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Invention of Kinetoscope
The Invention of the Kinetoscope, patented by Philadelphian Coleman Sellers, an improved rotating paddle machine to view (by hand-cranking) a series of stereoscopic still pictures on glass plates that were sequentially mounted in a cabinet-box -
Praxinoscope by French inventor Charles Emile Reynaud
It was a 'projector' device with a mirrored drum that created the illusion of movement with picture strips. A refined version of the Zoetrope with mirrors at the center of the drum instead of slots. -
Film made on a paper base
American inventor George Eastman introduces a film made on a paper base instead of glass, wound in a roll, eliminating the need for glass plates. -
Everyday Images
Auguste and Louis Lumière introduced the Cinématographe, a projector that could show 16 frames per second. In their public cinema, audiences were shocked by the films of simple movement and action. -
The Great Train Robbery
It was one of the first crime dramas and archetypes of the western genre. The film introduced moviegoers to robberies, chase scenes, and gun shoot-offs. The film was also one of the first to incorporate a full cast of actors and to shoot on-location. -
Paramount Pictures
Both Lasky and Famous Players released their films through a start-up company, Paramount Pictures Corporation. It was organized earlier that year by a Utah theatre owner, W. Hodkinson, and actor, director, producer Hobart Bosworth had started production of a series of Jack London movies. -
1st film from an Airplane
The film The Lost World was shown to passengers of an Imperial Airways flight in April between London (Croydon Airport) and Paris. -
Walt Disney 1st animation
Walt Disney releases Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, the first
feature-length film to be entirely hand-animated. -
United States vs Paramount
The United States vs Paramount, also known as the Paramount Decree, is a court case that brings to an end the vertical integration of the film industry. Studios can now no longer own all the elements of the film production and exhibition. -
The New French Wave
Lightweight cameras suitable for hand-held use – rather than being
fixed on a tripod – become cheap enough for widespread use. They
become popular with documentary makers and young directors in
France (the French New Wave). -
Studio Business
Marilyn Monroe dies of a drug overdose at age 36.
Government regulations force studios out of the talent agency business. -
Special Effects
George Lucas established Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) to provide
the special effects (SFX) for his film Star Wars. The success of this film cements the idea of the Summer Blockbuster and creates the idea of tie-in merchandising.