Grant Leenhouts

The Cinematographer

A behind-the-scenes look at the responsibilities of the cinematographer. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2012.

The Screen Writer

This short film focuses on the job of the Hollywood screenwriter.

The Costume Designer

This short focuses on the job of the costume designer in the production of motion pictures. The costume designer must design clothing that is correct for the film historically and geographically, and must be appropriate for the mood of the individual scene. We see famed costume designer Edith Head at work on a production. The Costume Designer was part of The Industry Film Project, a twelve-part series produced by the film studios and the Academy. Each series episode was produced to inform the public on a specific facet of the motion picture industry. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2012.

The Soundman

This short on movie sound men starts with a short history of sound in the movies. We then see how the different jobs in the sound department contribute to the finished film. They start with the technicians, who record the original sounds, and end with the re-recording mixer who takes several different tracks and blends them into a single soundtrack. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in partnership with Library of Congress Motion Picture, Broadcasting, and Recorded Sound Division in 2012.

Let's Go to the Movies

What goes in to the phrase, "Let's go to the movies"? An off-screen narrator takes us back to the earliest days of film: clips remind us of early stars and blockbusters. He explains how sound came to motion pictures: we see Jolson singing "Mammy" and John Barrymore playing Richard III. Next is a salute to the 30,000 people working in Hollywood at 272 different crafts. A montage shows us some of those jobs. It ends with a look at the physical production of celluloid (cotton and silver) and the many aspects of movie making. The narrator promises more short films about each step in production. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2012.

This Theatre and You

Produced in association with the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences as part of a twelve part series called The Industry Film Project, meant to inform the public about specific facets of production and industry life. Movie theaters are located in most towns. They bring to the public not only one of the most affordable forms of mass entertainment but many other aspects of life through the films shown and through the theater's other uses. As a business, the theater is a vital part of the economic community, employing people, but also dependent on the public for its livelihood. The theater manager is the key person who ensures that every aspect of the theater runs smoothly. As the key business person for the establishment, he is also usually an integral part of business and community organizations in the town. He also ensures that the theater shows what the public wants to see, which can be a difficult task. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2012.

Movies Are Adventure

Produced in association with the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences as part of a twelve part series called The Industry Film Project, meant to inform the public about specific facets of production and industry life. It shows that the "magic seat" of a movie theater can transport the movie-goer to all types of adventures, such as the Oklahoma land rush; being rescued by a sheik in the Sahara Desert; watching a huge ape climb the Empire State Building; or experiencing a hurricane in the south Pacific. No matter what type of thrill your looking for, you'll find it on the big screen. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in partnership with Library of Congress Motion Picture, Broadcasting, and Recorded Sound Division in 2012.

California's Golden Beginning

A description and enactment of the discovery of gold by James Marshall, and the role played by John Sutter. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive.