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Innovation in Hollywood: Past, Present & Future

Lecture [Return to listing page]
Cahners Theater
With Scott Kirsner, Boston Globe columnist; author, Inventing the Movies: Hollywood's Epic Battle Between Innovation and the Status Quo.

Did you know that we wouldn't have VCRs were it not for Bing Crosby? That Technicolor, the company that brought a "magic rainbow" to the silver screen in The Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind, was founded in Boston in an old railroad car? Or that Thomas Edison invented the forerunner of the video iPod? Writer Scott Kirsner takes us on an illustrated spin through Hollywood history geared both to movie fans and techies. He shows how innovators like Edison, the Warner Brothers, Pixar, George Lucas, Steve Jobs, and Bing Crosby (yes, Mr. "White Christmas") have changed the movie industry — while also facing enormous resistance to their revolutionary ideas. Book signing to follow.

Tickets

Seating is limited. Seating passes are available to the general public in the Museum lobby beginning at 5:45 p.m. the evening of the program. First come, first served. Museum members may reserve a limited number of seating passes in advance. Availability is limited to the number of Exhibit Halls admissions permitted with your membership level. For member reservations, call between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday of the week of the program only: 617-589-3169.

This program is free thanks to the generosity of the Lowell Institute.

Additional funding for adult programs provided by the Barbara and Malcolm L. Sherman Fund for Adult Programs and by the David and Marion Ellis Endowment Fund.

Accessibility for this Offering:

Wheelchair accessible

Schedules:

November 12, 2008: 7:00 pm