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

What was Indy's rank in Boy Scouts when shown in a movie?

Life Scout

What was the highest rank Indiana Jones made in his youth?

I'm not sure.

In what year did Spielberg start helping the Boy Scouts of America out?

I'm not sure.

In what year did the Boy Scouts give Spielberg their Distinguished Eagle Scout Award?

I'm not sure.

In what year did the second Indiana Jones movie come out?

I'm not sure.


In 2004 he was admitted as knight of the Légion d'honneur by president Jacques Chirac. On July 15, 2006, Spielberg was also awarded the Gold Hugo Lifetime Achievement Award at the Summer Gala of the Chicago International Film Festival, and also was awarded a Kennedy Center honour on December 3. The tribute to Spielberg featured a short, filmed biography narrated by Tom Hanks and included thank-yous from World War II veterans for Saving Private Ryan, as well as a performance of the finale to Leonard Bernstein's Candide, conducted by John Williams (Spielberg's frequent composer).[citation needed]

Who made Spielberg a knight?

Jacques Chirac

What award did Spielberg receive on Jul 15, 2006?

Gold Hugo Lifetime Achievement Award

Where was Spielberg honored on Dec 3, 2006?

Kennedy Center

Who narrated a short Spielberg bio at the Kennedy Center?

Tom Hanks

In what year did Jacques Chirac become president?

I'm not sure.

In what year was the Chicago International Film Festival first established?

I'm not sure.

In what year was Candide released?

I'm not sure.

In what year was the first Gold Hugo Lifetime Achievement Award first handed out?

I'm not sure.

Who was the first winner of the Gold Hugo Lifetime Achievement Award?

I'm not sure.


The Science Fiction Hall of Fame inducted Spielberg in 2005, the first year it considered non-literary contributors. In November 2007, he was chosen for a Lifetime Achievement Award to be presented at the sixth annual Visual Effects Society Awards in February 2009. He was set to be honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the January 2008 Golden Globes; however, the new, watered-down format of the ceremony resulting from conflicts in the 2007–08 writers strike, the HFPA postponed his honor to the 2009 ceremony. In 2008, Spielberg was awarded the Légion d'honneur.

When was Spielberg added to the Science Fiction Hall of Fame?

When did the Visual Effects Society give Spielberg a Lifetime Achievement Award?

February 2009

When did Spielberg win the Cecil B. DeMille Award?

Why was Spielberg's Cecil B. DeMille Award postponed from 2008?

watered-down format of the ceremony resulting from conflicts in the 2007–08 writers strike

In what year was the Science Fiction Hall of Fame created?

I'm not sure.

In what year was the first Cecil B. DeMille award handed out?

I'm not sure.

Where was Spielberg awarded the Legion d'honneur?

I'm not sure.

What was the 2009 Golden Globes award show considered to be?

I'm not sure.

How are the Science Fiction Hall of Fame induction ceremonies usually described as?

I'm not sure.


Starting in the coal mines, by the mid-19th century elevators were operated with steam power and were used for moving goods in bulk in mines and factories. These steam driven devices were soon being applied to a diverse set of purposes - in 1823, two architects working in London, Burton and Hormer, built and operated a novel tourist attraction, which they called the "ascending room". It elevated paying customers to a considerable height in the center of London, allowing them a magnificent panoramic view of downtown.

For which industry were elevators first used?

coal mines

In the mid 1800s what were elevators fueled by?

steam power

What were elevators originally built for?

moving goods in bulk in mines and factories

Who built the "ascending room", in 1823?

Burton and Hormer

The "ascending room" gave customers a view of what city's downtown?

London


The hydraulic crane was invented by Sir William Armstrong in 1846, primarily for use at the Tyneside docks for loading cargo. These quickly supplanted the earlier steam driven elevators: exploiting Pascal's law, they provided a much greater force. A water pump supplied a variable level of water pressure to a plunger encased inside a vertical cylinder, allowing the level of the platform (carrying a heavy load) to be raised and lowered. Counterweights and balances were also used to increase the lifting power of the apparatus.

Who invented the hydraulic crane in 1846?

Sir William Armstrong

Were was the hydraulic crane initially used?

Tyneside docks

In what manner did hydraulic cranes employ Pascal's law?

they provided a much greater force

The water pump supplied water pressure to a plunger located where?

encased inside a vertical cylinder

besides water pressure, what else was used to increase the lifting power?

Counterweights and balances


In 1845, the Neapolitan architect Gaetano Genovese installed in the Royal Palace of Caserta the "Flying Chair", an elevator ahead of its time, covered with chestnut wood outside and with maple wood inside. It included a light, two benches and a hand operated signal, and could be activated from the outside, without any effort on the part of the occupants. Traction was controlled by a motor mechanic utilizing a system of toothed wheels. A safety system was designed to take effect if the cords broke. It consisted of a beam pushed outwards by a steel spring.

What Neapolitan architect created the "Flying Chair" elevator?

Gaetano Genovese

At what location was the "Flying Chair" installed in 1845?

Royal Palace of Caserta

What type of wood was used on the inside ?

maple

What controlled the traction?

a motor mechanic utilizing a system of toothed wheels

What did the safety system consist of?

a beam pushed outwards by a steel spring


In 1852, Elisha Otis introduced the safety elevator, which prevented the fall of the cab if the cable broke. The design of the Otis safety elevator is somewhat similar to one type still used today. A governor device engages knurled roller(s), locking the elevator to its guides should the elevator descend at excessive speed. He demonstrated it at the New York exposition in the Crystal Palace in a dramatic, death-defying presentation in 1854, and the first such passenger elevator was installed at 488 Broadway in New York City on March 23, 1857.

Who created the safety elevator in 1852?

Elisha Otis

What feature did the safety elevator display?

prevented the fall of the cab if the cable broke

What did the govenor device engage to lock the elevator?

knurled roller(s)

At what location was it first presented?

New York exposition in the Crystal Palace

Where was the first safety elevator installed?

488 Broadway in New York City


The first elevator shaft preceded the first elevator by four years. Construction for Peter Cooper's Cooper Union Foundation building in New York began in 1853. An elevator shaft was included in the design, because Cooper was confident that a safe passenger elevator would soon be invented. The shaft was cylindrical because Cooper thought it was the most efficient design. Later, Otis designed a special elevator for the building. Today the Otis Elevator Company, now a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation, is the world's largest manufacturer of vertical transport systems.

What year did constructrion begin for the Cooper Union Foundation?

Which was built first, the first elevator shaft or the first elevator?

first elevator shaft

What design did Peter Cooper feel was the most efficient?

cylindrical

The Otis Elevator Company is today a subsidiary of what major corporation?

United Technologies Corporation

What title does United Technologies Corporation hold?

world's largest manufacturer of vertical transport systems


The first electric elevator was built by Werner von Siemens in 1880 in Germany. The inventor Anton Freissler developed the ideas of von Siemens and built up a successful enterprise in Austria-Hungary. The safety and speed of electric elevators were significantly enhanced by Frank Sprague who added floor control, automatic elevators, acceleration control of cars, and safeties. His elevator ran faster and with larger loads than hydraulic or steam elevators, and 584 electric elevators were installed before Sprague sold his company to the Otis Elevator Company in 1895. Sprague also developed the idea and technology for multiple elevators in a single shaft.

Who built the first electric elevator?

Werner von Siemens

The first electric elevator, built in 1880, was in what Country?

Germany

Who ultilized von Siemens ideas to build a succesful business?

Anton Freissler

Who is credited with increasing the safety and speed of electric elevators?

Frank Sprague

To whom did Frank Sprague sell his company to in 1895?

Otis Elevator Company


Some people argue that elevators began as simple rope or chain hoists (see Traction elevators below). An elevator is essentially a platform that is either pulled or pushed up by a mechanical means. A modern-day elevator consists of a cab (also called a "cage", "carriage" or "car") mounted on a platform within an enclosed space called a shaft or sometimes a "hoistway". In the past, elevator drive mechanisms were powered by steam and water hydraulic pistons or by hand. In a "traction" elevator, cars are pulled up by means of rolling steel ropes over a deeply grooved pulley, commonly called a sheave in the industry. The weight of the car is balanced by a counterweight. Sometimes two elevators are built so that their cars always move synchronously in opposite directions, and are each other's counterweight.

What is another name for an elevator shaft?

hoistway

Elevator drive mechanisms have, in the past been, powered by what?

steam and water hydraulic pistons or by hand

What is the weight of the elevator cage balanced by?

a counterweight

How do elevators built in pairs work?

their cars always move synchronously in opposite directions,


Elevator doors protect riders from falling into the shaft. The most common configuration is to have two panels that meet in the middle, and slide open laterally. In a cascading telescopic configuration (potentially allowing wider entryways within limited space), the doors roll on independent tracks so that while open, they are tucked behind one another, and while closed, they form cascading layers on one side. This can be configured so that two sets of such cascading doors operate like the center opening doors described above, allowing for a very wide elevator cab. In less expensive installations the elevator can also use one large "slab" door: a single panel door the width of the doorway that opens to the left or right laterally. Some buildings have elevators with the single door on the shaft way, and double cascading doors on the cab.

How do most elevator doors work?

have two panels that meet in the middle, and slide open laterally

What design allows wider entryways within limited space?

a cascading telescopic configuration

What is a single panel door referred to as?

"slab" door

The single door is sometimes located where?

on the shaft way

What do elevator doors protect riders from?

falling into the shaft


Historically, AC motors were used for single or double speed elevator machines on the grounds of cost and lower usage applications where car speed and passenger comfort were less of an issue, but for higher speed, larger capacity elevators, the need for infinitely variable speed control over the traction machine becomes an issue. Therefore, DC machines powered by an AC/DC motor generator were the preferred solution. The MG set also typically powered the relay controller of the elevator, which has the added advantage of electrically isolating the elevators from the rest of a building's electrical system, thus eliminating the transient power spikes in the building's electrical supply caused by the motors starting and stopping (causing lighting to dim every time the elevators are used for example), as well as interference to other electrical equipment caused by the arcing of the relay contactors in the control system.

Throughout history, what type of engines were used for elevator machines?

AC motors

Why were AC motors used?

cost and lower usage applications where car speed and passenger comfort were less of an issue

What problem arises for fast and large capacity elevators?

the need for infinitely variable speed control over the traction machine

Generally, what powered the relay contoller?

MG set

What is a known advantage of the MG set?

electrically isolating the elevators from the rest of a building's electrical system


Gearless traction machines are low-speed (low-RPM), high-torque electric motors powered either by AC or DC. In this case, the drive sheave is directly attached to the end of the motor. Gearless traction elevators can reach speeds of up to 20 m/s (4,000 ft/min), A brake is mounted between the motor and gearbox or between the motor and drive sheave or at the end of the drive sheave to hold the elevator stationary at a floor. This brake is usually an external drum type and is actuated by spring force and held open electrically; a power failure will cause the brake to engage and prevent the elevator from falling (see inherent safety and safety engineering). But it can also be some form of disc type like 1 or more calipers over a disc in one end of the motor shaft or drive sheave which is used in high speed, high rise and large capacity elevators with machine rooms(an exception is the Kone MonoSpace's EcoDisc which is not high speed, high rise and large capacity and is machine room less but it uses the same design as is a thinner version of a conventional gearless traction machine) for breaking power, compactness and redundancy(assuming there's at least 2 calipers on the disc), or 1 or more disc brakes with a single caliper at one end of the motor shaft or drive sheave which is used in machine room less elevators for compactness, breaking power, and redundancy(assuming there's 2 brakes or more).

In a gearless traction engine, what is the drive sheave attached to?

directly attached to the end of the motor

What speed is a gearless traction elevator capable of attaining?

20 m/s (4,000 ft/min)

What motivates an external drum brake held open electrically?

spring force

One exception that is not high speed high rise and large capacity is what?

Kone MonoSpace's EcoDisc


In each case, cables are attached to a hitch plate on top of the cab or may be "underslung" below a cab, and then looped over the drive sheave to a counterweight attached to the opposite end of the cables which reduces the amount of power needed to move the cab. The counterweight is located in the hoist-way and rides a separate railway system; as the car goes up, the counterweight goes down, and vice versa. This action is powered by the traction machine which is directed by the controller, typically a relay logic or computerized device that directs starting, acceleration, deceleration and stopping of the elevator cab. The weight of the counterweight is typically equal to the weight of the elevator cab plus 40-50% of the capacity of the elevator. The grooves in the drive sheave are specially designed to prevent the cables from slipping. "Traction" is provided to the ropes by the grip of the grooves in the sheave, thereby the name. As the ropes age and the traction grooves wear, some traction is lost and the ropes must be replaced and the sheave repaired or replaced. Sheave and rope wear may be significantly reduced by ensuring that all ropes have equal tension, thus sharing the load evenly. Rope tension equalization may be achieved using a rope tension gauge, and is a simple way to extend the lifetime of the sheaves and ropes.

What reduces the amount of force needed to propel the cab?

cables are attached to a hitch plate on top of the cab

Where will the counterweight be found?

in the hoist-way

What guides the traction machine?

the controller

The counterweight runs equal to the cab weight plus what percentage of the elevator capacity?

Maintaining that the ropes all have equal tension may reduce what?

Sheave and rope wear


Elevators with more than 30 m (98 ft) of travel have a system called compensation. This is a separate set of cables or a chain attached to the bottom of the counterweight and the bottom of the elevator cab. This makes it easier to control the elevator, as it compensates for the differing weight of cable between the hoist and the cab. If the elevator cab is at the top of the hoist-way, there is a short length of hoist cable above the car and a long length of compensating cable below the car and vice versa for the counterweight. If the compensation system uses cables, there will be an additional sheave in the pit below the elevator, to guide the cables. If the compensation system uses chains, the chain is guided by a bar mounted between the counterweight railway lines.

"Compensation" is the name of the system used for what type of elevators?

Elevators with more than 30 m (98 ft) of travel

"Compensation" consists of what?

a separate set of cables or a chain attached to the bottom of the counterweight and the bottom of the elevator cab

What exactly does this system compensate for?

the differing weight of cable between the hoist and the cab

What is the chain guided by in a compensation system that uses chains?

a bar mounted between the counterweight railway lines


The low mechanical complexity of hydraulic elevators in comparison to traction elevators makes them ideal for low rise, low traffic installations. They are less energy efficient as the pump works against gravity to push the car and its passengers upwards; this energy is lost when the car descends on its own weight. The high current draw of the pump when starting up also places higher demands on a building’s electrical system. There are also environmental concerns should the lifting cylinder leak fluid into the ground.

What type of installations are hydraulic elevators best suited for?

low rise, low traffic installations

Why do hydraulic elevators use more energy?

the pump works against gravity to push the car and its passengers upwards; this energy is lost when the car descends on its own weight

What else contributes to a higher demand from the electrical system?

The high current draw of the pump when starting up

What concerns arise when the lifting cylinder leaks fluid into the ground?

environmental concerns


A climbing elevator is a self-ascending elevator with its own propulsion. The propulsion can be done by an electric or a combustion engine. Climbing elevators are used in guyed masts or towers, in order to make easy access to parts of these constructions, such as flight safety lamps for maintenance. An example would be the Moonlight towers in Austin, Texas, where the elevator holds only one person and equipment for maintenance. The Glasgow Tower — an observation tower in Glasgow, Scotland — also makes use of two climbing elevators.

What defines a climbing elevator?

a self-ascending elevator with its own propulsion

What settings are climbing elevators used in?

guyed masts or towers

What is the Glasgow Tower?

an observation tower in Glasgow, Scotland

How is the propulsion powered in a climbing elevator?

by an electric or a combustion engine


A elevator of this kind uses a vacuum on top of the cab and a valve on the top of the "shaft" to move the cab upwards and closes the valve in order to keep the cab at the same level. a diaphragm or a piston is used as a "brake" if there's a sudden increase in pressure avove the cab. however, to go down, it opens the valve so that the air can pressurize the top of the "shaft", allowing the cab to go down by its own weight. this also means that in case of a power failure, the cab will automatically go down. the "shaft" is made of acrilic, is always round, due to the shape of the vacuum pump turbine. in order to keep the air inside of the cab, rubber seals are used. due to technical limitations, these elevators have a low capacity. they usually allow 1-3 passengers and up to 525 lbs.

What does this type of elevator use to propel the cage?

a vacuum on top of the cab and a valve on the top of the "shaft"

For sudden surges in pressure above the cab, what is used as a "brake"?

a diaphragm or a piston

How does it enable the cab to go down by it's own weight?

it opens the valve so that the air can pressurize the top of the "shaft"

What is the shaft made of?

acrilic

How much weight is permitted on a low capacity elevator?

up to 525 lbs


In the first half of the twentieth century, almost all elevators had no automatic positioning of the floor on which the cab would stop. Some of the older freight elevators were controlled by switches operated by pulling on adjacent ropes. In general, most elevators before WWII were manually controlled by elevator operators using a rheostat connected to the motor. This rheostat (see picture) was enclosed within a cylindrical container about the size and shape of a cake. This was mounted upright or sideways on the cab wall and operated via a projecting handle, which was able to slide around the top half of the cylinder.

Until the mid 1900s most elevators lacked what?

automatic positioning of the floor on which the cab would stop

Many earlier built  freight elevators were controlled by what?

switches operated by pulling on adjacent ropes

How were most elevators built before 1939 powered?

by elevator operators using a rheostat connected to the motor

A rheostat is the size and shape of what?

a cake

Where was the rheostat mounted?

upright or sideways on the cab wall


The elevator motor was located at the top of the shaft or beside the bottom of the shaft. Pushing the handle forward would cause the cab to rise; backwards would make it sink. The harder the pressure, the faster the elevator would move. The handle also served as a dead man switch: if the operator let go of the handle, it would return to its upright position, causing the elevator cab to stop. In time, safety interlocks would ensure that the inner and outer doors were closed before the elevator was allowed to move.

Where is the elevator motor found?

at the top of the shaft or beside the bottom of the shaft

Moving the helve forward causes the cab to do what?

to rise

The more pressure applied to the handle caused what?

the faster the elevator would move

Why was the handle considered a "dead man switch"?

if the operator let go of the handle, it would return to its upright position, causing the elevator cab to stop

Eventually safety locks were used to guarantee what?

that the inner and outer doors were closed before the elevator was allowed to move


Some skyscraper buildings and other types of installation feature a destination operating panel where a passenger registers their floor calls before entering the car. The system lets them know which car to wait for, instead of everyone boarding the next car. In this way, travel time is reduced as the elevator makes fewer stops for individual passengers, and the computer distributes adjacent stops to different cars in the bank. Although travel time is reduced, passenger waiting times may be longer as they will not necessarily be allocated the next car to depart. During the down peak period the benefit of destination control will be limited as passengers have a common destination.

What function does a "destination operating panel" feature?

a passenger registers their floor calls before entering the car

What is one benefit of a "destination operating panel"

travel time is reduced as the elevator makes fewer stops for individual passengers

What is another benefit of a "destination operating panel"?

the computer distributes adjacent stops to different cars in the bank

What is the downside to a :destination operating panel"?

passenger waiting times may be longer as they will not necessarily be allocated the next car to depart


However, performance enhancements cannot be generalized as the benefits and limitations of the system are dependent on many factors. One problem is that the system is subject to gaming. Sometimes, one person enters the destination for a large group of people going to the same floor. The dispatching algorithm is usually unable to completely cater for the variation, and latecomers may find the elevator they are assigned to is already full. Also, occasionally, one person may press the floor multiple times. This is common with up/down buttons when people believe this to be an effective way to hurry elevators. However, this will make the computer think multiple people are waiting and will allocate empty cars to serve this one person.

What is one example of a limitation on the system?

the system is subject to gaming

What is generally unable to support variations in the number of people for a particular destination?

The dispatching algorithm

For what reason do people repeatedly push the up/down buttons on a panel?

people believe this to be an effective way to hurry elevators

Why is this a bad practice?

this will make the computer think multiple people are waiting and will allocate empty cars to serve this one person


To prevent this problem, in one implementation of destination control, every user gets an RFID card to identify himself, so the system knows every user call and can cancel the first call if the passenger decides to travel to another destination to prevent empty calls. The newest invention knows even where people are located and how many on which floor because of their identification, either for the purposes of evacuating the building or for security reasons. Another way to prevent this issue is to treat everyone travelling from one floor to another as one group and to allocate only one car for that group.

What is one way to implement destination control?

every user gets an RFID card to identify himself

How does this help the system?

the system knows every user call and can cancel the first call if the passenger decides to travel to another destination to prevent empty calls

Newer systems know where and how many people are at a location for what reasons?

either for the purposes of evacuating the building or for security reasons