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William PaulEnglish film director.
Date of Birth: 03.10.1869
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
William Paul: English Film Director and Innovator
William Paul was an English film director, producer, mechanic, and optician. In March 1895, almost simultaneously with the Lumière brothers, he created a film camera and in March 1896, he obtained a patent for a projection device called the "bioscope" (later renamed the "animatograph"). Paul offered a wide selection of nature films to customers of his devices, including "Waves at Sea," "Racehorse Trials at Derby," and "Ball Game." The success of narrative films in the programs of the Lumière brothers and Edison inspired William Paul to start producing similar films. In 1897, his catalog featured the first 20-meter narrative film called "Soldier's Courtship." This was followed by a series of comedic scenes, such as "The New Maid," "Children's Tea Party," and "Bill Sticker." These films had primitive plots, where the new maid breaks dishes due to her clumsiness, the bill sticker pastes posters upside down, and the children spill tea on each other.
Founding England's First Film Studio
In 1898, William Paul built the first film studio in England in London. It was a glass pavilion measuring 7x5 meters. The front wall opened like gates, and the filming camera was extended outside on rails. The early films were shot using natural lighting, and the sets were painted on canvas. Later on, Paul invented and constructed various devices that allowed him to capture simple trick shots.
