Guide to the Top Value Television papers, 1964-2004 (bulk 1971-1977) 1964-2004 PFA.MSS.008
Michael Campos-Quinn
Contributing Institution:
BAMPFA Film Library
Title: Top Value Television papers
Creator:
Ant Farm (Design group)
Creator:
Raindance Corporation
Creator:
TVTV (Production company)
Creator:
Videofreex (Production company)
Creator:
Apple, Wendy
Creator:
Blumberg, Skip
Creator:
Lord, Chip
Creator:
Marquez, Hudson
Creator:
Murray, Bill, 1950 September 21-
Creator:
Rucker, Allen
Creator:
Shamberg, Michael
Creator:
Weinberg, Tom
Identifier/Call Number: PFA.MSS.008
Physical Description:
4 Cartons, 7 Containers
7.5 linear feet
Date (inclusive): 1964-2004
Date (bulk): 1971-1977
Abstract: Correspondence, scripts, budgets, production notes, videotape logs, publications, clippings, artwork, publicity ephemera,
scrapbooks. TVTV produced independent television shows that challenged established broadcast media models from1972-1979 in
San Francisco and Los Angeles, California. The collection consists of materials generated in the production of the group's
shows, papers related to the operation of TVTV Inc., original artwork and publicity materials created by and for TVTV, as
well as a self-published booklet and articles written by and about TVTV and its members. Finally, the collection includes
similar materials created by TVTV members for productions outside of TVTV. Productions are referenced with all capitalized
letters -- e.g., THE WORLD'S LARGEST TV STUDIO (1972).
Physical Location: UC Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, Film Library and Study Center
Language of Material: Collection materials are in English
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research.
Physical access to some materials has been limited due to condition and preservation concerns. Efforts have been made to provide
access copies of these materials whenever possible. Please contact the BAMPFA Film Library and Study Center regarding physical
access to these materials.
Accruals
Additions are not expected.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
BAMPFA Video Curator Steve Seid acquired the materials from TVTV members in 2009, 2012, and 2014.
Existence and Location of Copies
The collection has been digitized and is available via the UC Berkeley Libraries digital collections system.
Arrangement
Arranged in 5 series, each of which is subdivided into subseries. Series and subseries are arranged in chronological order
where applicable, otherwise in order of relevance to the operation of TVTV. Where no original order existed, materials are
arranged to reflect the above system.
- Series 1: Productions, 1964, 1967, 1972-1979, undated
- Series 2: TVTV Corporate Papers & General Correspondence, 1972-1979, 1981, undated
- Series 3: Artwork & Related Materials, 1972, 1974, undated
- Series 4: Publications, 1972-1976, 1978, 1983, 1997, 2004, undated
- Series 5: Side Projects & Post-TVTV, 1975-1979, undated
Biographical / Historical
Top Value Television (TVTV) was founded in 1972 by Michael Shamberg, Megan Williams, and Allen Rucker (with a handful of associated
artists) as a guerrilla video collective based in San Francisco, California. The group developed from ties to San Francisco
Bay Area and New York City arts collectives such as Ant Farm (of which TVTV co-founders Hudson Marquez, Chip Lord, Curtis
Schreier, and Doug Michels were members), Videofreex, and Raindance (of which Shamberg was a member). Independent producers
such as Wendy Apple and Paul Goldsmith provided essential technical skills. The group was influential in bridging the gap
between 1970s counterculture and broadcast television.
The initial spark for TVTV's formation was a desire to document the 1972 presidential nominating conventions in Miami, Florida,
from a point of view that the major television networks would be unable to capture. Small-format video equipment like the
Sony Porta-Pak and hand held audio tape recorders offered TVTV the technical freedom to approach the conventions in a way
that reflected their counterculture origins. More significantly, their cinéma-vérité-for-the-new-generation challenged the
"official" version of events as presented by the established media. Critical attention paid to the two tapes produced at these
events legitimized TVTV's efforts and established the group as a presence in alternative television. The combination of technical
savvy and a "rock-n-roll" style characterized TVTV's productions for the next seven years, as the organization turned its
lens on American institutions including the Superbowl, the Oscars, and the impeachment of Richard Nixon.
In 1975, after having produced several shows with cooperation from public television stations around the country (in particular,
New York's WNET and its TV Lab), TVTV left San Francisco for Los Angeles. A tentativedeal with the local Public Broadcasting
Service affiliate, KCET, and proximity to Hollywood's network TV establishment provided the group with additional incentive
to move on. TVTV produced 13 works that were broadcast on cable networks and PBS, and in 1977 filmed the pilot episode for
a show on NBC that would have brought the collective onto national TV. By this point however, tensions between media "insider"
and "outsider" status generated disagreements over what direction the group should take, funding became more precarious, and
in 1979 the group officially disbanded. TVTV's attempts to bring alternative voices in television into the mainstream reflect
a movement that became increasingly marginalized and underfunded by the 1980s and 1990s, but the programs produced by the
group remain as documents of a more hopeful moment in alternative television.
During the course of its operations, TVTV members maintained their relationships with other groups involved in alternative
video and television. As part of this involvement in the alternative television movement, TVTV (and particularly members Michael
Shamberg and Allen Rucker) participated in an effort to bring more underground voices into programming funded by PBS and the
National Endowment for the Arts. This "Coalition for New Public Affairs Programming" lobbied Congress, PBS, and the Corporation
for Public Broadcasting to include independent programming, including counterculture voices, in its broadcasting agenda.
Following the dissolution of TVTV, members continued to create programming for television, film, and other arts. Megan Williams
and Wendy Apple collaborated on mainstream and alternative television projects with each other and with outside groups (including
Chicago's Videopolis), with Williams ultimately leaving media production in the 1980s. Allen Rucker went on to a career writing
nonfiction books and screenplays. Michael Shamberg had long had associations with the film industry. His roommate at Washington
University in St. Louis was Harold Ramis, who became a successful Hollywood director and producer, and other connections brought
actors Jim Belushi and Bill Murray into the TVTV fold before they became international celebrities. Ultimately, Shamberg became
a successful film and television producer with titles including
Pulp Fiction (1994) and episodes of
Reno 911! (2004-2008).
General
- Finding Aid Author(s):
- Michael Campos-Quinn
- Date Completed:
- August, 2012
- Finding Aid Encoded By:
- Michael Campos-Quinn
Publication
Top Value Television. (1974).
The Prime Time Survey: TV of the Future. San Francisco: TVTV
Bibliography
Anker, S., Geritz, K., & Seid, S. (2010).
Radical Light: Alternative Film & Video in the San Francisco Bay Area, 1945-2000. Berkeley: University of California Press.
Boyle, D. (1997).
Subject to Change: Guerrilla Television Revisited. New York: Oxford University Press.
Demartino, N. (July 2011). Objectively speaking. Weblog post. Retrieved from http://www.nickdemartino.net/blog/2011/7/4/objectively-speaking.html
IMDB. (2010).
Michael Shamberg. Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0787834/
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], PFA--MSS--008, University of California, Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive.
Processing Information
Collection description based on DACS. Finding aid written by Michael Campos-Quinn, August 2012. Finding aid revised by Michael
Campos-Quinn, October 2018.
Scope and Contents
The majority of the materials in this collection were generated in the production of TVTV programs and in preparation for
potential programs that were not ultimately produced. These include correspondence, financial documents and budgets, research
materials for productions, notes made in planning and scripting programs, full and draft treatments, scripts, tape logs, ephemera,
marketing collateral and artwork, photos, and production scrapbooks. The collection also contains newspaper and magazine clippings
of articles written by and about TVTV, lecture materials prepared by TVTV members for presentations, as well as a publication,
The Prime Time Survey, distributed by TVTV in 1974. Also included are materials relating to a 2004 exhibition that featured
TVTV, the Museum of Television and Radio's 2004 Television Documentary Festival.
The collection also includes materials that were produced as part of various side projects and productions in which TVTV
members participated during the decline of TVTV and after its dissolution in 1979. These are largely similar materials to
those produced by TVTV proper. Another significant side project represented here is an alternative television advocacy group
that was actively supported by members of TVTV. Correspondence and other materials related to the Coalition for New Public
Affairs Programming reflect TVTV's engagement with the group.
Separated Materials
Original master tapes and raw tape footage from TVTV productions were donated to the Pacific Film Archive at the same time
as the paper records in this collection. 1/2-inch open-reel, 3/4-inch cassette, 1-inch Type C, and VHS cassette tapes produced
by TVTV are kept in the film archive offsite storage. Access to some of these materials is restricted. Please contact the
BAMPFA Film Library and Study Center for more information.
Tapes from THE WORLD'S LARGEST TV STUDIO, FOUR MORE YEARS, and GERALD FORD'S AMERICA have been digitized and are available
on the Internet Archive (archive.org).
Publication Rights
Property rights reside with the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, University of California, Berkeley. Literary
rights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact
the Head of the Pacific Film Archive Library.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Experimental films--United States
Documentary films--United States
Video art--California
Public television--United States
Low budget television programs--United States
Political conventions--United States--1970-1980
Rawat, Prem, 1957-
Hoffman, Abbie
Dylan, Bob, 1941-
Ford, Gerald R., 1913-2006
Series 1: Productions
1964, 1967, 1972-1979, undated
Physical Description: 57 Folders, 14 Binders
Arrangement
This series is divided into 15 subseries.
- Subseries 1: THE WORLD'S LARGEST TV STUDIO (1972), 1972, 1976
- Subseries 2: FOUR MORE YEARS (1972), 1972
- Subseries 3: Political convention tapes reviews, 1972, undated
- Subseries 4: LORD OF THE UNIVERSE (1974), 1973-1975
- Subseries 5: ADLAND (1974), 1973, undated
- Subseries 6: IN HIDING (1975), 1975, undated
- Subseries 7: GERALD FORD'S AMERICA (1975), 1975
- Subseries 8: THE GOOD TIMES ARE KILLING ME (1975), 1974-1975, undated
- Subseries 9: TVTV GOES TO THE SUPERBOWL (1976), 1976, undated
- Subseries 10: TVTV LOOKS AT THE OSCARS (1976), 1976-1977, 1983, undated
- Subseries 11: THE BOB DYLAN HARD RAIN SPECIAL (1976), 1976- 1977, undated
- Subseries 12: SUPER VISION (1976), 1975-1977, undated
- Subseries 13: THE TVTV SHOW (1977), 1975-1977
- Subseries 14: Unrealized projects, 1973-1979, undated
- Subseries 15: Videotape raw shot logs and edit logs, 1974 -1976, undated
Scope and Contents
This series, arranged chronologically by material type, comprises the bulk of the collection. It contains materials generated
in the production of TVTV's programs, including correspondence, budgets, scripts, working notes, publicity photographs, legal
and financial documents, and shot logs from TVTV's raw video footage. Also included are clippings of reviews that relate to
specific productions.
Subseries 1: THE WORLD'S LARGEST TV STUDIO (1972)
1972, 1976
Physical Description: 4 Folders
Scope and Contents
This subseries consists of correspondence, planning documents, promotional material, press clippings, and photographs related
to the production of THE WORLD'S LARGEST TV STUDIO (1972). The original folder holding the photographs (head shots of various
personalities) included two similar, but apparently unrelated, photographs dated 1976 that have been kept in their original
order.
Carton 1, Folder 1
THE WORLD'S LARGEST TV STUDIO, correspondence
1972
THE WORLD'S LARGEST TV STUDIO, correspondence, 1972
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 2
THE WORLD'S LARGEST TV STUDIO, promotional material
1972, undated
THE WORLD'S LARGEST TV STUDIO, promotional material, 1972, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 3
THE WORLD'S LARGEST TV STUDIO, reviews and press clippings
1972
THE WORLD'S LARGEST TV STUDIO, reviews and press clippings, 1972
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 4
THE WORLD'S LARGEST TV STUDIO, photographs
1972, 1976
THE WORLD'S LARGEST TV STUDIO, photographs, 1972, 1976
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Subseries 2: FOUR MORE YEARS (1972)
1972
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Scope and Contents
Consists of press clippings of broadcast announcements and reviews related to FOUR MORE YEARS.
Carton 1, Folder 5
FOUR MORE YEARS, press clippings
1972
FOUR MORE YEARS, press clippings, 1972
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Subseries 3: Political convention tapes reviews
1972, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Scope and Contents
Consists of press clippings related to both of TVTV's 1972 political convention programs, THE WORLD'S LARGEST TV STUDIO and
FOUR MORE YEARS.
Carton 1, Folder 6
Political convention tapes reviews
1972
Political convention tapes reviews, 1972
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Subseries 4: LORD OF THE UNIVERSE (1974)
1973-1975, undated
Physical Description: 4 Folders
Scope and Contents
This subseries consists of press releases, correspondence, reviews, and distribution agreements related to the program, THE
LORD OF THE UNIVERSE (1974), in addition to an article published in
Filmmaker's Newsletter by TVTV member Paul Goldsmith about the production. Also included are documents related to the work winning the Alfred I.
du Pont/Columbia University Award in Broadcast Journalism.
Carton 1, Folder 7
LORD OF THE UNIVERSE correspondence and production documents
1973-1975, undated
LORD OF THE UNIVERSE correspondence and production documents, 1973-1975, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 8
Filmmaker's Newsletter magazine article
1974
Filmmaker's Newsletter magazine article, 1974
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 9
Alfred I. du Pont Award
1975, undated
Alfred I. du Pont Award, 1975, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 10
LORD OF THE UNIVERSE reviews
1974, undated
LORD OF THE UNIVERSE reviews, 1974, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Subseries 5: ADLAND (1974)
1973-1974, undated
Physical Description: 3 Folders
Scope and Contents
This subseries consists of press materials used to promote ADLAND (1974) and TVTV in advance of the tape's completion and
broadcast, clippings of reviews of the broadcast work, and a production still from the work.
Carton 1, Folder 11
ADLAND press materials
1973, undated
ADLAND press materials, 1973, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 12
ADLAND reviews
1974, undated
ADLAND reviews, 1974, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 13
ADLAND production still
ADLAND production still
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Subseries 6: IN HIDING (1975)
1975, undated
Physical Description: 3 Folders
Scope and Contents
For the 1975 work, IN HIDING, TVTV was commissioned to interview Abbie Hoffman, who was in hiding at the time while facing
federal drug charges. This subseries consists of correspondence, press releases,and documents related to the production of
the work, as well as clippings of reviews and articles discussing the controversial topic and payment by public television
station WNET/13 to Hoffman in exchange for the interview.
Carton 1, Folder 14
IN HIDING production documents
1975, undated
IN HIDING production documents, 1975, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 15
IN HIDING press clippings
1975
IN HIDING press clippings, 1975
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 16
IN HIDING press clippings
1975, undated
IN HIDING press clippings, 1975, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Subseries 7: GERALD FORD'S AMERICA (1975)
1974-1975, undated
Physical Description: 3 Folders
Scope and Contents
This subseries consists of contracts, correspondence, and other documents related to the production of GERALD FORD'S AMERICA,
as well as production stills, and "ID Badge" photographs of TVTV crew involved in the production. Also included are reviews
and articles clipped from magazines and newspapers.
Carton 1, Folder 17
GERALD FORD'S AMERICA production documents and correspondence
1974-1975, undated
GERALD FORD'S AMERICA production documents and correspondence, 1974-1975, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 18
GERALD FORD'S AMERICA photographs
GERALD FORD'S AMERICA photographs
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 19
GERALD FORD'S AMERICA press clippings
1975, undated
GERALD FORD'S AMERICA press clippings, 1975, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Subseries 8: THE GOOD TIMES ARE KILLING ME (1975)
1974-1975, undated
Physical Description: 3 Folders
Scope and Contents
Arranged chronologically within folders, this subseries consists of correspondence and a press release relating to the production
of THE GOOD TIMES ARE KILLING ME (1975), distribution agreements drafted for the show after its initial airing, clippings
of reviews and advertisements for the program, as well as letters from viewers and others responding to the original broadcast.
Carton 1, Folder 20
THE GOOD TIMES ARE KILLING ME production documents
1974-1975, undated
THE GOOD TIMES ARE KILLING ME production documents, 1974-1975, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 21
THE GOOD TIMES ARE KILLING ME feedback correspondence
1975, undated
THE GOOD TIMES ARE KILLING ME feedback correspondence, 1975, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 22
THE GOOD TIMES ARE KILLING ME press clippings
1975, undated
THE GOOD TIMES ARE KILLING ME press clippings, 1975, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Subseries 9: TVTV GOES TO THE SUPERBOWL (1976)
1976, undated
Physical Description: 3 Folders
Scope and Contents
Arranged chronologically, this subseries consists of correspondence relating to the funding, production, and distribution
of TVTV GOES TO THE SUPERBOWL (1976), as well as correspondence after the show's airing to reviewers and others as a promotional
effort. The original order for this subseries included handwritten notes indicating "pre-show" and "post-show" on two bundles
of correspondence. Also included is a list of airdates for the program on PBS affiliate television stations across the United
States, correspondence and documents related to equipment insurance claims, and clippings of reviews.
Carton 1, Folder 23
TVTV GOES TO THE SUPERBOWL correspondence and production documents
1976, undated
TVTV GOES TO THE SUPERBOWL correspondence and production documents, 1976, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 24
TVTV GOES TO THE SUPERBOWL equipment insurance documents
1976, undated
TVTV GOES TO THE SUPERBOWL equipment insurance documents, 1976, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 25
TVTV GOES TO THE SUPERBOWL press clippings
1976, undated
TVTV GOES TO THE SUPERBOWL press clippings, 1976, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Subseries 10: TVTV LOOKS AT THE OSCARS (1976)
1975-1977, 1983, undated
Physical Description: 6 Folders
Scope and Contents
Arranged chronologically, this subseries consists of correspondence and magazine clippings relating to the promotion and airing
of TVTV LOOKS AT THE OSCARS; a specially-made greeting card "invitation" to watch the original broadcast; guest lists for
a related party; insurance contracts related to the production; 35mm and 2 ¼" film negatives shot during the production; press
clippings of reviews; brochures and pamphlets made by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences related to the 1975
opening of the Margaret Herrick Library; and documents related to the 1983 rebroadcast of the work.
Carton 1, Folder 26
TVTV LOOKS AT THE OSCARS production documents, correspondence, and party ephemera
1976-1977, undated
TVTV LOOKS AT THE OSCARS production documents, correspondence, and party ephemera, 1976-1977, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 27
TVTV LOOKS AT THE OSCARS insurance contracts
1976
TVTV LOOKS AT THE OSCARS insurance contracts, 1976
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 28
TVTV LOOKS AT THE OSCARS production stills negatives
TVTV LOOKS AT THE OSCARS production stills negatives
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 29
TVTV LOOKS AT THE OSCARS press clippings
1976
TVTV LOOKS AT THE OSCARS press clippings, 1976
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 30
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Margaret Herrick Library materials
1975
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Margaret Herrick Library materials, 1975
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 31
TVTV LOOKS AT THE OSCARS rebroadcast documents
1983, undated
TVTV LOOKS AT THE OSCARS rebroadcast documents, 1983, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Subseries 11: THE BOB DYLAN HARD RAIN SPECIAL (1976)
1976-1977, undated
Physical Description: 4 Folders
Scope and Contents
Arranged chronologically, this subseries consists of correspondence with critics, funders, and colleagues related to the airing,
promotion, and further distribution of THE BOB DYLAN HARD RAIN SPECIAL; production and equipment insurance contracts; and
press clippings of reviews.
Carton 1, Folder 32
THE BOB DYLAN HARD RAIN SPECIAL correspondence
1976-1977, undated
THE BOB DYLAN HARD RAIN SPECIAL correspondence, 1976-1977, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 33
THE BOB DYLAN HARD RAIN SPECIAL production and insurance contracts
1976
THE BOB DYLAN HARD RAIN SPECIAL production and insurance contracts, 1976
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 34
THE BOB DYLAN HARD RAIN SPECIAL press clippings 1 of 2
1976
THE BOB DYLAN HARD RAIN SPECIAL press clippings 1 of 2, 1976
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 35
THE BOB DYLAN HARD RAIN SPECIAL press clippings 2 of 2
1976, undated
THE BOB DYLAN HARD RAIN SPECIAL press clippings 2 of 2, 1976, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Subseries 12: SUPER VISION (1976)
1975-1977, undated
Physical Description: 5 Folders
Scope and Contents
Arranged chronologically within folders, this subseries consists of a variety of materials generated during the planning,
production, and distribution of SUPER VISION. Correspondence included reflects all stages of production on this program, from
planning and taping to exhibition at the Whitney Art Museum and legal challenges from personalities lampooned in the show.
Production and Public Relations documents included range from preproduction materials to publicity photographs of TVTV members.
Also included is a working script and press clippings of reviews.
Carton 1, Folder 36
SUPER VISION correspondence
1975-1977
SUPER VISION correspondence, 1975-1977
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 37
SUPER VISION production documents
SUPER VISION production documents
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 38
SUPER VISION publicity photographs
SUPER VISION publicity photographs
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 39
Working script of SUPER VISION
1975
Working script of SUPER VISION, 1975
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 40
SUPER VISION press clippings
1976
SUPER VISION press clippings, 1976
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Subseries 13: THE TVTV SHOW (1977)
1975-1977, undated
Physical Description: 5 Folders
Scope and Contents
Arranged chronologically within folders, this subseries consists of materials created during the planning, production, and
distribution of THE TVTV SHOW (1977). Preproduction materials include handwritten notes from production meetings, drafts of
scenes, technical information from NBC, receipt for deposit of the finished script with the Writers' Guild of America, and
related items. Correspondence spans from the planning stages to distribution, and includes preliminary proposals; letters
to colleagues, funders, and crew; and negotiations of legal and financial agreements. Also included are production stills
and a draft of the script, as well as press clippings of reviews.
Carton 1, Folder 41
THE TVTV SHOW production notes and documents
1976, undated
THE TVTV SHOW production notes and documents, 1976, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 42
THE TVTV SHOW correspondence
1976-1977, undated
THE TVTV SHOW correspondence, 1976-1977, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 43
THE TVTV SHOW publicity stills
THE TVTV SHOW publicity stills
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 44
Draft script of THE TVTV SHOW (1977)
1976
Draft script of THE TVTV SHOW (1977), 1976
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 45
THE TVTV SHOW press clippings
1977, undated
THE TVTV SHOW press clippings, 1977, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Subseries 14: Unrealized projects
1973-1979, undated
Physical Description: 12 Folders
Scope and Contents
Arranged chronologically within folders, this subseries consists of materials created in all stages of planning a large number
of programs that were not ultimately produced by TVTV. These include budgets; notes for program ideas; full treatments for
shows; correspondence with potential funding sources and television stations, as well as with colleagues and media outlets;
and many other types of materials. Documents related to three unrealized projects have been kept separate in their original
order: THE WASHINGTON BUREAU, GLASS EYE, and 1976. The bulk of this subseries contains materials for a program called PRIME
TIME that spent many years in development by TVTV. The PRIME TIME materials have been separated into folders reflecting various
aspects of the production, from research to planning and budgeting.
Carton 1, Folder 46
Unrealized projects documents and correspondence
1973-1974
Unrealized projects documents and correspondence, 1973-1974
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 47
Unrealized projects documents and correspondence
1974-1979
Unrealized projects documents and correspondence, 1974-1979
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 48
Unrealized projects documents and correspondence
Unrealized projects documents and correspondence
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 49
THE WASHINGTON BUREAU production planning notes
1974
THE WASHINGTON BUREAU production planning notes, 1974
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 50
GLASS EYE production planning notes
1975
GLASS EYE production planning notes, 1975
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 51
1976 proposal packet
Approximately 1975
1976 proposal packet, Approximately 1975
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 52
PRIME TIME planning and correspondence
1973-1977
PRIME TIME planning and correspondence, 1973-1977
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 53
PRIME TIME planning and correspondence,
PRIME TIME planning and correspondence,
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 1, Folder 54
PRIME TIME production documents, receipts, and budgets
1977, undated
PRIME TIME production documents, receipts, and budgets, 1977, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 55
PRIME TIME research materials
1964, 1967, 1972, 1974-1975
PRIME TIME research materials, 1964, 1967, 1972, 1974-1975
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 56
PRIME TIME research materials
1976-1977
PRIME TIME research materials, 1976-1977
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 57
PRIME TIME research materials
1978-1979, undated
PRIME TIME research materials, 1978-1979, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Subseries 15: Videotape raw shot logs and edit logs
1974-1976, undated
Physical Description: 15 Binders
Scope and Contents
Arranged chronologically, this subseries consists of binders used to log raw footage and edits during the production of several
TVTV programs and one unidentifiable production. Binders contain between approximately 50 to approximately 250 pages of timecode
logs, notes, and related information culled from raw footage and rough edits.
Carton 2, Binder 1
Tape logs for THE WORLD'S LARGEST TV STUDIO and FOUR MORE YEARS
1972
Tape logs for THE WORLD'S LARGEST TV STUDIO and FOUR MORE YEARS, 1972
Physical Description: 1 Binder
Carton 2, Binder 2
GERALD FORD'S AMERICA tape logs, "Volume I: 1-100"
1974, undated
GERALD FORD'S AMERICA tape logs, "Volume I: 1-100", 1974, undated
Physical Description: 1 Binder
Carton 2, Binder 3
GERALD FORD'S AMERICA tape logs, "Volume II: 101->", 1974, undated
1974, undated
GERALD FORD'S AMERICA tape logs, "Volume II: 101->", 1974, undated, 1974, undated
Physical Description: 1 Binder
Carton 2, Binder 4
GERALD FORD'S AMERICA tape logs, "Volume III: 260 ->"
1974, undated
GERALD FORD'S AMERICA tape logs, "Volume III: 260 ->", 1974, undated
Physical Description: 1 Binder
Carton 2, Binder 5
GERALD FORD'S AMERICA tape logs, "GFA Vol. 4 Orig."
1974, undated
GERALD FORD'S AMERICA tape logs, "GFA Vol. 4 Orig.", 1974, undated
Physical Description: 1 Binder
Carton 2, Binder 6
GERALD FORD'S AMERICA tape logs, "GFA 5"
1974, undated
GERALD FORD'S AMERICA tape logs, "GFA 5", 1974, undated
Physical Description: 1 Binder
Carton 2, Binder 7
TVTV GOES TO THE SUPERBOWL tape logs, "Superbowl"
1976
TVTV GOES TO THE SUPERBOWL tape logs, "Superbowl", 1976
Physical Description: 1 Binder
Carton 2, Binder 8
TVTV GOES TO THE SUPERBOWL tape logs, "Superbowl 1 Orig."
1976
TVTV GOES TO THE SUPERBOWL tape logs, "Superbowl 1 Orig.", 1976
Physical Description: 1 Binder
Carton 2, Binder 9
THE BOB DYLAN HARD RAIN SPECIAL tape logs, "Bob Dylan Special Duplicate"
1976
THE BOB DYLAN HARD RAIN SPECIAL tape logs, "Bob Dylan Special Duplicate", 1976
Physical Description: 1 Binder
Carton 3, Binder 10
SUPER VISION (1976) tape logs, "Super Vision Original"
1975-1976
SUPER VISION (1976) tape logs, "Super Vision Original", 1975-1976
Physical Description: 1 Binder
Carton 3, Binder 11
TVTV LOOKS AT THE OSCARS tape logs, "Oscars Pt. 1 Original"
1975-1976
TVTV LOOKS AT THE OSCARS tape logs, "Oscars Pt. 1 Original", 1975-1976
Physical Description: 1 Binder
Carton 3, Binder 12
TVTV LOOKS AT THE OSCARS tape logs, "Oscars Pt. 2 Originals"
1976
TVTV LOOKS AT THE OSCARS tape logs, "Oscars Pt. 2 Originals", 1976
Physical Description: 1 Binder
Carton 3, Binder 13
TVTV LOOKS AT THE OSCARS tape logs, "Quad Log + Edit Log"
1976
TVTV LOOKS AT THE OSCARS tape logs, "Quad Log + Edit Log", 1976
Physical Description: 1 Binder
Carton 3, Binder 14
TVTV LOOKS AT THE OSCARS tape logs, "Edit Log Oscars"
1976
TVTV LOOKS AT THE OSCARS tape logs, "Edit Log Oscars", 1976
Physical Description: 1 Binder
Carton 3, Binder 15
"Shields Log," unknown production
"Shields Log," unknown production
Physical Description: 1 Binder
Series 2: TVTV corporate papers and general correspondence
1972-1979, 1981, undated
Physical Description: 9 Folders
Arrangement
This series is divided into two subseries:
- Subseries 1: Corporate papers, 1973-1978, undated
- Subseries 2: General correspondence, 1972-1979, 1981
Scope and Contents
Arranged chronologically within folders, this series consists of papers related to the incorporation, staffing, and operations
of TVTV, as well as general correspondence related to the organization. These papers are primarily separate from any particular
project and reflect the evolving goals of TVTV.
Subseries 1: Corporate papers
1973-1978, undated
Physical Description: 2 Folders
Scope and Contents
This subseries consists of documents and correspondence related to the operations of TVTV as a corporate entity. These include
budget, staffing, and technical concerns, as well as creative and personal discussions.
Carton 4, Folder 58
Corporate papers
1973-1976
Corporate papers, 1973-1976
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 59
Corporate papers
1977-1978, undated
Corporate papers, 1977-1978, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Subseries 2: General correspondence
1972-1979, 1981, 1983, 1986-1987, 2012, undated
Physical Description: 7 Folders
Scope and Contents
This subseries has been arranged by date, as there was no original order to the TVTV correspondence files. The exceptions
to this are as follows: a group of correspondence with WNET regarding distribution and broadcast of TVTV materials; a packet
of materials related to the distribution of TVTV works by Electronic Arts Intermix; and correspondence with PFA curator Steve
Seid about TVTV donations. These materials have been kept separate and arranged by date within folders.
Carton 4, Folder 60
General correspondence, 1972-1975
1972-1975
General correspondence, 1972-1975, 1972-1975
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 61
General correspondence, 1/1/1976-8/31/1976
1/1/1976-8/31/1976
General correspondence, 1/1/1976-8/31/1976, 1/1/1976-8/31/1976
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 62
General correspondence, 9/1/1976-12/31/1976
9/1/1976-12/31/1976
General correspondence, 9/1/1976-12/31/1976, 9/1/1976-12/31/1976
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 63
General correspondence, 1977
1977
General correspondence, 1977, 1977
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 64
General Correspondence, 1978-1979, 1981, 1983, 1986-1987
1978-1979, 1981, 1983, 1986-1987
General Correspondence, 1978-1979, 1981, 1983, 1986-1987, 1978-1979, 1981, 1983, 1986-1987
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 65
WNET distribution correspondence
1975-1976
WNET distribution correspondence, 1975-1976
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 66
Correspondence with Steve Seid
2012
Correspondence with Steve Seid, 2012
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Series 3: Artwork and related materials
1972, 1974, undated
Physical Description: 9 Folders, 7 Containers
Arrangement
This series is subdivided into four subseries:
- Subseries 1: Scrapbooks
- Subseries 2: Stickers, posters, stationery, artwork mockups, and related material
- Subseries 3: Original artwork and photographs, undated
- Subseries 4: 3-dimensional artefacts
Scope and Contents
This series consists of original artwork, designs and mockups for stationery and promotional materials, photographs, and scrapbooks.
Some of these materials are associated with TVTV productions, or were created as artistic diaries of the productions, while
others were intended for general use by the group. TVTV designed many versions of its corporate letterhead, frequently designing
special stationery, stamps, and other materials specifically themed around a show under production. Much of the correspondence
TVTV conducted was typed on this custom-made stationery. This series contains both original drawings for these materials and
copies of the finished products, as well as a collection of stationery designs from various organizations that served as inspiration.
Also included in this series are similar works created by affiliated groups such as Ant Farm. Three scrapbooks in this series
document daily life of the TVTV crew on location shoots. Materials for mock press badges include photographs, mockups, and
printed badges.
Subseries 1: Scrapbooks
1972, 1974, undated
Physical Description: 4 Containers
Scope and Contents
Three scrapbooks in this subseries were made in the process of shooting footage for THE WORLD'S LARGEST TV STUDIO, FOUR MORE
YEARS, and LORD OF THE UNIVERSE. The scrapbooks include photographs of the TVTV crew on location, as well as many humorous
drawings, notes, newspaper clippings, and other additions. An additional scrapbook consists of similar materials, but is unrelated
to a specific production.
Container 1
Scrapbook related to THE WORLD'S LARGEST TV STUDIO
1972
Scrapbook related to THE WORLD'S LARGEST TV STUDIO, 1972
Physical Description: 1 Scrapbook
Container 2
Scrapbook related to FOUR MORE YEARS
1972
Scrapbook related to FOUR MORE YEARS, 1972
Physical Description: 1 Scrapbook
Container 3
Photo album diary related to THE LORD OF THE UNIVERSE
1974
Photo album diary related to THE LORD OF THE UNIVERSE, 1974
Physical Description: 1 Scrapbook
Container 4
Scrapbook of artwork, clippings, and sketches
Scrapbook of artwork, clippings, and sketches
Physical Description: 1 Scrapbook
Subseries 2: Stickers, posters, stationery, artwork mockups, and related material
Physical Description: 6 Folders
Carton 4, Folder 67
Original artwork
undated
Original artwork, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 68
Posters, stickers, flyers, and related material
undated
Posters, stickers, flyers, and related material, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 69
Stationery and letterhead
undated
Stationery and letterhead, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 70
Duplicates of stationery and letterhead
undated
Duplicates of stationery and letterhead, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 71
Inspirational letterhead designs
undated
Inspirational letterhead designs, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 72
Ant Farm and related organizations' letterhead
undated
Ant Farm and related organizations' letterhead, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Subseries 3: Identification photos, press badges, and original artwork
Physical Description: 3 Folders
Scope and Contents
This subseries consists of mock press badges for TVTV crew. Materials are separated by type: original mockups for the badges,
printed badges, and identification photographs to be affixed to the completed badges. The photographs have been kept in their
original envelopes.
Carton 4, Folder 73
Artwork and mockups for badges
undated
Artwork and mockups for badges, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 74
Printed press badges
undated
Printed press badges, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 75
Identification photographs
undated
Identification photographs, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Subseries 4: Three-dimensional objects
Physical Description: 3 Containers
Scope and Contents
This subseries consists of a variety of objects created by TVTV. Included is an embosser for the TVTV corporate seal; a plastic
colored map of the United States; a roll of custom TVTV labels; and a set of political pins.
Container 5
TVTV corporate seal embosser
undated
TVTV corporate seal embosser, undated
Physical Description: 1 Item
Scope and Contents
This is a standard office embosser for paper that represents the corporate seal of TVTV, Inc. Includes an imitation leather
pouch. Dimensions are approximately 4.5 in x 4.5 in. x 2 in..
Container 6
Shrinky-dink map
undated
Shrinky-dink map, undated
Physical Description: 1 Item
Scope and Contents
Plastic "Shrinky-dink" map of the United States with the TVTV logo drawn on it. Dimensions are approximately 3 in. x 2 in..
Container 7
TVTV tape labels
undated
TVTV tape labels, undated
Physical Description: 1 Item
Scope and Contents
This is a roll of labels printed with blank fields for TVTV productions, probably intended for use on 1-inch Type C videotape
cases. Dimensions are approximately 2 in. x 5 in.
Series 4: Publications and writings by and about TVTV
1972-1978, 1983-1984, 1997, 2004, undated
Physical Description: 13 Folders
Arrangement
This series is subdivided into five subseries:
- Subseries 1: Published material by TVTV and members, 1973, 1974, 1978
- Subseries 2: Published material about TVTV, bulk 1974-1976, 1972, 1983, 2004, undated
- Subseries 3: Unpublished material about TVTV, 1976, 1997, undated
- Subseries 4: Exhibition and lecture materials, 1971, 1976, 2004, undated
- Subseries 5: TVTV distribution through Electronic Arts Intermix, 1974-1983 (bulk)
Scope and Contents
This series is arranged chronologically by material type and consists of published and unpublished writings by and about TVTV
and its members. These writings were created in diverse settings and for very different needs and include: critical and humorous
print articles, announcements and advertisements for works by TVTV, scholarly and technical writings, and materials related
to exhibitions featuring TVTV. Included is a booklet published by TVTV in 1974,
The Prime Time Survey, which recounts the history of television, details the state of the art of video recording technology, and predicts the future
of broadcast media.
Subseries 1: Published material by TVTV and members
1973, 1975, 1974, 1978
Physical Description: 3 Folders
Carton 4, Folder 76
Newspaper and magazine clippings
1973, 1975, 1978
Newspaper and magazine clippings, 1973, 1975, 1978
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 77
The Prime Time Survey
1974
The Prime Time Survey, 1974
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 78
Promotional material for and reviews of The Prime Time Survey
1974
Promotional material for and reviews of The Prime Time Survey, 1974
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Subseries 2: Published material about TVTV
Bulk 1974-1976, 1972, 1983, 2004, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Scope and Contents
This subseries consists of materials about TVTV and its members that appeared in published form. This includes critical assessments,
announcements and listings of TVTV broadcasts, and retrospective pieces. These materials are arranged chronologically, with
1976 representing the most prolific year.
Carton 4, Folder 79
Published material about TVTV
1972, 1974-1975, 1983, 1985, 2004, undated
Published material about TVTV, 1972, 1974-1975, 1983, 1985, 2004, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Subseries 3: Unpublished material about TVTV
1976, 1997, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Scope and Contents
This subseries consists of unpublished writings about TVTV, including a conference paper, a student term paper, and a draft
of an apparently unpublished article.
Carton 4, Folder 80
Unpublished material about TVTV
1976, 1997, undated
Unpublished material about TVTV, 1976, 1997, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Subseries 4: Exhibition and lecture materials
1971, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1986, 2004, undated
Physical Description: 7 Folders
Scope and Contents
This subseries consists of materials created in preparation for lectures by TVTV members, as well as programs, correspondence,
and other materials related to museum exhibitions featuring TVTV.
Carton 4, Folder 81
Lecture materials
1971, 1976, undated
Lecture materials, 1971, 1976, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 82
National Video Festival program
1981
National Video Festival program, 1981
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 83
Whitney Museum of Art exhibition
1984
Whitney Museum of Art exhibition, 1984
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 84
International Center for Photography exhibition correspondence
1986
International Center for Photography exhibition correspondence, 1986
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 85
International Center for Photography exhibition flyers and programs
1986
International Center for Photography exhibition flyers and programs, 1986
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 86
Long Beach Museum of Art flyer
1986
Long Beach Museum of Art flyer, 1986
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 87
Museum of Television and Radio festival program
2004
Museum of Television and Radio festival program, 2004
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Subseries 5: TVTV distribution through Electronic Arts Intermix
1974-1983 (bulk)
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Scope and Contents
This subseries consists of a collection of published materials about TVTV works as well as a filmography and various similar
items. These were apparently sent as a packet to Electronic Arts Intermix (EAI), a video distributor in New York City, in
preparation for the distribution of TVTV's works in the mid-1980s.
Carton 4, Folder 88
TVTV EAI distribution information
1974-1983 (bulk)
TVTV EAI distribution information, 1974-1983 (bulk)
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Series 5: Side projects and post-TVTV materials
1975-1979, undated
Physical Description: 6 Folders
Arrangement
This series is subdivided into five subseries:
- Subseries 1: TVTV and the Coalition for New Public Affairs Programming, 1975-1976, undated
- Subseries 2: Michael Shamberg: MALLORY OF EVEREST, 1977, undated
- Subseries 3: Wendy Apple and Megan Williams: DAYDREAMS, 1977, undated
- Subseries 4: Megan Williams/Videopolis: DRUG OF CHOICE, 1977-1978, undated
- Subseries 5: Michael Shamberg: THE SIDEKICK,1978-1979, undated
Scope and Contents
This series is arranged chronologically and consists of materials produced by TVTV and its members outside of official TVTV
productions. This includes materials related to an independent television advocacy group supported by TVTV members, as well
as materials created by TVTV members for film and television productions outside of TVTV, during and immediately after the
dissolution of the collective. The items created for outside productions include research materials, correspondence, and production
notes such as budgets and treatments.
Subseries 1: TVTV and the Coalition for New Public Affairs Programming
1975-1976, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Scope and Contents
This subseries consists primarily of correspondence related to TVTV's participation in the Coalition for New Public Affairs
Programming. CNPAP was an advocacy group that aimed to direct public broadcasting funding to alternative (or alternative-minded)
producers such as TVTV and similar groups.
Carton 4, Folder 89
TVTV and the Coalition for New Public Affairs Programming
1975-1976, undated
TVTV and the Coalition for New Public Affairs Programming, 1975-1976, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Subseries 2: Michael Shamberg: MALLORY OF EVEREST
1977, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 90
Michael Shamberg: MALLORY OF EVEREST
1977, undated
Michael Shamberg: MALLORY OF EVEREST, 1977, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Subseries 3: Wendy Apple and Megan Williams: DAYDREAMS
1977, undated
Physical Description: 2 Folders
Carton 4, Folder 91
DAYDREAMS production notes, documents, and correspondence
1977, undated
DAYDREAMS production notes, documents, and correspondence, 1977, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 92
DAYDREAMS research materials
1977, undated
DAYDREAMS research materials, 1977, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Subseries 4: Megan Williams/Videopolis: DRUG OF CHOICE
1977-1978, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 93
Megan Williams/Videopolis: DRUG OF CHOICE
1977-1978, undated
Megan Williams/Videopolis: DRUG OF CHOICE, 1977-1978, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Subseries 5: Michael Shamberg: THE SIDEKICK
1978-1979, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder
Carton 4, Folder 94
Michael Shamberg: THE SIDEKICK
1978-1979, undated
Michael Shamberg: THE SIDEKICK, 1978-1979, undated
Physical Description: 1 Folder