Other
History and Discovery of Cinematography
Self-published textbook, by film historian Paul Burns, on the history of filmmaking. Covers pre-cinematic technologies and events and ends with the discovery of motion pictures in the late nineteenth century.
George Eastman Museum
George Eastman House: Create a Thaumatrope
Simple but amazing! Learn how to make a thaumatrope, one of the earliest forms of cinematography. Watch as two images become one right before your eyes.
George Eastman Museum
George Eastman House: Create a Zoetrope
A zoetrope, or the "wheel of life," is an early way motion pictures were made. With these easy to follow directions you can create one of your very own using the printable templates.
George Eastman Museum
George Eastman House: Motion Picture Timeline [Pdf]
Follow the evolution of motion pictures and motion picture devices on this pictorial timeline.
Other
Mas De Cien Anos De Cine Mexicano
Learn about the important films, actors, directors, and unforgettable moments of Mexican cinema from its first days. Browse by topic, via the timeline, or jump to an alphabetical listing. Some topics are quite extensively covered; others...
American Movie Classics Company
The Film Site: Film History Before 1920
A storehouse of information about early film history, which discusses the development of the science and art behind motion picture technologies. Also looks at the how films were exhibited, the first feature-length films, early stars, fan...
Rudiments of Wisdom
Rudiments of Wisdom Encyclopaedia: Cinematography
Learn some fun facts about cinematography from this encyclopaedia entry drawn in comic-book style.