The Kinetoscope

The origins of the film industry trace back to the Kinetoscope, introduced in 1894, which revolutionized film exhibition with its innovative design. While Thomas Edison initially controlled its development in the U.S., he lost grip on the burgeoning European market, where Greek merchants and others quickly capitalized on the invention. Key figures like Robert William Paul emerged, navigating legal gray areas to produce early British films. The events of 1894-5 set the stage for the emergence of British cinema amidst a backdrop of competition, piracy, and innovation.