British Silent Cinema: Studios, Filmmakers, and Distribution (1914-1929)

1. BBFC begins operations for national film censorship

   Jan 1, 1913Labels: BBFC

   • BBFC

2. Gaumont-British studios open at Lime Grove

   Jan 1, 1914Labels: Gaumont-British, Lime Grove

   • Gaumont British

3. British & Colonial Films active through wartime

   Jan 1, 1914Labels: British &

   • B C Films

4. Ideal Film Company expands into production

   Jan 1, 1916Labels: Ideal Film

   • Ideal Film

5. Stoll Pictures founded as producer-distributor

   Apr 1, 1918Labels: Stoll Pictures, Cricklewood

   • Stoll Pictures

6. Islington Studios production begins under Famous Players-Lasky

   Jan 1, 1920Labels: Islington Studios, Famous Players-Lasky

   • Islington Studios

7. Gaumont’s British arm becomes independent under Ostrer

   Jan 1, 1922Labels: Gaumont-British, Isidore Ostrer

   • Gaumont British

8. Slump of 1924 disrupts major silent-era firms

   Jan 1, 1924Labels: 1924 Slump

   • Ideal Film
   • Stoll Pictures

9. Hepworth company collapses and film stock destroyed

   Jan 1, 1924Labels: Hepworth Company, Cecil Hepworth

   • Helen Four Gates

10. Gainsborough Pictures founded and acquires Islington Studios

    Jan 1, 1924Labels: Gainsborough Pictures, Islington Studios

    • Gainsborough
    • Islington Studios

11. Elstree’s Shenley Road studio officially opens

    Dec 29, 1926Labels: Elstree Shenley, British National

    • Elstree SR

12. Ideal Film Company merges into Gaumont empire

    Jan 1, 1927Labels: Ideal Film, Gaumont-British

    • Ideal Film
    • Gaumont British

13. Gaumont-British Pictures Corporation formed

    Jan 1, 1927Labels: Gaumont-British Pictures

    • Gaumont British

14. The Lodger premieres, boosting Gainsborough and Hitchcock

    Feb 14, 1927Labels: The Lodger, Alfred Hitchcock

    • Criterion
    • The Lodger

15. Cinematograph Films Act receives Royal Assent

    Dec 22, 1927Labels: Cinematograph Films

    • Act 1927
    • Hansard

16. Cinematograph Films Act quota takes effect

    Apr 1, 1928Labels: Film Quota

    • Act 1927