What was one reason for the negative perceptions of film actors and producers during the early days of cinema?

In the early days of cinema, film actors and producers were often viewed with skepticism and negativity by society. One significant reason for this perception was that they were seen as socially unacceptable. The film industry was relatively new and not yet fully legitimized compared to other forms of art and entertainment. This led to a general stigma surrounding those involved in filmmaking and acting, as they were associated with the perceived lower-class values and the idea of "putting on a show" for commercial gain rather than pursuing cultural or intellectual contributions.

The other choices suggest alternatives that don't capture the essence of societal attitudes of that time toward film creators. Lacking formal education might have played a role in negative perceptions, but it was more about the overall reputational issues associated with the profession itself. The interaction with the upper class could imply a certain level of acceptance, while philanthropic efforts, often seen in later years among celebrities, were not a hallmark of early film culture and would not have contributed to negative perceptions at that time.