The Development of Motion Pictures

A Wager

Oct 19, 1878

Scientific American (Magazine) published a series of pictures depicting a horse in full gallop, along with instructions to view them through the zoetrope (Vertical cylinder that spins a sequence of pictures).

The First Motion Picture Camera

Aug 24, 1891

The first motion picture camera was called the Kinetograph and was invented by Thomas Edison and his partner, William Dickson. They were first worried about hype and high demand for camera development. In 1891, a patent for the kinetograph was created.

First Show Film Ever Made

Mar 22, 1895

"Workers Leaving the Lumière Factory" was the first ever filmed show ever. With a running time of 46 seconds and originated in France and was created in March 22, 1895.

The First Animated Film

Apr 7, 1906

Humorous Phases of Funny Faces is a 1906 short silent animated cartoon directed by James Stuart Blackton and generally regarded by film historians as the first animated film recorded on standard picture film.

The First Ever Film in Color

Dec 6, 1908

One of the first successful motion pictures filmed in Kinemacolor (Color Camera). It's an 8-minute short film showing everyday activities that people did. It was directed and produced by George Albert Smith.

First Film With Dialogue

Oct 6, 1927

Even though it was neither the first sound on film nor the first film with talking throughout, and its minstrel-show plot doesn’t exactly stand up to modern scrutiny — it was one of the most important movies ever made

First Animated Film With Sound

Nov 18, 1928

Steamboat Willie is a 1928 American animated short film directed by Walt Disney and was the first animated film with sound. It was produced in black and white by Walt Disney Studio and was released by Pat Powers, under the name of Celebrity Productions.

First Full Featured Computer Generated Imagery Film

Nov 22, 1995

Disney's Pixar Toy Story is the first full length feature film created by computer generated imagery. Used many times in the future.