Fred Ott’s Sneeze (1894)
The First Copyrighted Motion Picture – A Historic 5-Second Sneeze
Production and Filming
Directed by William Kennedy Laurie Dickson, a key inventor in Thomas Edison’s lab, the film was shot using the Kinetoscope, an early motion picture device designed for individual viewing. Fred Ott, an Edison employee and glassblower, was a familiar subject in early experiments. The footage was captured in the Edison Laboratory’s Black Maria studio in West Orange, New Jersey.
The original film was printed on 35mm celluloid at 46 frames per second, showcasing the jerky motion typical of early cinema. A paper print version was submitted to the U.S. Library of Congress on September 24, 1894, securing copyright under the manufacturing clause for photographs.
What Happens in the Film
The action unfolds simply:
- Fred Ott, with a bushy mustache, tilts his head back and sniffs from an unseen source.
- His face contorts in anticipation.
- He unleashes a massive sneeze, shaking his entire body.
Despite its brevity, the film’s exaggerated physicality and clear facial expressions make it surprisingly engaging, foreshadowing the expressive power of silent cinema.
Historical Significance and Legacy
As the earliest surviving copyrighted film, Fred Ott’s Sneeze symbolizes the transition from still photography to moving images. It was publicly screened as part of Kinetoscope demonstrations and later preserved on paper prints, which allowed modern restoration.
“This sneeze marked the beginning of an industry that would change entertainment forever.” – Film historian Charles Musser
Today, it resides in the Library of Congress and is celebrated in film archives worldwide. Its cultural impact endures in discussions of media law, early cinema, and even viral video predecessors.
Where to Watch
- Library of Congress (public domain)
- YouTube and Internet Archive (restored versions)
- Early Cinema collections on Criterion Channel or Kanopy