36.54 cu. ft. (58 document boxes) (7.54 tall document boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Video recordings
Videotapes
Date:
1982-1989
Descriptive Entry:
Here At The Smithsonian was a series of short features for television created and produced by the staff of the Smithsonian's Office of Telecommunications between
the years 1982 and 1989. The series was designed for public dissemination of information about Smithsonian exhibition and research activities. Each year had a volume number
[1982 (Volume I) through 1989 (Volume VIII)], within the volume were multiple editions (four to five), and multiple segments within each edition (three to six). Although some
segments were repeated, they were often lengthened for a second broadcast. Features totaled 160 (including repeats).
This accession contains some of the original camera footage, all of the cut shows, and preservation masters of all of the cut shows. The initial features were written and
shot by in-house staff using rented professional broadcast equipment, recorded on U-matic tape, rough cut on U-matic tape, then edited to 1-inch tape at a commercial post
production house (first at FAX Productions in Bethesda, Maryland, then at Techniarts in Silver Spring, Maryland). Features were shot on Betacam beginning in 1987, and mastered
to D-2 beginning in 1989. In 1987, post production work moved to Henninger Video in Arlington, Virginia.
Due to the long run of the series, different individuals were associated with the various functions including series producer, segment producer, and narrator. Those playing
the largest roles in the development and refinement of Here At The Smithsonian were Ann Carroll (series producer, Volumes I - IV) and John P. Meehan (series producer
Volumes V - VIII).
Restrictions:
Restrictions pertaining to the use of these materials may apply (based on contracts/copyright). Access restrictions may also apply if viewing copies are not currently available. Viewing copies can be made for a fee. Contact reference staff for details.
Topic:
Television -- Production and direction Search this