FILM:

Florida Film History:

A standing glass panel will tell the story of the beginning of American Cinema in Florida, and the many firsts which made history here. With over 145 studios in Florida before 1920, this is surely where it all began. The chronological history of Florida's film and Television history will also be offered in 'History to Go' form, with a free take away collectors card at the display. These cards will be offered as part of many installations through out the museum and will be little reminders of their visit and used to retell the story, when back home.

World Film History:

A second standing glass panel will highlight film making around the world. From the humble beginnings in Paris with the first public showing, to Argentine studios in 1912 and Turkish film before 1919. The Spaghetti Western and the French Romance, along with Nazi propaganda films all added to this rich worldwide collection. A 'History to Go' card here, for sure, also.

Film Sizes:

For the technical minded, there is always the question, "Why is film 35mm?'The many sizes that were used from 70mm, to 35, 16, 9.5, 8, 19, 17 and others that lead us back to 70mm (actually 65mm) in Imax format. right back where film started over 120 years ago, will be explained and examples shown.

Poster Gallery:

Through out the museum posters will add color and impact to many installations. A Poster Gallery will also be provided for the movie buffs. Posters will also be available in the gift shop.

Film Financing:

This is a very important subject, no money, no film or TV show. Many early films were made by corporations created for an individual film. The 'Birth of a Race Photoplay Corporation' was formed in 1916 in Tampa to finance the making of the first Black produced film, 'Birth of a Race'.

Small Format Equipment:

In January 1923, Eastman Kodak Co. announced 16mm and introduced the first Projector for that size. (Library Model in the museum collection) A 16mm camera soon followed. Since then nearly 3700 models in various sizes, amateur and semi-pro to professional were made. The museum will show this progress with a display of over 450 different models from the collection. included with the cameras and projectors will be accessory items and film shot over the decades with similar equipment in an interactive installation. 'History to Go" here too.

Projection Room:

A 1930's vintage projection room with a pair of Simplex 35mm 'Radiophone' projectors will be among the installations. The room will be set up exactly as it would have been 70 years ago. More modern projectors will also be on display nearby. A wonderful opportunity to look into that mysterious place where the beam of images comes from up at the back of the theatre.

Sound Stage:

A sound stage of at lease 2500 square feet will be provided so that visitors can experience being where the magic is made. As seen in backstage scenes we will have one of the first boom cranes (1941) from RKO Radio Pictures, later Desilu Studios.  A Mole Richardson perambulator carries the mike, boom and sound man. Lights high above, piano on stage. The scene is set and you are there.

Editing:

After all that film or video tape is shot, the many scenes are assembled to tell the story. This difficult job requires a lot of equipment seldom seen. Film and video editing suits will be included along with many pieces of small format. Famous editors will be bioed.

Prop Room:

Every production house or back lot has a large area where all those items seen in ever film and TV show are stored for use. Everything imaginable from various decades and for every use common and special are included. The museum's prop department will be very interesting indeed.

Film Printing and distribution:

Every film and video needs to be copied hundreds even thousands of times for showing. When a film opens in 2500 theatres, 2500 complete prints are needed. The museum has examples of printers and duplicators for display.

Foley Exhibit:

The sound effects people have a long history of making all those noises we have come to expect and enjoy in the films. When silent films were shown a Foley artist would be up front, in many cases, with the organ player making sounds. The howling wind, (spinning an iron wheel next to a mike), horses running, (coconut shells in a sand box) and many others will be ready for visitors to have a hands on chance to make the background sounds for a sample film.