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Not all big industries have smokestacks. When you consider movies, music, sports, etc., the entertainment industry is big.
Chuck Edmonson
posted eight photos with the comment:
THE HOLLYWOOD OF THE PRAIRIES
Before silent movie makers discovered the sunny skies of Southern California, Chicago held the distinction of being the Hollywood of the Prairies.
On August 10, 1907 George K. Spoor and Gilbert M. Anderson founded Essanay Studios on the near north side, moving just a year later to Argyle Street in Uptown.
The name was derived from the initials of the founders last names, S and A. With a staff of around 80 employees and performers the studio was soon turning out around 8 fifteen minute silent movies a month which included the likes of early film stars Francis X. Bushman, Ben Turpin and Charlie Chaplin.
It would be Essanay Studios who would discover a young Gloria Swanson while she was on a visit there.
Sadly a decade later in 1917 film makers would soon turn to the warm weather and sunny skies of California. Until that time even outdoor shots were filmed inside, the move allowed filmmakers to go outside the studio to shot. The old studio still stands, now a Chicago landmark.
Jennifer Ann Stix: Toured Essanay Studios in the early ‘80’s. They were a video production facility at the time.
George Anderson, aka Bronco Billy was also one of the early founders.
Link with list of films made at Essanay Studios (includes synopses, actors, etc.)
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