About the Film History Detective

James Forsher

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James Forsher has been researching, writing, directing and producing non-fiction programming focusing on Hollywood for over four decades. His television programs include the twenty-six part HOLLYWOOD CHRONICLES for the Discovery Channel (1990), the eight-part CHANGING CULTURE OF THE WORKPLACE (1995), THE HOLLYWOOD CENSORSHIP WARS for the Arts & Entertainment Network (1994), LOST WARRIORS for PBS (1998) and the thirteen part THE 1960’s for Encore! Feature length specials include HOLLYWOOD UNCENSORED and HOLLYWOOD GHOST STORIES (which have aired on such systems as Cinemax and The Movie Channel). He recently developed and narrated the ORF/Langbein production of ELVIS UND DAS MADSCHEN AUS WIEN (2017). Dr.Forsher wrote THE COMMUNITY OF CINEMA: HOW CINEMA AND SPECTACLE TRANSFORMED THE AMERICAN DOWNTOWN (Praeger, 2002).

He has served as a consultant for a number of organizations, including ABC News, PBS Marketplace. He also was a producer of visual content for Pearson and Allyn & Bacon Publishers.

James Forsher is a retired Associate Professor in Communication, having taught at The University of Vienna, California State University, East Bay, Seattle University, Temple University and Florida State University. He has also served as a Fulbright Specialist at the University of Vienna and Klagenfurt University in 2015 and 2018. His background is a blend of an interest in American cultural institutions and communication studies, which he has examined both in written works and as a television producer.

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Archival Producer Services

Our only business is helping filmmakers find the best archival footage for your projects. 

In that pursuit, we start with offering you full access to our in-house film archive, offered to our clients at a substantial discount. We then scour the world for the film clips you need.

Looking for legends talking about their careers like Frank Zappa.

With over 4 decades of experience, we have dozens of in-house

interviews to start with, and access to many, many more.

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Sometimes you just need that 'money shot,' the image that in a

few seconds help define the story you are trying to tell. We will find

you a few to choose from and you can do the rest.

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ARCHIVAL PRODUCER EXPERIENCE; 1975 TO THE PRESENT

Partial list of films and tv shows that i researched, negotiated talent, negotiated and cleared film footage, prepared errors and ommissions packages.

• Elvis and the girl from Vienna. ORF funded co- production with Langbein & Partners. Hour documentary. 2018.

• Roddenberry’s Trek 2006-2015 Feature-length documentary focusing on Gene Roddenberry, creator of Star Trek.

• Pearson Education. Consulting Producer 2005 –2012. Produced over 60 'webisodes,' and created over 100 online assessments tools.

• Best Little Towns in America (Producer/writer) 2002. PBS Florida. Half hour show that examined small towns throughout the southeast.

• Lost Warriors (Producer) 2002. Half-hour PBS documentary on homeless Vietnam Vets. Winner, Telly Award for documentary production.

• Changing Culture of the Workplace (Producer/Director/Writer) 1995. Funded by a grant from the California Dept. of Education and aired nationally on PBS in 1996. 8- part-series, hosted by George Takei, explored structure of the workplace.

• Japanese /American Propaganda Wars (Producer/Co Writer) 1993. Episode of the Arts and Entertainment Time Machine series; the show explored the propaganda wars that occurred during World War Two.

• The Hollywood Censorship Wars (Producer/Co Writer) 1993. Episode of the Arts and Entertainment Time Machine series. Show explored the battle to censor movies, between 1893 and 1992.

• The Future That Never Happened ({Producer/Co Writer) 1993. Episode of the Arts and Entertainment Time Machine series, the show explored popular forecasts of the future made over the past 200 years.

• The 1960's (Producer/Writer) 1992-1993. 13 part series for Liberty Media's Encore! /Starz Movie Channel. The series looked at cultural life during the 1960's in America.

• Hollywood Chronicles (Producer/Writer/Director) 1989. 26 part series produced for the Discovery Channel and hosted by Jackie Cooper. Focused on the history of motion pictures and its impact on America.

• Hollywood Christmas Story (Producer/Writer/Director) 1988. Produced for the Discovery Channel. One hour special explored the Christmas season as told through the movies both on and off screen. Hosted by Rosemary Clooney.

• Hollywood Ghost Stories (Director/Writer) 1984. Hosted by John Carradine. Feature length special about hauntings that take part in Hollywood. Aired on Cinemax, Movie Channel, Discovery & Warner Home Video,

• Hollywood Uncensored (Co-producer and director.)1986. Feature hosted by Peter Fonda & Doug Fairbanks Jr. about film censorship from the 1920's to the mid 1980's. Movie Channel, Cinemax, Warner Home Video

• Commercials: York Seltzer, American Red Cross, Hasbro, Tyco Toys, Matchbox Toys. 1983-1993. Produced and directed series of commercials.

• Ticket to Hollywood (Producer/Director) 1983. Atlantic Releasing Corporation. Feature length special on the publicity system in Hollywood during the 1920's and 1930's. Movie Channel, Media Home Entertainment

• KNBC Channel 4, Public Affairs (Associate Producer) (1980-1982) Produced segments dealing with cultural and religious affairs in Los Angeles.

• Cadillac Hotel (Producer/Director)1979, 1986. The Learning Channel. Documentary hosted by Ed Asner. The Venice, California hotel, composed of men and women ranging in age from 80 to over 100 years.

• Best Show in Town (Producer/Director) 1977. Adolph Zukor recalls how he helped create the feature film industry and Paramount Studios.

• Insight into a Giant (Producer/Director) 1975. Conrad Hilton recalls how he helped create the modern hotel industry.

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