The declaration that 80-90% of all silent films made in the U. S., plus 50% of all U. S. films produced before 1951 (when they created safety film) are already lost forever makes the preservation of the film accessories (posters, movie stills, presbooks, etc.) as the remaining historical documents of this social media even more imperative.
BUT...what good is it to preserve these historical production stills if you can't identify them
"Production Code Basics - For Movie Still Collectors" is the first reference book written on how to use movie still production codes to help identify unknown movie stills and costumes.
Production codes came into use around 1912 as the United States became the major international supplier of films and movie studios were driven to increase their production due to increased demand. By 1920 production codes were used by every major film studio and became an indispensable tool utilized in almost every department. Some studios even used production codes to mark their costumes and props.
"Production Code Basics - For Movie Still Collectors" covers every phase from the initial creation and why they were needed, and then moves through the filming process to show the use of stills by each department. Also included is a breakdown of major studios and different variations each studio used. Explanations are included on the process outside of the major studios and cover such areas as states rights, exports, independent studios, distribution, multiple markings and much more.
Ed and Susan Poole are film accessory researchers that have been in the industry for over 35 years. This is their 15th industry related reference book. The Pooles are on a quest to make sure that film accessories such as posters, stills, and pressbooks are not lost through neglect as silent films have been.