The Magician and the Cinema

Barnouw discusses the role of magicians in the development of film. They were inventors. George Melies, both a magician and filmmaker, designed a motion picture camera and was involved in the creation of some 500 films. Magicians used films in their performances in magic theaters, recorded some of their great performances on film, and became filmmakers. They played an important role in the creation of animated films and their work in trick films created the foundation for special effects.