Conversations with the Archives is a series of interviews created by Dr. Elizabeth Castaldo Lundén on behalf of the Media Archives Committee. This collection features engaging interviews with archivists dedicated
to safeguarding our cultural heritage, and takes you behind the scenes of renowned moving image and document archives.
These interviews delve into the history and mission of notable archives while exploring the diverse array of moving images and documentation that they preserve, from collections that built our discipline's canon to hidden gems waiting to be unearthed.
They discuss preservation efforts, access policies, the complexities of copyright, the adaptation to new technologies, the challenges of discoverability in new research trends, and how these institutions balance preserving the integrity of fragile
materials and granting public access to their holdings.
In an attempt to build a bridge between archivists and scholars, Conversations with the Archives seeks to fuel the interest in historical research and the engagement with material culture in pedagogy. Whether you are a student, an early career scholar,
or an established professor with a passion for archives, this series will speak to you. It invites you to understand the functioning of archives and the archivists' work while providing concrete guidance on how to access and handle these resources,
showcasing the importance of these institutions in preserving our cultural heritage.
First Edition
In these first interviews for Conversations with the Archives, we delve into the core of one of the most prestigious institutions in the film industry, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Renowned worldwide for celebrating excellence in cinema,
the Academy also plays a crucial role in preserving the history of film as an art form and an industry through their library and film archive. The Margaret Herrick Library is a treasure trove of film-related documentation and the Pickford Center for
Motion Picture Study is a state-of-the-art facility for film preservation and research. Together, they represent two of the most vital repositories of film history.
Through interviews with Michael Pogorzelski (Director of the Academy Film Archive), Warren Sherk (Associate Director of Special Collections and Photograph Archive at the Margaret Herrick Library), and Taylor Morales (Senior Manager in Public Access at
the Academy Film Archive), you will learn how the Hollywood film industry decided to preserve its legacy, by launching archives that have become a global hub for research in cinema and media studies. You will hear about their efforts to acquire, preserve,
and provide access to their collections, including films, screenplays, photographs, production files, biography files, sketches, clippings, periodicals, and special collections. These discussions about the resources will hopefully inspire both historical
research and educational projects yet to come.
PLEASE NOTE:
These interviews were conducted in February 2024, before the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences terminated the employment of vital Library and Archives workers. Some people featured in this video may no longer work for the Academy Archives.
Please read the letter from the SCMS Board of Directors, which contains the Society’s official response to the October 2024 terminations.
