Movie Blog – Lesser Known Movie Pioneers
The movie industry has certainly come a long way from its humble beginnings in 1826 when Joseph Plateua and Simon von Stampfer invented a novelty toy that created the illusion of moving pictures on a spinning disk. At present, we have access to the technology of 3D animation, digital sound effects, CG (Computer Graphics) animation, and high definition images taken by equally high definition cameras. Yes, these advancements have made the motion picture one of the greatest past times, but it would be an interesting experience to have this movie blog take up the lesser-known firsts of this well loved form of entertainment.
1. The First Cinema
Many people attribute most of film’s firsts to America. But few realize that the very first cinema that was ever built for the sole purpose of showing films was located in Paris. Of course, this cinema is nothing like our idea of a movie theater now.
The first cinema theater was located in a converted room in a Parisian cafe owned by August Lumiere, one of the world’s earliest filmmakers.
2. The First Film Distribution Company
In the early years of film, there were no distribution companies present as most films that were featured were only locally distributed. But as the film industry grew, there came a need to distribute. The Duquesne Amusement & Supply Company was the first to heed the said need. What this company, owned by Sam Warner and his brother Albert Warner, was very simple. They distributed and exchanged motion pictures – much like how video stores rent out copies of films on tape. Nineteen years later, the brothers renamed their company to Warner Brothers Pictures – the same company that we know very well today. Read more…
“Have you seen Billy Elliott? 9 to 5? Dirty Dancing?” These questions raise a counter question: “The movie or the musical?” There is no longer a strong line between the film and stage. We’re seeing numerous stories crossing the line between the silver screen and the boards of Broadway. There has always been a unification between the arts: literary, visual, graphic, performing. Theatre and film have always incorporated all of these.