Davison (Jon) papers, 1970-1987, bulk 1981-1987

Collection context

Summary

Title:
Jon Davison papers
Dates:
1970-1987, bulk 1981-1987
Creators:
Davison, Jon
Extent:
2 linear feet of papers.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Jon Davison papers, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Background

Scope and content:

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.

Biographical / historical:

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).

Acquisition information:
Gift of Jon Davison, 2001-2008
Arrangement:

Arranged in the following series: 1. Production files.

Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Indexed terms

Subjects:
producers
Names:
Davison, Jon , 1949---Archives.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Special Collections
Date Prepared:
© 2014
Date Encoded:
Machine-readable finding aid derived from Inmagic. Date of source: September 22, 2014

Access and use

Restrictions:

Available by appointment only.

Terms of access:

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.

Preferred citation:

Jon Davison papers, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Location of this collection:
333 S. La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90211, US
Contact:
(310) 247-3036 extension 2226