1st Telescoped PoV Close-Up in Film

As Seen Through a Telescope (1900) – George Albert Smith

The 1st Telescoped PoV close-up in film: As Seen Through a Telescope by George Albert Smith uses an irised close-up to give the impression of filming through a telescope, thus giving the viewer the point of view of the main character. There is also a voyeuristic element as the lead (and each of us) witnesses a bit of naughty action.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0000272/

1st PoV Close-Up

Grandma’s Reading Glass (1900) – George Albert Smith

The 1st POV Close-Up in film: Grandma’s Reading Glass by George Albert Smith features a young child who borrows a huge magnifying glass to focus on various objects, which was shot to demonstrate the new technique of close-up.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0000304/

1st Shot Continuity

A Kiss in the Tunnel (1899) – George Albert Smith

One of the 1st examples of shot continuity, A Kiss in the Tunnel by George Albert Smith begins as a phantom ride, cuts to within the train upon entering the tunnel, and then cuts back to the ride upon exiting.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0000248/

1st De-Focus in Film

Let Me Dream Again (1900) – George Albert Smith

The 1st de-focus in a film, used to transist from dream to reality: Let Me Dream Again by George Albert Smith features a man dreaming about an attractive young woman and then waking up next to his wife.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0000313/