Los Angeles Films Itself: Archival Footage Produced by the City

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When people think of Los Angeles and film, Hollywood immediately comes to mind. So many movies were shot in LA, not to mention television shows, music videos and commercials, that the city is one of the most widely recognizable places on earth. But the entertainment and advertising industries were not the only producers of visual content that documented LA’s natural and built environment from the early 20th century to the present. City government itself has been using film and video to capture street scenes, landscapes and other imagery on locations around Los Angeles.

What does this archival footage tell us about the city and how it’s changed over the years? That’s the question Mike Holland will explore during his talk titled “This is Los Angeles: Movies Made By and About the City.” Holland is the archivist for the City of Los Angeles and manages historical city government records for the Office of the City Clerk, so he has access to some fascinating material.

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During his presentation, which is co-sponsored by the Los Angeles City Historical Society and the History Department of the Richard J. Riorden Central Library, Holland will explore “a side of Los Angeles mostly unknown to the general public.” Attendees can expect to see digitized, archival films and videos produced by various city departments, such as the LAPD and Public Works.

DETAILS

When:  Sunday, June 5, 2016 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Where: Central Library’s Mark Taper Auditorium, located at 630 W. 5th Street Los Angeles, CA

More Information:

  • Admission is free and the event is open to the public.
  • The program is appropriate for all audiences.