Brigham Young University. Motion Picture Studio
Dates
- Existence: 1953 - 1990
Administrative History
The Motion Picture Studio (1953-1990) was a support unit at Brigham Young University. It produced documentary, historical, and training films for use of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and in schools.
Within the Motion Picture Production was the Film Development Advisory Committee. That committee's functions were to review and select subjects for motion pictures, to review motion picture proposals to consider whether they should be approved for production, to review motion picture scripts and make recommendations for changes if necessary, to review marketing studies made on proposed motion pictures, to review budgets for proposed motion pictures, and to evaluate the overall marketing and advertising programs for educational motion pictures.
Originally the Motion Picture Studio reported directly to the president of the university. In 1959, the director of the Motion Picture Studio began reporting to the director of Auxiliary Services. In 1960, Auxiliary Services became the Vice-President of Auxiliary Services. The director of the Motion Picture Studio reported to this Vice-President until 1965 when the Division of Communications was created. Thereafter the director reported to the director of Communication Services, the Instructional Services Division, and the Division of Instructional Production Services.
In 1991 the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints moved the studio from Brigham Young University supervision to the Church. Directors of the Motion Picture Studio included Wetzel O. Whitaker (1953-1974), Jesse E. Stay (1974-1983), and Peter N. Johnson (1983-1990).
Citation:
The Miracle of birth [VR] c1987: credit frame (Brigham Young University, Motion Picture Studio)Phone call to the Studio, 5/7/97 (management of the Studio transferred to the LDS Church in 1990; official name changed to LDS Motion Picture Studio)
Ensign, Nov. 1987: p. 101 (BYU Motion Picture Studio)
BYU Organizational History Project, via WWW, Apr. 15, 2013 (BYU Motion Picture Production; BYU Motion Picture Studio; est. 1953; produced documentary, historical and training films for the LDS church and schools; included a Film Development Advisory committee, responsible for review and selection of subjects for films, approved productions, reviewed scripts and made recommendations for changes, reviewed marketing studies and budgets and evaluated marketing and advertising; studio originally reported to the university president; 1959, reported to the Auxiliary Services; reported to vice president until 1965 when the Division of Communications was created; then reported to director of Communication Services/Instructional Services Division/Division of Instructional Production Services; in 1991 the LDS church took over the studio; directors of the studio included Wetzel O. Whitaker (1953-1974), Jesse E. Stay (1974-1983), and Peter N. Johnson (1983-1991))
Found in 89 Collections and/or Records:
Follow me / [Brigham Young University] ; [producer, Wetzel Whitaker] ; [screenplay, Scott Whitaker], 1983
Film was released in 1962, and was produced by Brigham Young University Motion Picture Department. It depicts a Christian family who learns to love others. The collection has one copy of on a film reel made in 1983.
Footage and trims of Curtain Time, U.S.A. tours, 1960-1965
How near to the angels / Brigham Young University ; produced and directed by Wetzel O. Whitaker ; screen story, Scott Whitaker, 1956
Film was released in 1956, and was produced by Brigham Young University for the Young Women's Mutual Improvement Association program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Dramatizes the problems faced by a young Mormon woman in choosing a husband, with emphasis on temple marriage. Depicts problem of peer pressure and the positive influence of a caring adviser. The collection contains one copy on a film reel. Dated 1985.
"How Rare a Possession" : a behind-the-scene look at the conversion of Vincenzo di Francesca and the LDS movie
Contains material related to the Motion Picture Studio Production of "How Rare a Possession: The Book of Mormon." Contains a script and correspondence about the production.
In one blinding moment / [Brigham Young University] ; [director, producer, writer, David Kent Jacobs], approximately 1970s
Film was released in the 1970s, and was written, directed, and produced by David Kent Jacobs. The film is based on the true story of Max Ellerbusch who, after the loss of his son, is able to find forgiveness amidst his grief and pain. Two film reels are included in the collection.
Intercollegiate Athletics audio-visual materials, 1980-1995
Collection of reels and videocassettes concerning the Brigham Young University athletics. Dated 1980-1995.
David Kent Jacobs collection on Mormon films
Johnny Lingo / a Brigham Young University production ; produced and directed by Wetzel O. Whitaker ; [screenplay, Orma W. Wallengren], 1969
Film was released in 1969, and was produced by Brigham Young University for the Sunday School program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The film depicts the importance of helping others realize their self-worth through the story is of a sea-trader named Johnny Lingo and his persuit of Mohanna as his wife. The collection contains one copy on a film reel. Dated 1969.
KBYU and Press audio-visual materials, 1973-1988
Collection of audio-visual materials concerning the Press and KBYU. Dated 1973-1988.
Latter-day Saint leaders, past and present / Deseret Film Productions ; [produced by Frank S. Wise], 1970
Film was released in 1948 and rereleased in 1986. The film was produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The film focuses on short biographies of church leaders and members during the organization of the church up until 1948. The collection has a DVD copy of the film on a film reel. Dated 1970.