The Evolution Of Modern Film

The Phonograph

Apr 12, 1888

In 1888, Thomas Alva Edison invented the phonograph. This would later be built off of by Dickson, a young labatory assisstant, who was hired by Edison in order to continue his work.

The Kinetoscope

Nov 9, 1894

The Kinetoscope, invented by Dickson, was first created and marketed in 1894. A kinetoscope is an individual viewing device with a 47 foot long film that ran on spools between an incandescant lamp and a shutter.

The First Projector

Dec 28, 1895

The Lumiere brothers developed the very first projector in 1895. It functioned as a printer and camera, as well as a projector. It ran 16 framed per second

Vitascope: First Showing

Apr 23, 1896

The vitascope was first demonstrated publicly at Kosher and Bial's music hall in New York City.This breakthrough encouraged the activity of Edison's rivals.

Thomas Edison: Vitascope

Jun 9, 1896

Edison was persuaded to buy the rights to a projector that was developed orignally by Thomas Armat, of Washington D.C.This projector incorporated a loop-forming device known as Latham loop. Edison began to market this product as his own invention.

First Film to Achieve International Distribution

Feb 11, 1903

Le Voyage Dans La Lune (mainly through piracy) was the first film to reach international distribution in 1903.

The First VCR

Jun 4, 1977

The times have changed since the vitascope showing, as the first VCR tape was released in America.

The Camcorder

Nov 10, 1980

TIme skip to the 1980s, and the future of movie making is here, The first ever camcorder was invented by Jerome H Lemelson. This hand-held camera idea was at first considered impossible and turned down by many, but it's a good thing that Lemelson stuck to his beliefs.