1907 - The “Teddy” Bears, by Edwin S. Porter

Better known for refining the technique of “crosscutting” between scenes in live action, Porter also left his mark on stop motion. Capitalizing on the craze around “teddy” bears (named after U.S. President Theodore “Teddy Roosevelt), Porter created an animated sequence featuring stuffed bears that danced and played. It includes some nifty aerial wire animation, as the bears turn flips and somersaults.

1908 - The Haunted House, by Segundo de Chomón

This Spanish filmmaker worked largely in France for Pathé, and is often compared to Méliès since his films also dealt with the fantastic. This particular film has a very nice stop motion sequence that depicts bread being cut by a “haunted knife.” The film also has a very creepy live-action devil character that would make an appearance many years later in the stylish horror film The Babadook (2014).

1912 - The Cameraman’s Revenge, by Ladislas Starewitch

Created while Starewitch was still in Russia, this film tells a tale of passion and jealousy, using stop motion insects. It’s a very clever bit of puppet filmmaking, and clearly shows the potential of an artist who would go on to be a legend in the medium. As a side note: much is made of the spelling of Starewitch’s last name, as there are many variations. This spelling is the one he himself favoured, for much of his professional life.  

1915 - The Dinosaur and The Missing Link: A Prehistoric Tragedy, by Willis O’Brien

This short tells the comedic tale of some cave people, a dinosaur, and a very strange looking man-ape called Wild Willie. The film used highly detailed sets and puppets, along with some understandably raw but highly effective animation, to create a completely animated and fantastical world. “Obie” (as he was famously nicknamed) would soon turn his attention to far bigger apes!