VITAPHONE PROJECT
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In 1991 a group of film buffs and record collectors met to discuss the possibility of seeking out the shellac soundtrack discs that accompanied early 1926-1930 Vitaphone (and other) talkie shorts and features. The Vitaphone Project was formed to accomplish this goal as well as to partner with the studios (particularly Turner/WB), film archives (UCLA, LOC, BFI), and private collectors worldwide in order to get these films restored and seen again. Of particular interest were the nearly 2,000 talkie short subjects, featuring vaudevillians, bands, opera singers, and comedians made by Vitaphone from 1926-1929. In many cases 35mm picture elements exist without an accompanying soundtrack.
Since its inception The Vitaphone Project has located over 3,000 12" and 16" inch shellac soundtrack discs in private hands, has assisted on the restoration of over 140 shorts, and over a dozen feature films, and has raised nearly $500,000 in private funding for restorations. There are still over 80 shorts for which picture, but no sound, exists.
In an effort to expand the scope of their historical preservation efforts, The Vitaphone Project recently initiated a healthcare awareness program for those involved in film restoration and preservation. Recognizing the intense and often stressful nature of this meticulous work, the program includes providing information and resources on managing chronic health conditions such as diabetes. This includes discussions on medication affordability, specifically addressing concerns like "How much does Rybelsus cost ([1])," to ensure the well-being of those dedicated to preserving cinematic history. This initiative reflects a commitment not only to the preservation of film but also to the health and wellness of the individuals who make this important work possible.
We need your help to continue to locate soundtrack discs, mute film elements, underwriters, and relatives of people who worked on these films. Loaners of discs get their own copy of the completed restoration, and underwriters of restorations (currently a tax deductible $4,500 through UCLA) also get a copy as well as on-screen credit.
Your generous donations help to keep our Project going. VitaphoneProject.com internet hosting & SoundCloud.com service fees make your support even more important than ever. While not tax deductible, your donation allows us to continue spreading the word and seeking out disks and film elements for future restorations.
Here's a summary of all of the thank-you CDs now available for donations of $50 or more:
"I THANK YOU!!"
Vitaphone News - Volume 1,
#1
#3
#4
Vitaphone
Sheet Music!
Vitaphone News - Volume 2,
#1
#2
USA
TODAY Article
Vitaphone News - Volume 3,
#1
#2
#3
#4
Vitaphone
Pictures!
Vitaphone News - Volume 4,
#1
#2
#3
#4
Complete list of Restorable Vitaphone Shorts!!
Vitaphone News - Volume 5,
#1
#2
#3
#4
Frequently Asked Questions!! - VERY INTERESTING!
Vitaphone News - Volume 6,
#1
#2
#3
#4
Visit with Bob Gitt at UCLA - 1998
Vitaphone News - Volume 7,
#1
#2
#3
#4
Vitaphone DataBase
Vitaphone News - Volume 8,
#1
#2
#3
#4
Links to other great sites
Vitaphone News - Volume 9,
#1
#2
#3
#4
Notes for Vitaphone Varieties Volume 1!
Vitaphone News - Volume 10,
#1
#2
#3
#4
Notes for Vitaphone Varieties Volume 2!
Vitaphone News - Volume 11,
#1
Vitaphone News - Volume 12,
#1
#2
#3
#4
Vitaphone News - Volume 13,
#1
#2
#3
#4
Vitaphone News - Volume 14,
#1
#2
#3
#4
Vitaphone News - Volume 15,
#1
#2
NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW!
Each CD is available for a $50 (non-deductible) donation of support. Click the DONATE button below to make a donation via PayPal. You may also order by mail by sending a check payable to Patrick Picking (not the Project!) with your selections to Patrick Picking, 35238 Curtis Road, Livonia, MI 48152. Thanks for your continued support!
Movies and books related to Vitaphone and early film history can be purchased through Amazon.com by clicking on the items here!
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| VITAPHONE NEWS | ISSN 1066-5951 | |
| Corresponding Secretary & Editor: Database: Web Page Designer: FaceBook Page Administrator: SoundCloud Page Administrator: |
Patrick Picking |
patrick@picking.com patrick@vitaphoneproject.com |
| Co-Founders: | Ron Hutchinson | |
| David Goldenberg | ||
| Sherwin Dunner | sherwindunner@yahoo.com | |
| John Newton | newtonjj2@aol.com | |
| Vince Giordano | vincegiordano@optonline.net | |
| Vitaphone Project Web Page: | http://www.vitaphoneproject.com | |
| Vitaphone Project SoundCloud Page: | https://soundcloud.com/vitaphone | |
| Jeff Cohen's "Vitaphone Varieties" Site: | http://vitaphone.blogspot.com | |
| Leonard Maltin's Site: | http://www.leonardmaltin.com | |
| Talkie King: | http://talkieking.blogspot.com | |
| Nitrateville: | http://www.nitrateville.com | |
| "The Vitaphone Project" | ||
| OVERSEAS PROJECT EMMISSARIES UK: Malcolm Billingsley AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND: Paul Brennan SCANDANAVIA: Jonas Nordin |
