| | 2013 Academy Member Randy Gitsch (USA) | Read more at in70mm.com The 70mm Newsletter
| Written by: Bill Lawrence, Halifax, UK | 13.05.2013 | Randy Gitsch with his certificate. Picture by Michael J. Cahill
All too often overlooked in the great partnership with Dave Strohmaier, Randy Gitsch is a key part of the revival of Cinerama and a regularly welcomed guest at the Widescreen Weekend and his fascinating talks (with Dave) on their researches into the archives of Cinerama.
Randy’s association with Bradford go back to his fascinating film "Keepers of the Frame" on film preservation and restoration which we screened in 2000. Keepers of the Frame fulfils Randy’s love of cinema and the preservation of its heritage and celebrates the champions of preservation. It is the first filmed documentary show, the history, science and struggles of those committed to film preservation.
After graduation from college, Randy Gitsch wasted no time moving directly to Southern California. One of his first jobs in Hollywood was as a staff researcher in the RKO Studio Archives, which led to his ultimately becoming that collections manager. There, Randy assisted the BBC in their 6-part studio history, entitled "Hollywood; The Golden Years". With more years in research and archivist, he was well equipped to produce "Keepers of the Frame" and then to team with Dave Strohmaier for the great "Cinerama Adventure" - a journey that we followed through the Widescreen Weekend, seeing clips, rough cuts and ultimately the final film. | Further in 70mm reading:
Academy of the Widescreen Weekend
2013 Academy Member Johan Wolthuis (The Netherlands)
Randy Gitsch: A Bio
"Keepers of the Frame" - complete press kit
"In the Picture"
"Cinerama Adventure"
Widescreen Weekend 2013
Widescreen Weekend home
Internet link:
| Randy Gitsch is inducted into the Academy of the Widescreen Weekend by Bill Lawrence. Picture by Anders Olsson.
If we thought that would be the end of Cinerama we were much mistaken. Having created more interest in the 3-strip format than had been seen for many years, the team set out on a programme of restoring the films on new digital formats and giving us a chance to see them again in full color!
But that wasn’t the end of it and today we have witnessed the first Cinerama film ("In the Picture") for 50 years and the culmination of a decade of research, restoration and sheer dogged persistence in bringing this format back to life in a dramatic way.
For this, and his continued work in film preservation and filmmaking, we are delighted to welcome Randy Gitsch to the Academy of the Widescreen Weekend. | | | | Go: back - top - back issues - news index Updated 06-05-22 | | |