Stephen Slappe, Professor of Video & Sound at PNCA, presents a crop of 16mm film gems exploring the world of design and advertising in the 1960’s and 1970’s.
1.
Messages
, 1967 - This jazzy short film discusses the basics of typography through a montage of colorful signage and advertising in public spaces.
2.
Graffiti: Fun or Dumb?
, 1976 - An hilarious look at graffiti in the mid-70’s! While this film concentrates on vandalism, it has a few nods to creative expression and the reclamation of public space.
3.
It’s A Screen-Printed World
, 1960 - From advertising to industrial uses this high-production film features a cheesy, over-the-top host informing us of the myriad uses of screen-printing in the modern world.
4.
The 6 Billion Dollar Sell
, 1976 - A consumer awareness film starring a young Billy Crystal. A mixture of comedic skits, interviews with savvy young consumers, and tests of products including the infamously underperforming Evel Knievel stunt cycle!
5.
Tops
, 1973 - A beautiful film made by influential designers Charles and Ray Eames. The title says it all-- a montage of spinning tops from all over the world with a score by Elmer Bernstein.