Guide to the Motion picture press kit collection C0107 Motion picture press kit collection

Guide to the Motion picture press kit collection C0107

Motion picture press kit collection


[logo]

George Mason University. Libraries. Special Collections Research Center

Fenwick Library, MS2FL
4400 University Dr.
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Business Number: 703-993-2220
Fax Number: 703-993-8911
speccoll@gmu.edu
URL: https://scrc.gmu.edu

Eron Ackerman, Kristin Korfitzen

Repository
George Mason University. Libraries. Special Collections Research Center
Identification
C0107
Title
Motion picture press kit collection 1968-2004
Quantity
10 Linear Feet, 16 boxes
Creator
Yocom, Margaret
Creator
Brunette, Peter C, Jr.
Language
English .
Abstract
This collection contains hundreds of motion picture press kits donated by George Mason University English professors Peter Brunette, Jr. and Margaret R. Yocom. The press kits promote foreign as well as domestic films, mostly from the past two decades, and range in format from glossy, full-color booklets to packets printed out in black and white and stapled together.

Administrative Information

Use Restrictions

The copyright and related rights status of this collection have not been evaluated (See http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/CNE/1.0/)

Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions.

Preferred Citation

Motion picture press kit collection, C0107, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.

Acquisition Information

Donated by Peter C. Brunette and Margaret Yocom in 1999.

Processing Information

Processed by Special Collections Research Center staff. EAD markup completed by Eron Ackerman and Jordan Patty in April 2009. Additional processing and arrangement completed by Kristen Korfitzen in 2012. Finding aid updated by Amanda Menjivar in March 2024.

Historical Information

Press kits are packets of printed material distributed to promote the release of a forthcoming film. They often include photographs along with text promoting the film and providing information on actors, directors, and producers. Press kits can range from glossy, full-color booklets to loose assemblages of photographs, slides, and stapled packets of information. Since distribution of expensive, full-color press kits is often limited to industry leaders (critics, promoters, etc.), press kits can be quite collectable, particularly for Hollywood blockbusters that have stood the test of time and successful independent features. This collection of motion picture press kits was assembled by Margaret Yocom, a George Mason University professor of folklore who has written film reviews for academic journals, and Peter C. Brunette, a GMU professor of English and film studies who served on the International Critics' Jury at the Bangkok International Film Festival.

Scope and Content

This collection contains hundreds of motion picture press kits donated by George Mason University English professors Peter Brunette, Jr. and Margaret R. Yocom. The press kits range in format from glossy, full-color booklets to packets printed out in black and white and stapled together. Several press kits also include promotional photographs and color slides. The collection is divided into three series, grouping press kits, correspondence and other papers related to the film industry, and oversized promotional material together.

Series 1 contains several hundred press kits for a variety of films, including major studio and independent releases. The press kits promote foreign as well as domestic films from the past two decades. The professionally printed materials include press kits for "Bandit Queen," "Japon," "Europa," "Dancer in the Dark," "Brother's Keeper," "The Piano," "Antz," "Todo Sobre Mi Madre," "The English Patient," "Eternity and a Day," "The Road to Perdition," "Muriel's Wedding," and "The Straight Story." Some press kits include handwritten notes and reviews, along with articles published in major newspapers and trade magazines about the films.

Series 2 contains miscellaneous documents pertaining to the movie industry. Included is "A Guide to Self Distribution", detailing the challenges faced by independent movie producers. Also included in this series are mailings from movie studios and schedules of upcoming releases.

Series 3 contains oversized promotional film material. Some material is accompanied by its printed press kit. The oversized promotional items in this series include a promotional package for the film "Barb Wire" with a copy of the original comic book, and an original souvenir booklet produced for the release of "2001: A Space Odyssey ".

Arrangement

This collection is arranged alphabetically by title. Oversized items are stored separately.

Series Series 1: Films, 1988-2004 (Box 1-15) Series 2: Miscellaneous, 1988-2004 (Box 15) Series 3: Oversize, 1968-2000 (Box 16)

Related Material

The Special Collections Research Center also holds many performing arts collection, including collections focused on film and filmmaking.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Significant Persons Associated With the Collection

Back to Top

Container List

Series 1: Films
1988-2004
Scope and Contents note

This series contains hundreds of press kits for both major studio and independently released films. Several press kits were printed for film festivals and contain promotional photographs and slides as well as printed information. Press kits range from professionally produced booklets, to CD-ROM format, to simple print outs.

Back to Top
Series 2: Miscellaneous
1988-2004
Scope and Content

This series includes printed material related to the film industry. Included is a guide to movie distribution, a booklet announcing the release of several silent films, and a list of upcoming new releases.

Back to Top
Series 3: Oversize
1968-2000
Scope and Content

This series contains large format press kits and promotional material. The material in this series includes collectible and one of a kind promotional packages.

Back to Top