Conversation about producing a documentary film. Specifically, the importance of both sound and image; necessary equipment; technical aspects and elements of production; interviewing techniques; cinematography and sound tips; planning and outlining the film; and funding, marketing and focus groups are discussed.
Discussion. Audio only. Very poor audio quality. Part of the Teenarama Collection. Dated 19981012.
Biographical / Historical:
The documentary 'Dance Party: The Teenarama Story' examined the popularity of 1950s and 1960s teen dance television shows, including 'The Teenarama Dance Party,' 'American Bandstand,' 'The Buddy Dean Show,' and 'The Milt Grant Show.' 'The Teenarama Dance Party' was an all-black teen dance show produced and broadcasted in Washington, D.C. The show aired from March 7, 1963 to November 20, 1970 on WOOK-TV Channel 14, which was the nation's first Black TV station. The show was produced live six days a week; and hosted first by Bob King and later by a rotation of hosts. In addition to being a dance show, 'The Teenarama Dance Party' was a training ground for teens. Production staff mentored the teenagers in the art of broadcast production. The teens trained as camera operators, floor directors, and technical engineers; and served as production assistants.
Local Numbers:
ACMA AV005288_B
Restrictions:
Use of the materials requires an appointment. Some items are not accessible due to obsolete format and playback machinery restrictions. Please contact the archivist to make an appointment: ACMarchives@si.edu.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Teenarama: Workshop on Documentary Filmmaking, Anacostia Community Museum Archives, Smithsonian Institution.
Sponsor:
Funding for partial processing of the collection was supported by a grant from the Smithsonian Institution's Collections Care and Preservation Fund (CCPF).
17.9 cu. ft. (16 record storage boxes) (5 film boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Motion pictures (visual works)
Date:
circa 1963-1989
Descriptive Entry:
This record unit consists of 16mm motion picture films produced by the Office of Telecommunications (OTC) and its predecessors, the Smithsonian Museum Service, the
Office of Public Information, and the Office of Public Affairs. Also included are films created by outside producers in collaboration with OTC. Included are black and white
and color films, workprints, and silent films. Of special interest are films of Smithsonian special events, bureaus, facilities, equipment, exhibitions, openings, and staff;
films of politicians and celebrities at the Smithsonian including Lyndon Baines Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson, Richard M. Nixon, Hubert H. Humphrey, and Alan B. Shepard, Jr.;
films from the 1966 National Broadcasting Corporation series THE SMITHSONIAN; and Smithsonian-produced films The Leaf Thieves, 1963, which documents the planning and fabrication
of a proposed rain forest exhibition in the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), and The Smithsonian's Whale, 1964, which concerns the construction of a 92-foot model
blue whale in NMNH.
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:
Motion pictures -- Production and direction Search this
Reunions: Memories of an American Experience (Documentary film : 1979)
Leaf Thieves (Motion picture : 1963)
Mirrors on the Universe: The MMT story (Motion picture : 1979)
Sense of Discovery, The National Collection of Fine Arts (Motion picture : 1980)
Smithsonian Galaxy (Radio program)
Smithsonian World (Television program : 1984-1991)
Radio Smithsonian (Radio program)
Smithsonian Institution with S. Dillon Ripley, Secretary (Television program)
Here at the Smithsonian (Television program)
Extent:
7.5 cu. ft. (7 record storage boxes) (1 document box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Clippings
Manuscripts
Date:
circa 1963-1988
Descriptive Entry:
These records primarily document the activities of OTC under Director Nazaret Cherkezian. A small amount of records were created by Paul B. Johnson. There are also
a few records created by OTC's predecessor offices. The records include correspondence, memoranda, proposals, contracts, budgets, reports, newspaper clippings, press releases,
scripts, and related materials concerning OTC radio broadcasts Radio Smithsonian and Smithsonian Galaxy; television and film productions, especially "Smithsonian World" and
the Emmy award-winning "The Smithsonian Institution with S. Dillon Ripley, Secretary;" production planning; facilities and equipment, including the construction of the OTC
studio in the National Museum of History and Technology; and administrative records.
Historical Note:
The Office of Telecommunications (OTC) was established on August 15, 1976, as a separate unit reporting directly to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public
Service. Prior to the creation of OTC, coordination of Smithsonian telecommunication activities was a function of the Smithsonian Museum Service, 1958-1965; the Office of
Public Information, 1965-1967; and the Office of Public Affairs, 1967-1976. OTC develops ideas for the production of programs and broadcast series for public and commercial
television and radio, films, and related visual and audio materials, which bring a better understanding of the Smithsonian to American and foreign audiences. OTC is also the
contact point for all interested outside producers of telecommunications projects relating to all Smithsonian bureaus. OTC broadcast series have included Radio Smithsonian,
a national, weekly radio program providing information about the multi-disciplinary activities of the Institution which was in production from 1969 to 1990; Smithsonian Galaxy,
a series of short radio features highlighting the work of Smithsonian curators, scientists, and researchers broadcast from 1979 to 1987; and Here at the Smithsonian, a series
of short features for television, produced from 1982 to 1989. In addition, OTC produces films of special events of the Institution; provides archival recordings of conferences,
symposia, and other programs; and produces films for Smithsonian exhibitions. Nazaret Cherkezian was appointed Director of OTC in 1976. He retired in 1986 and was replaced
by Assistant Director Paul B. Johnson who served as Acting Director, 1986-1988, and Director, 1988-2002.
American Dream at Groton (Television program : 1988)
American Pie (Television program : 1986)
A Certain Age (Television program : 1991)
Crossing the Distance (Television program : 1984)
Designs for Living (Television program : 1984)
Desk in the Jungle (Television program : 1985)
Doors of Perception (Television program : 1991)
The Elephant on the Hill (Television program : 1991)
Filling in the Blanks (Television program : 1984)
From Information to Wisdom (Television program : 1991)
Gender: The Enduring Paradox (Television program : 1991)
Heroes and the Test of Time (Television program : 1985)
Islam (Television program : 1987)
The Last Flower (Television program : 1984)
The Living Smithsonian (Television program : 1988)
Nigerian Art - Kindred Spirits (Television program : 1990)
On the Shoulders of Giants (Television program : 1986)
The Promise of the Land (Television program : 1987)
The Quantum Universe (Television program : 1990)
Selling the Dream (Television program : 1991)
Speaking Without Words (Television program : 1984)
Tales of Human Dawn (Television program : 1990)
Time and Light (Television program : 1984)
A Usable Past (Television program : 1984)
The Vever Affair (Television program : 1989)
Voices of Latin America (Television program : 1987)
The Way We Wear (Television program : 1988)
Web of Life (Television program : 1989)
Where None Has Gone Before (Television program : 1985)
The Wyeths: A Father and His Family (Television program : 1986)
Zoo (Television program : 1990)
Smithsonian Treasures (Television program : 1987-1988)
Extent:
99.46 cu. ft. (97 record storage boxes) (1 document box) (2 16x20 boxes) (1 tall document box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Manuscripts
Brochures
Clippings
Picture postcards
Black-and-white photographs
Motion pictures (visual works)
Audiotapes
Videotapes
Date:
circa 1984-1991
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of production elements and records, maintained by Sandra Wentworth Bradley, created for "Smithsonian World," an educational television series
that explored people, ideas, and events that shape world culture, blending art, science, history, and the humanities to create an exciting harmony among disciplines. The production
was narrated by historian David G. McCullough and co-produced by WETA-TV for broadcast on the Public Broadcasting Service. The series consisted of 6 seasons, each with 5-7
episodes. Each episode ran approximately 1 hour. Season 1 (1984-1985) episodes include "Time and Light;" "Crossing the Distance;" "Speaking Without Words;" "Designs for Living;"
"Filling in the Blanks;" "The Last Flower;" and "Desk in the Jungle." Season 2 (1985-1986) episodes include "Heroes and the Test of Time;" "A Usable Past;" "Where None Has
Gone Before;" "On the Shoulders of Giants;" and "American Pie." Season 3 (1986-1987) episodes include "The Wyeths: A Father and His Family;" "Voices of Latin America;" "The
Elephant on the Hill;" "The Promise of the Land;" and "Islam." Season 4 (1988-1989) episodes include "The Living Smithsonian;" "American Dream at Groton;" "The Way We Wear;"
"Web of Life;" and "The Vever Affair." Season 5 (1990) episodes include "Zoo;" "A Moveable Feast;" "Tales of the Human Dawn;" Nigerian Art - Kindred Spirits;" and "The Quantum
Universe." Season 6 (1991) episodes include "Gender: The Enduring Paradox;" "Selling the Dream;" "From Information to Wisdom;" "A Certain Age;" and "Doors of Perception."
This accession also includes records documenting episodes that were never completed and "Smithsonian Treasures," one and two hour versions of "Smithsonian World" that were
created for commercial television.
Production records include budget reports, copyright records, intellectual property records, interview transcripts, editing logs, notebooks, scripts, production bibles,
credits information, research files, correspondence, promotional materials, clippings, and related materials. Production elements include narration, dialogue, music, and related
materials, for each episode, on 16 mm and, for promos, on videotape. This accession also includes final productions on a variety of videotape formats.
Restrictions:
Restrictions pertaining to the use of these materials may apply (based on contracts/copyright). Access restrictions may also apply if viewing/listening copies are not currently available. Viewing/listening copies can be made for a fee. Contact reference staff for details.
Topic:
Television -- Production and direction Search this
University of the Air (Proposed television program)
Smithsonian Project Discovery (Proposed television program)
Buried Mirror (Proposed television program)
Extent:
18.58 cu. ft. (18 record storage boxes) (1 tall document box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Audiotapes
Illustrations
Manuscripts
Black-and-white photographs
Clippings
Video recordings
Date:
circa 1985-1991
Descriptive Entry:
These records primarily document the planning for University of the Air (after 1988 Smithsonian Project Discovery) and The Buried Mirror. Many of the records were created
by Elizabeth S. Brownstein, media project development specialist, Office of Telecommunications (OTC). Also included are files of Adrian Malone, production chairman, and Edward
W. Bastian, project manager and director for University of the Air. The records include correspondence, memoranda, proposals, prospectus, reports, research information, budgets,
illustrations, photographs, scripts, articles, newspaper clippings, audio tape recordings of music, video discs, and marketing information. Also included are information files
maintained by OTC on Smithsonian museums, bureaus, staff, and miscellaneous topics.
Historical Note:
In 1986, the Smithsonian Institution began planning two major educational television projects. University of the Air, a joint project of the Smithsonian, WETA Television,
and Adrian Malone Productions, proposed to investigate the lives of major twentieth century intellectuals and the basic themes that connected their work. In 1988, the title
of the project was changed to Smithsonian Project Discovery. The Buried Mirror was a proposed ten-part television series on the history and culture of Iberia and Latin America
to be produced by Malone Gill Productions in association with the Smithsonian. Both projects were terminated because of funding difficulties.
Mirrors on the Universe: The MMT story (Motion picture : 1979)
Smithsonian Institution with S. Dillon Ripley, Secretary (Television program)
Reunions: Memories of an American Experience (Documentary film : 1979)
Extent:
0.25 cu. ft. (1 half document box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Black-and-white photographs
Date:
circa 1977 and undated
Descriptive Entry:
This record unit consists of photographs of Cherkezian, circa 1977; Grayson, circa 1977; and Cornell, writer of the OTC film "Mirrors on the Universe: The MMT Story."Also
included are photographs of the Emmy award received by OTC for the television show "The Smithsonian Institution with S. Dillon Ripley, Secretary," and images from the OTC
film "Reunion: Memories of an American Experience."
Historical Note:
Nazaret Cherkezian served as Director of the Office of Telecommunications (OTC) from 1976 to 1987. William C. Grayson was Special Coordinator of the Office of Telecommunications
in 1976, and later became Senior Telecommunications Specialist from 1977 to 1980 (deceased April 15, 1980). James Cornell was Manager of Publications at the Smithsonian Astrophysical
Observatory (SAO) at Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1979.
Topic:
Motion pictures -- Production and direction Search this
63.38 cu. ft. (56 document boxes) (61 tall document boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Audiotapes
Date:
circa 1971-1991
Descriptive Entry:
This record unit consists of master audiotapes for "Radio Smithsonian" programs 750-1098, 1984-1989; elements, or original, unedited tapes for "Radio Smithsonian" programs
837-1098, 1985-1989; audio elements for the television series "Here at the Smithsonian," volumes 3-8, 1984-1989; master audiotapes for "Folk Masters" radio series, 1991; scripts
of "Radio Smithsonian" programs 400-975, 1977-1988; and audiotapes of Smithsonian special events, lectures, concerts, interviews, symposia, and openings, circa 1971-1991.
Restrictions:
Restrictions pertaining to the use of these materials may apply (based on contracts/copyright). Access restrictions may also apply if listening copies are not currently available. Listening copies can be made for a fee. Contact reference staff for details.
This accession includes the records of Jean B. Quinnette, secretary to the Director of the Office of Telecommunications (OTC), 1974-1976; Assistant Production Coordinator,
1977; Production Coordinator, 1978-1979; Telecommunications Specialist, 1980-1985; and Audio Visual Production Specialist, 1986-1994. Records document work on OTC productions,
which include "Telling Lives: The Art of Biography," "National Collection of Fine Arts: Legacy Film Project," "Frank Lloyd Wright Film," "Visiting Nurse Project," and "Here
at the Smithsonian" (HATS). Consists of production proposals, contracts, treatment scripts, funding information, and activities reports; personal research notes; correspondence
and memoranda; articles and other literature pertaining to finished productions; staff and historical photographs; letters of public inquiry; audiotape and slides from the
Educational Outreach Slide Show; and information concerning the Biodiversity Teleconference.
The Mississippi: River of Song (Television program : 1999)
The Mississippi: River of Song (Radio program : 1999)
The Mississippi: River of Song: A Musical Journey Down the Mississippi (Compact disc : 1998)
The Mississippi: River of Song: Americans Old and New (Television program : 1999)
The Mississippi: River of Song: Midwestern Crossroads (Television program : 1999)
The Mississippi: River of Song: Southern Fusion (Television program : 1999)
The Mississippi: River of Song: Louisiana, Where Music is King (Television program : 1999)
The Mississippi: River of Song: Land of Lakes and Cultures (Radio program : 1999)
The Mississippi: River of Song: Midwestern Crossroads (Radio program : 1999)
The Mississippi: River of Song: Sounds Around Saint Louis (Radio program : 1999)
The Mississippi: River of Song: Memphis Rhythm and Delta Blues (Radio program : 1999)
The Mississippi: River of Song: Rockin' Round the Water (Radio program : 1999)
The Mississippi: River of Song: Musical Bayous and Traditional Melodies (Radio program : 1999)
The Mississippi: River of Song: The Beat of New Orleans (Radio program : 1999)
Extent:
48.5 cu. ft. (45 record storage boxes) (7 document boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Manuscripts
Compact discs
Databases
Electronic records
Floppy disks
Audiotapes
Motion pictures (visual works)
Videotapes
Place:
Mississippi River
Mississippi River Valley
Date:
1995-1998
Descriptive Entry:
This accession documents the production of "The Mississippi: River of Song." This project combined a television series, radio series, and compact disc (CD) set. The
project as a whole explores the richness and vitality of American music at the close of the twentieth century through live performances and intimate discussions with musicians
along the course of the Mississippi River.
The 4-part television series aired on the Public Broadcasting Service beginning in January 1999. Episodes include "Americans Old and New," "Midwestern Crossroads," "Southern
Fusion," and "Louisiana, Where Music is King." The series takes viewers on a musical journey from the headwaters in northern Minnesota to the river's mouth in the Gulf of
Mexico, creating a portrait of the American musician along the way. All scenes were shot live on location and feature musicians that represent the regional culture.
The 7-part radio series aired on Public Radio International affiliates beginning in January 1999. The radio series is similar in content to the television series and is
hosted by Ani DiFranco. Episodes include "Land of Lakes and Cultures;" "Midwestern Crossroads," "Sounds Around Saint Louis," "Memphis Rhythm and Delta Blues," "Rockin' Round
the Water," "Musical Bayous and Traditional Melodies," and "The Beat of New Orleans."
The 2-CD set consists of 36 tracks of live recordings from 1995 through 1997 and is subtitled "A Musical Journey Down the Mississippi." The CDs feature contemporary musicians
who have forged their styles out of the rich musical heritage found along the banks of the Mississippi River. The CDs were distributed through Smithsonian Folkways beginning
in 1998.
Materials in this accession include original film negatives and audio and video originals, masters, safety copies, and transfers of performances, interviews, and scenery.
Also included are interview transcripts, logs, databases, tape lists, and other documentation of the audiovisual elements. Some materials are in electronic format.
Restrictions:
Special restrictions on use of these materials may apply. Viewing/listening copies are not currently available, but can be made for a fee, Transferring office; 4/10/2002 memorandum, Peters to SIA; Contact reference staff for details.
Topic:
Television -- Production and direction Search this
Celebrating a Century: The 1876 Philadelphia Exhibition (Motion picture : 1976)
Work of Peace (Television program : 1984)
Definitive Treaty of Peace Between Great Britain and the United States (1783 September 3)
Yorktown (Motion picture : 1982)
Thomas A. Edison and His Amazing Invention Factories (Motion picture : 1979)
Extent:
1 cu. ft. (1 record storage box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Motion pictures (visual works)
Audiotapes
Videotapes
Place:
United States -- History. Revolution, 1775-1783
Date:
circa 1976-1994
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of audiovisual elements created during the production of "Celebrating a Century: The 1876 Philadelphia Exhibition," "Thomas Edison and His Amazing
Invention Factory," "Work of Peace," and "Yorktown."
"Celebrating a Century: The 1876 Philadelphia Exhibition" accompanied the exhibition "1876: A Centennial Exhibition," which opened in the Arts and Industries Building in
1976, and documents the history of the Philadelphia Exhibition. It was narrated by James Whitmore. In 1976, the film won the CINE Golden Eagle Award, and, in 1978, it won
four Emmy Awards.
"Thomas A. Edison and His Amazing Invention Factories," produced in 1979, is a companion film to the exhibition "Edison: Lighting a Revolution" at the National Museum of
American History. The 28 minute film was a biography featuring the invention of electric light and the founding of research labs. The film won the 1980 CINE Golden Eagle Award.
"Work of Peace" is a 30 minute television program about the Treaty of Paris of 1783. The program had its national premiere on the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) network.
It won the Silver Medal at the International Film and TV Festival of New York, the Silver Award at the Houston International Film Festival, a CINE Golden Eagle, and second
place in the 1985 National Educational Film Festival.
"Yorktown" was produced by Guggenheim Productions Inc. with oversight from the Office of Telecommunications. The 28 minute film was completed and released in 1982, and
was created to commemorate the bicentennial of the Battle of Yorktown, the final battle of the American Revolution. The film features the bicentennial re-enactment of the
battle.
Materials include videotapes, a reel-to-reel audiotape, and reels of 16 mm film and soundtrack. Some materials are masters.
Restrictions:
Restrictions pertaining to the use of these materials may apply (based on contracts/copyright). Access restrictions may also apply if viewing/listening copies are not currently available. Viewing/listening copies can be made for a fee. Contact reference staff for details.
This accession consists of audiovisual elements created during the production of several films featuring the research of Walter H. Adey, Curator/Research Scientist
in the Department of Botany and the Marine Systems Laboratory at the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) and filmed by Karen Loveland, Producer in the Office of Telecommunications.
"Our Biosphere: The Earth in Our Hands" is a 60 minute film produced in 1989 and narrated by Robert Redford. The film follows the staff of the Marine Systems Laboratory
and Space Biosphere Ventures as they work with scientists, architects, engineers, and builders in their attempt to create Biosphere 2, an experimental model of the Earth's
ecosystems.
"The Sea: A Quest for Our Future" is a 60 minute film produced in 1984 and broadcast by the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). It is a documentary on the complex ecosystems
of tropical coral reefs and focuses primarily on research projects conducted by the Marine Systems Laboratory. The film won several awards including the 1984 Best Nature Production
Award from the International TV Movie Festival; a second place award at the 1985 National Educational Film Festival; and a 1986 Gold Medal and Diploma of the International
Scientific Festival.
"Coral Reefs: New Discoveries, New Resources" is a 30 minute version of "The Sea." It was produced in 1985 and distributed for educational purposes.
"Exploring Marine Ecosystems" is the collective name for six short videos that accompanied the exhibition of the same name in the Life in the Sea Hall at NMNH. They were
added to the exhibition in 1995.
Materials include videotapes, many of which are masters. Some materials are in electronic format.
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.
Dream Window: Reflections on the Japanese Garden (Documentary film : 1992)
Extent:
9.18 cu. ft. (1 record storage box) (1 tall document box) (20 film boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Motion pictures (visual works)
Videotapes
Place:
Tenryū-shi (Japan)
Date:
1990-1992
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of audiovisual materials created during the production of "Dream Window: Reflections on the Japanese Garden." This documentary was produced
in 1992 by Executive Producers Paul B. Johnson and Toshio Murayama; Senior Producer Laura T. Schneider; and Co-producer John W. Hiller in association with Kajima Kensetsu
Kabushiki Kaisha and presented by WETA-TV, Washington, D.C. The documentary allows viewers to experience the secrets of Japanese gardens and their influence on Japanese society
today and features both traditional and contemporary Japanese gardens including those of the legendary Moss Temple of Saihoji, Katsura Imperial Villa (Katsura Rikyu), Tenryu-shi,
the Ken Domon Museum of Photography (Domon Ken Kinenkan), and Sogetsu Hall. Both an English and a Japanese language version were produced. The documentary won an Emmy. Materials
include original camera rolls, soundtracks, internegatives, A and B rolls, dubs, and related materials on film and videotape.
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.
Smithsonian Spotlight: Peacock Room (Television program : 2010)
Extent:
0.5 cu. ft. (1 document box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Manuscripts
Architectural drawings
Date:
2007-2011
Descriptive Entry:
This accession primarily consists of records created and maintained by Lee Glazer, Associate Curator of American Art, 2007- , documenting the development and design
of exhibitions as well as programming around those exhibitions. Documented exhibitions include "Peacock Room Comes to America;" "Texture of Night: James McNeill Whistler;"
"Chinamania: Whistler and the Victorian Craze for Blue-and-White;" "Surface Beauty: American Art and Freer's Aesthetic Vision;" and "Freer and Whistler: Points of Contact."
A smaller amount of records documents a planning meeting for American art initiatives at the museum and the development of "Smithsonian Spotlight: Peacock Room," a mission-critical
television program for Smithsonian Networks. Materials include proposals, scripts, object lists, label texts, architectural drawings, correspondence, budgets, fund raising
materials, docent training materials, concert programs, activity guides, meeting materials, notes, and related materials.
Rights:
Restricted for 15 years, until Jan-01-2027; Transferring office; 3/23/2005 memorandum, Toda to Kaveeshwar; Contact reference staff for details.
This accession consists of videotapes collected and maintained by the Conservation and Research Center, Office of Education. Some videotapes document electronic field
trips and other educational programs, primarily with Fairfax County Public Schools. Footage of some of those programs was also used in television programs. Many of these programs
feature the NOAHS (New Opportunities in Animal Health Sciences) Center. Some videotapes in this accession were used as part of an educational program and may not have been
produced by the National Zoological Park. In addition, this accession includes videotapes of television segments about the Conservation and Research Center or in which National
Zoological Park veterinarians and zoologists were featured. Materials consist of VHS videotapes.
American Dream at Groton (Television program : 1988)
American Pie (Television program : 1986)
A Certain Age (Television program : 1991)
Crossing the Distance (Television program : 1984)
Designs for Living (Television program : 1984)
Desk in the Jungle (Television program : 1985)
Doors of Perception (Television program : 1991)
The Elephant on the Hill (Television program : 1991)
Filling in the Blanks (Television program : 1984)
From Information to Wisdom (Television program : 1991)
Gender: The Enduring Paradox (Television program : 1991)
Heroes and the Test of Time (Television program : 1985)
Islam (Television program : 1987)
The Last Flower (Television program : 1984)
The Living Smithsonian (Television program : 1988)
A Moveable Feast (Television program : 1990)
Nigerian Art - Kindred Spirits (Television program : 1990)
On the Shoulders of Giants (Television program : 1986)
The Promise of the Land (Television program : 1987)
The Quantum Universe (Television program : 1990)
Selling the Dream (Television program : 1991)
Speaking Without Words (Television program : 1984)
Tales of Human Dawn (Television program : 1990)
Time and Light (Television program : 1984)
A Usable Past (Television program : 1984)
The Vever Affair (Television program : 1989)
Voices of Latin America (Television program : 1987)
The Way We Wear (Television program : 1988)
Web of Life (Television program : 1989)
Where None Has Gone Before (Television program : 1985)
The Wyeths: A Father and His Family (Television program : 1986)
Zoo (Television program : 1990)
Extent:
10 cu. ft. (10 record storage boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Videotapes
Date:
1984-1991, 1995-1998, 2003
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of videotapes created during the production of "Smithsonian World," an educational television series that explored people, ideas, and events
that shape world culture, blending art, science, history, and the humanities to create an exciting harmony among disciplines. The production was narrated by historian David
G. McCullough and co-produced by WETA-TV for broadcast on the Public Broadcasting Service.
The series consisted of 6 seasons, each with 5-7 episodes. Each episode ran approximately 1 hour. Season 1 (1984-1985) episodes include "Time and Light;" "Crossing the
Distance;" "Speaking Without Words;" "Designs for Living;" "Filling in the Blanks;" "The Last Flower;" and "Desk in the Jungle." Season 2 (1985-1986) episodes include "Heroes
and the Test of Time;" "A Usable Past;" "Where None Has Gone Before;" "On the Shoulders of Giants;" and "American Pie." Season 3 (1986-1987) episodes include "The Wyeths:
A Father and His Family;" "Voices of Latin America;" "The Elephant on the Hill;" "The Promise of the Land;" and "Islam." Season 4 (1988-1989) episodes include "The Living
Smithsonian;" "American Dream at Groton;" "The Way We Wear;" "Web of Life;" and "The Vever Affair." Season 5 (1990) episodes include "Zoo;" "A Moveable Feast;" "Tales of the
Human Dawn;" Nigerian Art - Kindred Spirits;" and "The Quantum Universe." Season 6 (1991) episodes include "Gender: The Enduring Paradox;" "Selling the Dream;" "From Information
to Wisdom;" "A Certain Age;" and "Doors of Perception."
Materials include camera footage, film transfers, dubs, PAL dubs, credits, final productions, and promotions. There are a wide variety of videotape formats including 3/4"
U-matic, VHS, Betacam SP, and Betacam. Also included in this accession is an interview with Arthur M. Sackler done by Smithsonian World staff on 3/4" U-matic videotape. Reference
copies for some episodes are available.
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.
The Mississippi: River of Song (Television program : 1999)
The Mississippi: River of Song (Radio program : 1999)
Folk Masters from the Barns of Wolf Trap (Radio program)
Poetics of Line: Seven Artists of the Nsukka Group, Nigeria (Video recording : 1997)
Radio Smithsonian (Radio program)
Lewis Latimer (Video recording : 1999)
Discovering America (Radio program)
Monumental Propaganda (Video recording : 1994)
Here at the Smithsonian (Television program)
Black Radio: Telling It Like It Was (Radio program : 1995)
Ain Ghazal (Video recording)
Guide to the Smithsonian (Documentary film)
Woody Guthrie's Legacy (Documentary film : 2000)
Colors of Invention: An Exploration of Color, Technology, and Culture (Documentary film : 1998)
Extent:
2 cu. ft. (2 record storage boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Manuscripts
Brochures
Color photographs
Black-and-white photographs
Date:
1989-2001
Descriptive Entry:
This accession includes records documenting the film, video, and radio production activities of John R. Paulson, Audio-Visual Production Specialist. Materials include
correspondence, memoranda, and notes; production scripts, proposals, shoot schedules, and credits; release forms; contracts; budget summaries; camera reports; conference and
awards information; and technical articles.
Productions documented in these records include: "Folk Masters from the Barns of Wolf Trap," "The Poetics of Line: Seven Artists of the Nsukka Group, Nigeria," "Radio Smithsonian,"
"Lewis Latimer," "Discovering America," "Monumental Propaganda," "Here at the Smithsonian," "Black Radio: Telling It Like It Was," "Ain Ghazal," "River of Song: A Musical
Journey Down the Mississippi River," "River of Song: Music Along the Mississippi," "VIARC [Visitor Information and Associates' Reception Center] Theater Program," "Woody Guthrie's
Legacy," and "The Colors of Invention: An Exploration of Color, Technology, and Culture."
Beyond the Ocean, Beneath the Leaf (Video recording : 1982)
Welcome to Whipple (Video recording)
Inside Hawaiian Volcanoes (Documentary film)
Eruption of Kilauea (Documentary film)
Volcano Surtsey (Documentary film)
Volcano - Original Footage (Documentary film)
Starfish (Documentary film : 1970)
Magnificent Voyagers (Documentary film)
Sawyer and His Mill (Motion picture : 1969)
Shells and the Animals Inside (Motion picture : 1978)
Kaleidoscope of Cowries (Motion picture : 1978)
Extent:
13.04 cu. ft. (11 record storage boxes) (1 document box) (2 tall document boxes) (1 film box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Documentary films
Motion pictures (visual works)
Video recordings
Date:
circa 1968-1970; 1978; 1982-1983; 1985-1987; 1994-1995
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of materials documenting 13 productions created by Smithsonian Productions. 1) "The Sawyer and His Mill" was a 1969 exhibition film shown in
the National Museum of American History's Agriculture Hall. The 4:50 minute film compared ancient and modern sawmills. It won the Bronze Medal at the International Film and
TV Festival of New York. 2) "Shells and the Animals Inside," 1978, was a 20-minute educational film that looked at imagination as a learning technique. 3) "Kaleidoscope of
Cowries" was a 4-minute exhibition film that displayed the beauty of cowry shells. It was designed for a mirrored projection area. It won the Silver Medal at the 1981 International
Film and TV Festival of New York. 4) "From Clay to Kiln," 1968, was a 4:30 minute exhibition film that demonstrated basic pottery making techniques. 5) "City of the Dead"
was a 3:30 minute exhibition film shown in the Hall of Western Civilization at the National Museum of Natural History. The 1978 film documented the Smithsonian dig at Bab
Edh-Dhra, a 5000-year-old burial site in Jordan. 6) "Beyond the Ocean, Beneath a Leaf" was a 28:05 minute exhibition video produced in 1982 that provided an intimate view
of insect and aquatic life including close-up footage of animal behavior seldom seen by the naked eye. 7) "Welcome to Whipple" was a video orientation guide to the Fred Lawrence
Whipple Observatory located near Amado, Arizona on Mount Hopkins. 8-9) "Inside Active Volcanoes: Kilauea and Mount St. Helens" was a 1989 exhibition at the National Museum
of Natural History that also traveled with the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. Two titles "Inside Hawaiian Volcanoes" and "Eruption of Kilauea" were
likely produced in conjunction with this exhibit. 10-11) "The Volcano Surtsey" and "Volcano - Original Footage" are two titles that are likely associated with an exhibit at
the National Museum of Natural History called "Volcanoes and Volcanism," 1970. 12) "Starfish" was a 7 minute exhibition film produced in 1970 concerning crown-of-thorns starfish
depredating the Great Barrier Reef. 13) "Magnificent Voyagers" was a 30-minute educational film about the U.S. Exploring Expedition of 1838-1842, chronicling the voyage and
the United States' entry into the world's scientific community. The film won the 1989 CINE Golden Eagle award.
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.
