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History Primary Resources

Guide to primary resources in print and digital format

What are primary sources when it comes to film?

Primary sources traditionally refer to documents or other items that provide first-hand, eyewitness accounts of events. When it comes to film these may include:

  • the film itself
  • oral histories/interviews of actors/producers/directors etc.
  • movie posters/advertisements (think of a PlayBill for theater)
  • film reviews (often published in newspapers or magazines)
  • manuscripts/screenplays

Films/Motion Pictures