The First Short Films
Anayansi
Did you know that the first instances of sound and image coming together into what we now consider a “film” was done with shorts? The “vitaphones” were sent to theaters throughout the US in a can!
Learn about the early days of short filmmaking and distribution by checking out this great piece by filmmaker, radio producer and Arts Engine friend, Ben Shapiro. The story originally aired on NPR’s Weekend All Things Considered.
The Vitaphone Shorts
Produced by Ben Shapiro
Edited by Deborah George
Contrary to popular myth, the first talking picture wasn’t the Jazz Singer…The Vitaphone shorts were “canned acts” that brought big city entertainment to thousands of theaters across America. Hundreds of Vitaphone shorts were made in just a few years, with everyone from the New York Philharmonic, to vaudeville comics, dancers and jazz bands. Soon obsolete, and forgotten for the next 70 years, the Vitaphone shorts are remnants of a forgotten world of American entertainment.
With Al Jolson, Rudy Vallee, an 13 piece all-girl banjo orchestra…and Baby Rose Marie.
Listen: http://www.npr.org/
Ben has also done great camera work for Arts Engine films, The Dishes and Election Day.
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