Ken Coupland Films of Two Frank O'Hara Plays, 1992, 1996, undated
GLC 103
Finding aid prepared by Tim Wilson
James C. Hormel Gay & Lesbian Center, San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA, 94102
(415) 557-4400
info@sfpl.org
2015
Title: Ken Coupland Films of Two Frank O'Hara Plays,
Date (inclusive): 1992, 1996, undated
Collection Identifier: GLC 103
Creator:
Coupland, Ken
Physical Description:
2.0 boxes
(8 VHS videotapes, 2 U-matic videotapes, 1 DVD, 4 Super-8 reels)
Contributing Institution:
James C. Hormel Gay & Lesbian Center, San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA, 94102
(415) 557-4400
info@sfpl.org
Abstract: The collection contains original film elements as well as video dubs of two Frank O'Hara plays that Ken Coupland produced
and directed. The films use a unique cinematic technique that he called "tantamation" which combines animation and storyboarding.
Physical Location: The collection is stored onsite.
Language of Materials: Collection materials are in English.
Access
The DVD and the VHS videotapes are available for use during San Francisco History Center hours. The U-matic videotapes and
Super-8 film reels are retained for permanent storage but the library does not have the equipment to make them accessible
for viewing.
Publication Rights
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission
for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Ken Coupland Films of Two Frank O'Hara Plays (GLC 103), Gay and Lesbian Center, San Francisco Public
Library.
Provenance
Donated by William Farley for the estate of Ken Coupland, April 8, 2015.
Biographical note
Ken Coupland was a Canadian-born writer, artist and graphic designer. He grew up in Toronto and moved to England with his
family. He came to San Francisco in the 1970s and was employed in various illustration and design jobs. He is best known for
a video program,
For Openers, on the art of film titles that he co-produced. He also produced and directed animated Super-8 films using a unique cinematic
technique that he called "tantamation" that combined animation and storyboarding. In addition, he edited the
San Francisco Sentinel, a gay weekly. He died of complications from AIDS on January 21, 2005.
Scope and Contents
The collection contains Coupland's original Super 8mm film elements, as well as dubs onto DVD, VHS and U-matic formats, of
the plays
Love on the Hoof by Frank O'Hara and Frank Lima, and
Try, Try! by Frank O'Hara. The films were produced and directed by Coupland and use "tantamation," a cinematic technique. The first
film titles read: "A Nocturnal Release. Tantamount Studio Presents!
Love on the Hoof by Frank O'Hara, and introducing Tom and Ken." The second film titles read: "
Try, Try! by Frank O'Hara. Directed by Ken Dollar. Starring Ken and Sherry and Tom."
Arrangement
The collection is arranged into 4 series according to format: Series 1. VHS Videotapes; Series 2. DVDs; Series 3. U-matic
Videotapes; and, Series 4. Reel-to-Reel Film.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
O'Hara, Frank, 1926-1966
Box 1
Frank O'Hara music
Physical Description:
1.0 videotape
Box 1
Frank O'Hara sound effects
Physical Description:
1.0 videotape
Box 1
"Ken Copeland audio master"
Physical Description:
1.0 videotape
Box 1
"Frank O'Hara: Two Plays"
Physical Description:
1.0 videotape
Box 1
"Frank O'Hara. New Master,"
May 18, 1996
Physical Description:
1.0 videotape
Box 1
Frank O'Hara. "VHS SP OK"
Physical Description:
1.0 videotape
Box 1
"Transfer,"
April 2, 1996
Physical Description:
1.0 videotape
Box 1
"Aggressive Panhandling, KTVU CH 2 10:00 PM, KGO CH 7 6:00 PM," 6:04 [running time?],
June 25, 1992
Physical Description:
1.0 videotape
Box 1
"Frank O'Hara 2 films by Ken Dollar. Source: U-matic dub from Super-8. TRT: 0:34:47 loop. 4xDVD-R. NTSC Video-DVD (www.vtc-sf.com),"
undated
Physical Description:
1.0 item
Series 3
U-matic (3/4-inch) Videotapes
Access
The U-matic videotapes are retained for permanent storage but the library does not have the equipment to make them accessible
for viewing.
Box 1
"Frank O'Hara 2 films by Ken Dollar. U-matic dub from Super-8. 42:00 (Highland Laboratories, 840 Battery Street, San Francisco
94111),
undated
Physical Description:
2.0 videotapes
Series 4
Reel-to-Reel Film (Super 8mm)
Access
The Super-8 film reels are retained for permanent storage but the library does not have the equipment to make them accessible
for viewing.
Box 2
"Coupland. A. W. Scrapbook,"
undated
Physical Description:
1.0 item
Box 2
"Tantamount Try (2). Reel 2,"
undated
Physical Description:
1.0 item
Box 2
"Reel One. KC 'Love on the Hoof' [and] 'Try Try,' "
undated
Physical Description:
1.0 item
Box 2
"Reel Two. KD Pantages - Hoof (3),"
undated
Physical Description:
1.0 item
