In this exhibit, guests are able to explore the history, present and future of African Americans in front of and behind the camera, while learning about the challenges and rewards of working in this highly visible field. The exhibit is a part of the Museum's annual Black Creativity celebration, which began in 1971, and features a six-week program that highlights the achievements and heritage of African Americans.
This year's exhibit runs through March 2, 2008 and is principally sponsored by The Chicago Community Trust and Affiliates, with sponsor Citibank and media partners NBC5 and Clear Channel.
Star Power
Guests will enter The Magic and Science of Cinema and Television through a movie-theater marquee and receive the Hollywood treatment with spotlights, palm trees and, of course, a real red carpet. As they walk the carpet, they are introduced to some of the African-American greats of the big and small screen through clips, displays and vintage posters from films like "Carmen Jones," as well as posters of modern classics such as
"Shaft" and "The Color Purple."
Through flat-screen video panels, guests trace the history of African Americans in film and television, going as far back as the silent-film era of the early 1920s and Oscar Micheaux, the first African American to produce and direct a film. More contemporary movie clips showcase films such as "Malcolm X," which was directed by Spike Lee, and stars academy award winning actor Denzel Washington; as well as the film "Space Jam," starring basketball legend and Chicago icon Michael Jordan. Guests will also be treated to a montage of popular African-American sitcoms and cartoons including "Good Times," "The Cosby Show," "Everybody Hates Chris," and "Julia," which stared Diahann Carroll, the first African-American woman to star in her own sitcom.
Costuming
Other areas of the exhibit allow guests to take a closer look at the costuming.
Artifacts on display include a leather outfit worn by Samuel L. Jackson in the 2000 remake of "Shaft," a zoot suit and sweater worn respectively by actors Denzel Washington and Angela Bassett in the movie "Malcolm X," and a hat worn by actor Eddie Murphy in the 2002 remake of "I Spy."
Sound Effects
The sound effects station allows guests to craft their own soundtrack on a real Foley soundstage. Foley stages are used in the movie-making process to add both subtle and distinct sounds to a film's soundtrack that traditional movie microphones don't pick up. This includes footsteps, squeaking doors, breaking glass and all the various "bangs" and "clanks" that appear in films and on television. Using everyday household items, guests will be able add sounds to an action scene that is displayed on large monitors.
Set Design
Guests can explore a recreated set of the dining room from the movie "Soul Food," learn about the principles of set design and discover how filmmakers can make small corners on movie sets look much larger on film.
Television Production
Guests will step inside "BCTV," the Museum's very own television station where monitors take them behind the scenes to a newsroom production studio. Guests can also take a seat on the couch of the Museum's talk show where the "host"—a Museum staff member—welcomes them sit on the couch as they are interviewed about their favorite films and television shows. They are quizzed on "little known facts" about African Americans in cinema and television—a right answer receives a round of applause from pre-recorded sound effects, while a wrong answer receives a buzzer.
Meet the "Stars" and Uncover the Opportunities
After Museum-goers have had a taste of what it takes to create the behind-the-scenes elements of movies and television, they can view a timeline of historical films and their filmmakers and trace the history of African Americans in the industry. The many diverse careers in the industry are profiled—including writers, directors, executive producers, digital artists, animators, colorists, camera operators, sound supervisors, sound technicians, boom operators, production managers, stage managers, key grips and sound effect editors.
Display cases feature awards on loan from notable African Americans such as Mara Akil-Brock, the creator and writer for the sitcom "Girlfriends," as well as a real Academy Award of Merit from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences—more popularly known as an "Oscar."
Biographies and clips of African Americans in the film and television industry are scattered throughout this area for inspiration. Individuals featured include:
• George Tillman – writer and director of the film "Soul Food";
• Floyd Norman – an animator whose long career includes his work on Disney's "The Jungle Book" as well as Pixar's "Monsters, Inc.";
• Julie Dash – director of the critically acclaimed "Daughters of the Dust";
• Willie Burton – Noted sound editor and Academy Award winner for his work on the 2007 film "Dreamgirls";
• Chris Rock – Successful actor and comedian in film as well as writer and producer of the television show, "Everybody Hates Chris," which is loosely based on his childhood;
• Bruce Smith – Creator and animator of the successful cartoon "The Proud Family," which depicts an African-American girl and her family;
• Tim Story – Director of the "Fantastic Four" films as well as the film "Barbershop," which was filmed locally on Chicago's south side;
• Debra Martin-Chase – Executive producer for the "Cheetah Girls" series (starring actress Raven Symone) as well as "The Princess Diaries" films; and
• Oprah Winfrey – Successful talk show host, actress and CEO of Harpo Studios.
The Magic and Science and Cinema and Television runs through March 2, 2008, and is supported with programming that includes a juried art exhibition (open for the duration of the exhibit), a film festival, a Family Day event, symposia, educational workshops and a black-tie gala—all designed to highlight the contributions and achievements of African Americans and encourage deeper interest in black culture and heritage. Chicago-area students also participate in a career bowl that will introduce them to a breadth of employment opportunities and career paths, while earning them cash prizes for their schools.
Since 1971, the Museum has worked with an advisory and gala committee of African-American community leaders to present Black Creativity programming and exhibits that have explored various industries from the perspective of African Americans. Past topics have included agriculture, medicine, film, aviation, music and architecture. -- www.msichicago.org
