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Finding Aid for the Jerry Fairbanks Productions Records, ca. 1940-1970
176
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Description
Collection consists of records related to Jerry Fairbanks Productions, Inc. Includes
script materials, production and business records, photographs, color transparencies,
slides, and storyboards. Includes materials for television documentaries, commercial and
industrial productions, and unproduced projects.
Background
Executive producer, Jerry Fairbanks was born in San Francisco, CA, Nov. 1, 1904; was a
cameraman (1924-29); formed his production company in the early 1930s; produced films for
Universal pictures including a series of short color films entitled, "Strange As It
Seems," based on the cartoon series of the same name; moved to Paramount pictures in 1936
where he produced the Popular science series, in collaboration with Popular Science
magazine, "Unusual Occupations"; in 1947, while at Paramount, Fairbanks worked for NBC to
establish a film division which resulted in the formation of the NBC newsreel; filmed the
first dramatic series for television, "Public Prosecutor," the first cartoon series for
television, "Crusader Rabbit," and other series including "Front Page Detective,"
"Hollywood Theatre," "This Is Your Life," "The Ed Wynn Show," and "The Edgar Bergen
Show"; starting in the 1950s, the company engaged primarily in producing films for
non-theatrical use; Jerry Fairbanks' numerous contributions to the television industry
include the Academy Award winning DuoPlane Process, used in the series "Speaking Of
Animals," the Multicam System, which allowed the filming of continuous sequences and
spontaneity of live performances, and the "Zoomar Lens" which allowed a zoom from
long-shots to close-ups; retired in 1983 and died in 1995.
Restrictions
Restrictions on Use
Copyright has not been assigned to the Performing Arts Special Collections, UCLA. All
requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing
to the Arts Special Collections Librarian. Permission for publication is given on behalf
of the Arts Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to
include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Availability
Restrictions on Access
Advance notice required for access.