Making Movies

In 1893 the Black Maria became the world’s first building constructed as a motion picture studio. This odd-shaped structure was designed to keep sunlight on the stage while Edison’s film pioneers made kinetoscope films. Although most filming took place around noon, the Black Maria could use available sunlight at all hours. During filming, the angled roof was opened using pulleys to allow sunlight in the studio. The entire building rested on a pivot and wood track. As the sun’s angle changed during the day, Edison’s movie makers periodically stopped filming to push the Black Maria around a few feet to keep sunlight on its stage.

Montrose, New Jersey · United States