In 1884, Méliès continued his studies abroad, on his return to Paris he worked at his father's factory and took over as manager when his father retired. His position meant that he was able to raise enough money to buy the famous threatre Robert Houdin when it was put up for sale in 1888.

When the Lumière brothers unveiled their Cinématographe to the public on December 28th, 1895 Méliès was a member of the audience.
Determined to investigate moving pictures, Méliès sought out Robert Paul in london and viewed his camera-projector building his own work. he was able to present his first film screening on April 4th, 1896.

André Méliès move to England when his father, George Méliès, died in 1938 after making over five hundred films in total.