With many thanks to The University of Indiana Libraries Moving Image Archive, we are very happy and proud to be able to present an amazing piece of historic video that takes us, in two parts, first on a  technical tour of CBS Studio 50, or as it is better known now; The Ed Sullivan Theater. CBS Director of Technical Services, Bob Hammer takes us from the stage, where we get a close look the Marconi Mark IV cameras, their lenses, pan heads and pedestals and to the mics and booms, all the way into the control room and even the equipment room for the most detailed look we have ever had of this historic broadcast facility. You’ll even see lens differences and Zoom demonstrations at the camera and in the control room, special effects wipes and how the cameras are shaded.

Here is Part 1

In Part 2, CBS’s Carlton Winkler, Director of Production Services leads a discussion on what this seminar is really about…production accounting, but it is not as dry as you might think! In this part you’ll see how the planning and budgeting bring about a full set that you will see erected in real time on the Sullivan stage. You’ll get to know what “above the line and below the line” costs are and a look at how the sets were built and then erected and perfected on stage, complete with a back screen projection unit adding to the reality of the scene. You’ll also see the rigging loft, stage and lighting details as this video alternates between lecture and two scenes that show the staging elements.

Here is Part 2

Originally, when this came to us from The Indiana University Libraries Moving Image Archive, this was one long presentation but thanks to our editing pro Jack Niesi (at NBC NY), we made two parts of it and were able through considerable editing (on the first part) to maximize Mr. Hammer’s oral delivery skills.

I would like to thank Jack for the long hours he spent on this project, but most especially, I want to thank or friend Dr. Mike Conway, who is a professor of Journalism at Indiana University for his help getting permission for us to use this video, as well as for writing “THE ORIGINS OF TELEVISION NEWS IN AMERICA”, which is THE BEST BOOK I have ever read on this subject.

I also wish to thank Carmel Curtis, Moving Image Curator at The University of Indiana for advocating for Eyes Of A Generation to present this information to you and to the Director of the Moving Image Archives for approving our display.