Billy Bitzer (1872-1944)
and Biograph

In 1894, Dickson split with Edison.  He went on to found the American Mutoscope and Biograph Company, usually known just as "Biograph." 

In 1896, Biograph hired Johann Gotlieb Wilhelm (Billy) Bitzer, a 24 year old electrician from Boston.  Bitzer rapidly became the cornerstone of Biograph's technical production and is credited with numerous innovations. 

In early movies, the camera operator was usually the director. However, the roles began to separate. When he filmed The Great Train Robbery, Edwin Porter was both. Bitzer, however, worked with the best known director in early movies.