Royal Bioscope Company
Encyclopedia
The Royal Bioscope Company was the first film production company in Bengal, and possibly the first in India
, set up in 1898 by Hiralal Sen
, along with Matilal Sen, Deboki Lal Sen, and Bholanath Gupta. The initial productions used an Urban Bioscope
bought from Warwick Trading Company
in London
. The company produced shows, generally exhibited at the Classic Theatre in Calcutta, where the films featured in the intervals in the stage shows. When Sen began producing his own films regularly they were chiefly scenes from stage productions at the Classic, between 1901 and 1904. The longest film produced was Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (1903), again based on an original Classic Theatre staging.
Sen also made many local views and newsfilms, took commissions, made advertising films and put on private shows for members of high society. Sen was also to produce a number of short newsreels, including Anti-partition demonstration
(1905), Swadeshi movement
(1905), and With Our King and Queen Through India
(1912). Sen also produce some of the first advertisement movies. As newer film ventures entered the marketplace, Royal Bioscope's fortunes declined, and production ceased in 1913.
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, set up in 1898 by Hiralal Sen
Hiralal Sen
Hiralal Sen was an Indian photographer generally considered one of India's first filmmakers. He is also credited with creating India's first advertising films and quite possibly India's first political film...
, along with Matilal Sen, Deboki Lal Sen, and Bholanath Gupta. The initial productions used an Urban Bioscope
Urban Bioscope
The Urban Bioscope, also known as the Warwick Bioscope was a film projector developed by Walter Isaacs in 1897 for Charles Urban of the Warwick Trading Company. The projector used a beater movement, with a whisk orientation....
bought from Warwick Trading Company
Warwick Trading Company
The Warwick Trading Company was formed in 1898 out of the British branch of the American firm Maguire and Baucus. It was the leading film producer in Britain at the turn of the century, specialising in actuality, travel and reportage. The managing director was Charles Urban. He left the company in...
in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. The company produced shows, generally exhibited at the Classic Theatre in Calcutta, where the films featured in the intervals in the stage shows. When Sen began producing his own films regularly they were chiefly scenes from stage productions at the Classic, between 1901 and 1904. The longest film produced was Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (1903), again based on an original Classic Theatre staging.
Sen also made many local views and newsfilms, took commissions, made advertising films and put on private shows for members of high society. Sen was also to produce a number of short newsreels, including Anti-partition demonstration
Partition of Bengal (1905)
The decision of the Partition of Bengal was announced on 19 July 1905 by the Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon. The partition took effect on 16 October 1905...
(1905), Swadeshi movement
Swadeshi movement
The Swadeshi movement, part of the Indian independence movement, was an economic strategy aimed at removing the British Empire from power and improving economic conditions in India by following the principles of swadeshi , which had some success...
(1905), and With Our King and Queen Through India
With Our King and Queen Through India
With Our King and Queen Through India is a British documentary. The film is silent and made in the Kinemacolor additive color process....
(1912). Sen also produce some of the first advertisement movies. As newer film ventures entered the marketplace, Royal Bioscope's fortunes declined, and production ceased in 1913.