Coupland (Ken) Films of Two Frank O'Hara Plays, 1992, 1996, undated

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Summary

Title:
Ken Coupland Films of Two Frank O'Hara Plays,
Dates:
1992, 1996, undated
Creators:
Coupland, Ken
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.
Extent:
2.0 boxes (8 VHS videotapes, 2 U-matic videotapes, 1 DVD, 4 Super-8 reels)
Language:
Collection materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Ken Coupland Films of Two Frank O'Hara Plays (GLC 103), Gay and Lesbian Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Background

Scope and content:

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."

Biographical / historical:

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.

Acquisition information:
Donated by William Farley for the estate of Ken Coupland, April 8, 2015.
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.

Physical location:
The collection is stored onsite.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Indexed terms

Names:
O'Hara, Frank, 1926-1966

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid prepared by Tim Wilson
Date Prepared:
2015
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit 2015-05-11T12:51-0700

Access and use

Restrictions:

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.

Terms of access:

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.

Location of this collection:
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102, US
Contact:
(415) 557-4567
sfhistory@sfpl.org
Website