Do Filmmakers and Movie Studios Preserve Out of Print Movies?

When a movie becomes out of print or unavailable in its original format, many wonder whether filmmakers and movie studios retain copies. This article delves into the practices of filmmakers, studios, and archives, and addresses the questions surrounding the preservation of out of print movies.

Preservation Practices of Filmmakers

Most filmmakers do retain copies of their works, regardless of their popularity or financial success. This practice stems from the recognition of the film as a valuable piece of their artistic and creative output. For instance, personal collections and archives often hold master copies, interpositives, and other forms of film stock. These physical assets are safeguarded to ensure that the films can be restored, preserved, or re-released in the future.

However, not all filmmakers are meticulous about preserving their films. The case of Robert-Hartford Davis, the director of the 1972 film "Nobody Ordered Love," exemplifies one such instance. Upon his death, all prints of the movie were destroyed at his explicit request, highlighting the individual preferences and decisions that can affect the availability of films.

Preservation Practices of Movie Studios

Movie studios, on the other hand, tend to be more systematic in their approach to film preservation. Studios hold onto numerous productions, which explains why missing titles suddenly reappear on VOD platforms or in film festivals. This stockpile of unreleased or out of print movies is often due to the studios' business model, which aims to maximize the profit from their film libraries. Therefore, even if a movie is no longer commercially viable, it may still be accessible through studio archives.

Lists of Missing and Partially-Missing Films

Despite the efforts of filmmakers and studios, some movies do remain lost or incomplete. Lists compiled by curation organizations and enthusiasts provide a record of these missing titles. Two notable lists are:

List of Incomplete or Partially Lost Films - Wikipedia

This list documents films where at least some footage is missing, often due to deterioration, destruction, or simply unknown whereabouts. The loss of these films impacts the historical record and the potential for future preservation and restoration.

List of Lost Films - Wikipedia

This more comprehensive list includes films that are presumed entirely lost. One particular gem from this list is the 1972 film "Nobody Ordered Love," all prints of which were destroyed after the director's death at his request. This case underscores the personal and sentimental values that filmmakers place on their work, sometimes leading to the destruction of film copies.

Conclusion

While the overwhelming majority of filmmakers and movie studios do preserve copies of their films, there are instances where individual preferences or circumstances lead to a loss of films. Lists and archives play a crucial role in compiling and preserving information about missing and lost films, ensuring that some of the cinematic world's treasures do not fade into total obscurity.

Keyword Cloud

out of print movies filmmakers movie studios preservation availability