Search Results
Films and videotapes
The Films and Videotapes in the Media Resources Center record group include ca. 1500 kinescope films and videotapes, 1948-1986, of television programs on academic topics, current affairs, the state of Michigan, and the University of Michigan; also ca. 1000 reels of 16 mm film and videotapes, 1952-ca. 1980, of documentary footage of events at the University of Michigan including commencements, building dedications, award ceremonies, classroom and laboratory scenes, homecoming, athletic events and marching band performances, student demonstrations, and general campus scenes.
The films and videotapes in the Michigan Media collection were appraised and only a portion have been selected for permanent retention by the Bentley Historical Library. A number of appraisal criteria were used in determining which television programs and films were retained:
- subject matter relating to the University of Michigan;
- subject matter relating to the state of Michigan;
- subject matter of general, national interest;
- participation of prominent UM faculty or staff;
- participation of prominent Michigan personalities;
- participation of persons of national or international significance;
- programs marking significant technical or artistic developments at Michigan Media;
- award winning programs.
The television programs and films are described in detail in a companion "Finding Aid for Media Resources Center (University of Michigan) Films and Videotapes". The arrangement of that finding aid is by television series, comparable to the arrangement of the scripts. The description of each program includes the title, episode or program number if part of a multi-part program, a brief summary of program content, a list of "stars," and negative, positive and cassette numbers as appropriate. There is also an index to individuals appearing in programs.
The Archival Film series is also described in "Finding Aid for Media Resources Center (University of Michigan) Films and Videotex." This series is made up of film footage documenting a variety of university and community events. Some of this film was shot as stock footage for use in television programs or films. Much of it, however, was produced as part of an effort to build a film archive of the university. Individual titles range from 20 to 1000 feet in length and may include negatives, prints, and work prints that have been cut up and spliced.
The description of each film includes the film number, a brief description of the content of the film, list of persons appearing on the film, information on length, polarity, sound and color characteristics, and occasional notes. The Film File series and the Audio-Visual Film File series are similar to the Archival series. They include documentary footage about the university and footage shot for inclusion in TVC and AVEC productions. There are personal name and subject indexes for the archival and Film File series.