Hollywood History

I am a Film Archivist and Digital Asset Specialist who holds a BA in Film from Columbia College Chicago and an MLIS from San José State University. I have built a career dedicated to preserving and documenting Hollywood history. With a personal collection of historical Hollywood photographs and artifacts, I have a deep passion for cinematic heritage.

I gained hands-on experience as a Research Intern at the American Film Institute, contributing to Behind The Veil, a National Endowment for the Humanities project that documents the overlooked contributions of women and people of color in early cinema (1910-1933). Expanding my expertise in archival preservation, I worked as an Archivist and Digital Asset Management (DAM) Intern at Lucasfilm, where I archived, cataloged, and preserved both digital and physical assets.

Currently, I serve as a Photo Archive Coordinator at NBC Universal, where I manage and organize hsitorical, born-digital and digitized assets, perform metadata tagging, photo retouching, and facilitate research requests for historical Hollywood imagery. Through my work, I strive to bridge the past and present, ensuring that film history remains accessible and preserved for future generations.

The Crystal Ascension (1923)

Production and Release

The silent film The Crystal Ascension (1923) is an enigmatic piece of early cinema that remains largely unexamined in mainstream film history. As with many silent-era films, documentation and surviving materials are scarce, making research efforts crucial for preserving its legacy. The Crystal Ascension is listed in archival references from 1923 as was written by woman artist Bettina Brown. It is a short film documentary depicting Mount Hood and its glaciers.

Archival Presence and Preservation Efforts

A key element in uncovering the film’s history is its connection to modern preservation efforts. The film was chosen by National Film Preservation Foundation to preserve this 35mm film through partnership with the Oregon Historical Society, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Library of Congress.

Cultural and Historical Significance

As a silent-era production, The Crystal Ascension represents a period of filmmaking that relied heavily on visual expression and experimental cinematography. With climate change, this film helps document Mount Hood and its glaciers before they melted to the state they are in today.

Exhibitors Trade Review December 15, 1923

Weeping Waters (1923)

Film Production and Release

Weeping Waters was released in 1923, as confirmed by archival references, including a mention in the November and December issues of that year as part of the Pathe Oregon Trail Series. While details regarding its production remain scarce, the film is a reflection of the period’s artistic and technical approaches to silent cinema. The movie was possibly an independent or regional production, which may explain its relative obscurity today. It was written by woman artist Bettina Brown.

Filming Location

One of the notable aspects of Weeping Waters is its filming location. The film was shot at the Punch Bowl, Eagle Creek, in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. This stunning natural backdrop provided a picturesque setting, aligning with the era’s preference for outdoor cinematography that emphasized grandeur and dramatic landscapes. The Columbia River Gorge was a favored location for filmmakers seeking to enhance their narratives with breathtaking scenery, a testament to the film’s visual ambitions.

Archival Presence and Historical Context

The film is referenced in the digital archives of the Oregon Historical Society, specifically within the People’s Theater Kiser Artfilm collection. This connection suggests that the movie may have been part of the artistic filmmaking movement in the Pacific Northwest, a region that saw increasing cinematic activity in the early 20th century. The inclusion of Weeping Waters in such an archive indicates its cultural and historical value, despite its limited modern recognition.