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 49 Collections and/or Records:
David Kent Jacobs materials on The First Vision, 1976-1977
Contains scripts, cast sheets, premiere programs, financial records, and shooting plans. Press clippings, magazine articles, and reviews of the movie by viewers at Brigham Young University and by Church officials cover the reception of the film. Film was produced by the Brigham Young University Motion Picture Department for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Dated 1976-1977.
David Kent Jacobs materials on The Lost Manuscript, 1974
Contains the script and production notes for The Lost Manuscript. Film was released in 1974, and was made by Brigham Young University Motion Picture Department for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The script includes the original text and the revisions of the script.
David Kent Jacobs materials on Uncle Ben , 1977-1978
Contains copies of the script, which was rewritten several times, including a version by Orson Scott Card. A list of cast and extras is also included, as well as a program for the premier at American Fork High School is included. Film was released in 1978, and was produced by Brigham Young University Motion Picture Department. Copies of the various script revisions are included. The majority of the extras were from Brigham Young University. Dated 1977-1978.
Dedication--Relief Society Monument to women , 1980
Film was released in 1980, and includes footage of the dedication of the Monument to Women The collection has one copy on a film reel.
Draft of Pioneering with film -- A history of Church and Brigham Young University films / Wetzel O. Whitaker
Draft of Wetzel O. Whitaker's "Pioneering with Film -- A History of Church and Brigham Young University Films," which was published in 1983. The book outlined the history of the Brigham Young University Motion Picture Studio as told by Wetzel O. Whitaker, who established and ran the studio for 22 years. The draft does not appear to be a complete version of the final publication. It is dated 1975 to 1976.
Families are forever / [MCA Corporate Films] ; [producers, Stephen B. Allen, John G. Kinnear, L. Jay Monk, William N. Burch], 1982
Film was released in 1982, and was produced by Brigham Young University Motion Picture Department. The story is of a family who is comforted by the idea that families can be together forever after a family member dies. Dated 1982.
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.
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.