This film is part of Free
A Strange Industry
Fascinating - if slightly grisly - look at a commercial butterfly farm
Overview
This grisly film starts picturesquely, with butterflies sunning their wings on a stone wall, and continues well as a gentleman competently sets out his caterpillars on the branches of trees, covered in a linen sleeve to protect them from birds. Things take a turn for the worse, though, as he prepares the caterpillars and butterflies for exhibition - which is not as easy to watch.
This butterfly farm was set up in the 1880s by H. W. Head - presumably the man seen in this film - and was clearly still going strong in 1916 when this film was made by Davison’'s Film Sales agency, a distribution company of interest films who operated during the War years.WWI.
Related
Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass) Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2011 33 mins
Over 30 years and 150 projects, the composer shares, with humour and passion, the intricacies of making film music.
Ian Neil (Masterclass) Ian Neil (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2012 74 mins
Neil selected soundtracks for 127 Hours, Shame, Kick Ass, Control and many more. He discusses the job and its complexities, referencing his own work.
Barry Ackroyd (Masterclass) Barry Ackroyd (Masterclass)
2013 61 mins
British cinematographer of The Hurt Locker, Captain Phillips, Hillsborough and Riff Raff reviews the art of the moving image.
Lois Burwell on movie makeup Lois Burwell on movie makeup
Inside Film 2013 17 mins
Lincoln, Braveheart and Magnolia make-up artist Lois Burwell explains how she created some of her most iconic looks, as part of a BAFTA Masterclass.
Gabriel Yared on composing for film Gabriel Yared on composing for film
Inside Film 2013 11 mins
Composer of The Lives of Others, The English Patient and Betty Blue on intimacy and experimentation.
Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan
Inside Film 2012 mins
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy's adapter reveals his quest for "the poem of the book" and the importance of simplicity: 'Drain the pond to find the fish'.