Film archivists preserve and organize film collections and associated memorabilia, including digital and non-digital copies of movies, scripts, and production schedules. They require a comprehensive education and must be skilled communicators. Film archiving is important as films are considered a social document reflecting the period in which they were made.
Film archivists are responsible for cataloging, preserving, and organizing a collection of films and the memorabilia associated with them. Because most documents and film included in a collection are old and generally in poor condition, the film archivist is often responsible for preserving and making digital copies of items. Communication is an important feature in film collection work, because an archivist is also needed to help researchers find films and documents about filmmaking. Archivists are also known as moving picture archivists, reflecting the variety of information they are responsible for preserving.
Like a librarian, the film archivist is responsible for organizing information and keeping records of items in a collection. New items require placement in the correct position in the catalog and, when used by researchers, items from the collection are replaced on shelves and document cabinets by the film archivist. Film archives are created and maintained by academic institutions, film studios and private collectors who employ archivists to care for their collection.
Archives are not just made up of movies but also include digital and non-digital copies of movies stored on DVD, CD and video tapes. Documents that are also maintained by film archives include scripts, production schedules, still images, and various other memorabilia associated with the film industry. When completing their duties, the film archivist is usually responsible for organizing and preserving photographic and paper documents. Archivists must also be familiar with preservation software and techniques to ensure that records are maintained for future generations as hard copies and digital versions.
Before becoming a film archivist, a comprehensive education must be completed, which includes completing an undergraduate degree in English, history or associated humanities subjects. Graduate education usually includes library subjects and further education in preservation techniques. In addition to completing an academic education, every film archivist should be a good communicator capable of assisting researchers and seeking out new material for the collection.
Film archiving is important as films, documentaries and television programs are seen as a social document that reflects the period in which the film was made. In the first half of the 20th century, filmmaking was seen as a quick, disposable form of entertainment that was rarely preserved for future reference. During the second half, however, films began to be seen as an art form and an important part of the culture in which they were created.
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