Collection Guide
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Ken Coupland Films of Two Frank O'Hara Plays, 1992, 1996, undated
GLC 103
GLC 103
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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.
Language of Materials: Collection materials are in English.
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.
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.
[Identification of item], Ken Coupland Films of Two Frank O'Hara Plays (GLC 103), Gay and Lesbian Center, San Francisco Public
Library.
Donated by William Farley for the estate of Ken Coupland, April 8, 2015.
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.
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."
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