Jon Davison papers
Special Collections
Margaret Herrick Library
© 2014
Title: Jon Davison papers
Date (inclusive): 1970-1987
Date (bulk): 1981-1987
Collection number: 478
Creator:
Davison, Jon
Extent:
2 linear feet of papers.
Repository:
Margaret Herrick Library. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Languages:
English
Important Information for Users of the Collection
Available by appointment only.
Property rights to the physical object belong to the Margaret Herrick Library. Researchers are
responsible for obtaining all necessary rights, licenses, or permissions from the appropriate companies
or individuals before quoting from or publishing materials obtained from the library.
Jon Davison papers, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Gift of Jon Davison, 2001-2008
Jon Davison is an American producer active in film since 1972. He studied film at New York University
(NYU) where Martin Scorsese served as one of his mentors. Davison eventually moved to Los Angeles to
assist his fellow NYU classmate Jonathan Kaplan tweak a script for the Roger Corman film NIGHT CALL
NURSES (1972). Davison became head of advertising and publicity for Corman's production company, New
World Pictures, before producing such Corman films as BIG BAD MAMA (1974), HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD (1976),
GRAND THEFT AUTO (1977), and PIRANHA (1978). Davison eventually left New World to work with brothers
David and Jerry Zucker and Jim Abrahams to produce the comedies AIRPLANE! (1980) and TOP SECRET! (1984).
After producing WHITE DOG (1982) for director Samuel Fuller, Davison segued into the sci-fi genre with
such films as TWILIGHT ZONE - THE MOVIE (1983), ROBOCOP (1987), and STARSHIP TROOPERS (1997).
Collection Scope and Content Summary
The Jon Davison papers span the years 1970-1987 (bulk 1981-1987) and encompass 2 linear feet. The
collection contains production files related to WHITE DOG (1982) and ROBOCOP (1987) which primarily
consist of script notes, storyboards, and memoranda. Of interest are extensive notes from actor Peter
Weller for ROBOCOP, two original drawings by Craig Davies for that film, and a letter from the Black Anti-
Defamation Coalition expressing concern over the story of WHITE DOG.
Arrangement
Arranged in the following series: 1. Production files.
Davison, Jon , 1949---Archives.
producers