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Vaudeville
The Vaudevilles were small theatres that played from short dramatic skits, to comedy routines, to dance and song numbers. To fill in time between acts the Vaudevilles started featuring short films to entertain the audience members. -
Kinetoscope Parlor
A Kinetoscope Parlor helped create an illusion of movement from a series of either still images or drawings. They were made for anyone who would pay to watch, and only one person could watch at a time. Thomas Edison made the Kinetoscope Parlor and the projector but he did not unveil the projector because he wanted to make more money. Edison thought the Kinetoscope would bring in more money because only one person can watch at a time. -
The Lumiere Brothers and the Cinematographe
The invention of the cinematograph by the Luniere Brothers produced 30 to 60 seconds of short films. They charged one franc to view the short films. Many people could sit and watch the short films, unlike the Kinetoscope Parlors. The short films ranged from a man falling off his horse to a kid catching a fish. -
A Trip to the Moon
Georges Méliès directed this French, silent film. It is about a group of astronemers that travel to the Moon. It is considered one of the best 100 films of the 20th century according to The Village voice. -
Life of an American Fireman
Directed by Edwin S. Porter, it was one of the earliest American narrative films. -
The Great Train Robbery
The Great Train Robbery was the first narrative film. It had a real story line and involved camera positions, and distances. The film lasted 12 minutes which amazed the people of the time who were used to short 30 second films. It was written, produced, and directed by Edwin Porter. -
Nickelodeons
The Nickelodeons were the first type of indoor place where audiences could watch short films. They were mostly placed on storefront windows. They only charged 5 cents admission, which is why Nickelodeons got their name. -
MPPC Founded
Thomas Edison founded the MPPC or the Motion Picture Patent Company. The company owned everything you would need to make a film, from projectors, to film stock etc. Independent studios tried to compete with the MPPC but faced consequences for trying to compete. -
The Immigrant (1917)
Charlie Chaplin starred in The Immigrant (1917) . Charlie Chaplin also wrote and directed the silent short film. -
Coquette
Mary Pickford stars in Coquette an American drama film. Mary Pickford won an Academy Award for Best Actress for this film. -
The Steadicam
The steadicam was invented by Garrett Brown, who wanted to smooth out hand held action shots. It was first used in 'Bound for Glory' in 1975. -
Steven Spielberg's first Academy Award
Steven Spielberg won his first Academy Award for the Schindler's LIst for Best Director.
