Archivist, Motion Pictures

Archivists, motion pictures preserve and restore historical motion pictures using their knowledge of preservation standards. Much of their time is spent in vaults inspecting collections of motion picture film and video for damage and decay. They preserve and restore film and video, maintain archival stability for future generations, and assist researchers, scholars, and filmmakers in accessing and viewing film collections.

Responsibilities

An archivist’s responsibilities may include:

• Inspecting film collections to identify damaged or decayed film and video
• Cleaning, inspecting, repairing, and repackaging film and video
• Preserving films according to archival standards
• Creating and maintaining databases of archival materials
• Providing access to film collections for researchers, scholars, and filmmakers
• Consulting with filmmakers on the restoration of films

Education

Most archivists, motion pictures have a master’s degree in film preservation; however, archivists may also have a master’s in archival science, moving-image studies, or a related field such as library science, history, or film studies. Some colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degree programs in moving image studies, film preservation, and archival science.

An undergraduate degree in film studies, art history, or photography is also common among archivists. Once a student has an undergraduate degree they may apply to a master's program.

Skills

The key skills an archivist, motion pictures will need include:

• Knowledge of film and video preservation standards
• Experience with film and video preservation techniques
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Career Path

Archivists, motion pictures may advance to supervisory or managerial positions. Some archivists may also choose to specialize in a particular area of film or video preservation. They may work with specific studios or genres, or they may work exclusively with analogue materials or digital materials.

Day-to-Day

Archivists, motion pictures typically work in a laboratory or vault setting. They spend much of their time inspecting film and video for damage and decay. They also clean, inspect, repair, and repackage film and video. Archivists also create and maintain databases of archival materials and provide access to film collections for researchers, scholars, and filmmakers.

Challenges

Archivists, motion pictures face a number of challenges, including:

• The need to keep up with the latest film and video preservation technologies
• The challenge of preserving fragile and decaying materials
• The need to work with a limited budget
• The need to balance the needs of researchers and scholars with the need to preserve film and video collections

Projects

Archivists, motion pictures may work on a variety of projects, including:

• Preserving and restoring a collection of historical films
• Creating a database of archival materials
• Developing a film preservation plan
• Consulting with filmmakers on the restoration of films

Personal Growth

Archivists, motion pictures have the opportunity to learn about a wide range of film and video formats and preservation techniques. They also have the opportunity to work with a variety of people, including researchers, scholars, filmmakers, and other archivists. This work can provide archivists with a deep appreciation for film and video as a medium.

Traits and Interests

Archivists, motion pictures typically have a strong interest in film and video. They are also typically detail-oriented and have a strong work ethic. Archivists should be able to work independently and as part of a team. They should also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Self-Guided Projects

Students interested in a career as an archivist, motion pictures can complete a number of self-guided projects to better prepare themselves for this role. These projects may include:

• Volunteering at a film archive or museum
• Interning at a film preservation company
• Conducting research on film and video preservation
• Creating a personal collection of film or video
• Attending workshops and conferences on film and video preservation

Online Courses

Online courses can be a helpful learning tool for students interested in a career as an archivist, motion pictures. These courses can provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in this role. Online courses may cover a variety of topics, including:

• Film and video preservation techniques
• Film and video preservation standards
• Film and video formats
• Film and video history
• Film and video theory

Online courses can be a helpful way for students to learn about film and video preservation at their own pace. These courses can also help students develop the skills they need to succeed in this role, such as attention to detail, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

While online courses can be a helpful learning tool, they are not enough to follow a path to this career. Students who want to become archivists, motion pictures should also consider completing an internship or volunteering at a film archive or museum.