Throwaway Society, American Collectors Film

Throwaway Society

If you haven't read the book, "Cheap, the High Cost of Discount Culture", http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106431468
you really should check it out. It brings to mind so many of the clothes I've purchased lately that have fallen apart
within months of bringing home. Things are made to be replaced rather than repaired.

Contrast that with the clothes that you can find in a vintage shop. They have already been around for
over 40 years, with zippers still intact and functional. back then, it would be unthinkable to have to replace a winter
coat after one season, because the plastic snaps and zippers have disintegrated.

That's why I love to look at collections of things we use and see something made 75 years ago still
in good shape and ready to be resurected. In the documentary film, American Collectors, many of the collectors interviewed also
expressed the admiration of the quality and fact the items they collect have a long history and can still be used.

I know for myself that's why I'm attacted to older things, more care was taken in the construction and they were made to be handed down,
not thrown in the landfill. We have to thank collectors for saving these objects, they preserve our history and the planet too!

For more information about American Collectors please go to www.AmericanCollectorsMovie.com

Film Critic Robert Horton Interview "American Collectors" directors on PBS

Watch the full episode. See more Reel NW.

American Collectors film Streaming on PBS Kcts 9

Our film American Collectors is streaming online . Please check it out at

http://video.kcts9.org/video/1708621019/

A Binary Recording Studio Production

Directors of American Collectors film win Award

Bob Ridgley and Terri Krantz directors of the film “American Collectors” has been awarded for their excellence in film making by the Bellingham Arts Commission . A Binary Studio Production.

Worlds Largest Duran Duran Poster Collection by Collector Durandy

Hello! I wanted to share a fun little happening.... From Durandy ,a collector in the American Collectors Film

Ever wonder who the Northwest's biggest collectors are?

Last year, I was approached by Bob Ridgley and Terri Krantz, a filmmaking team who were making a documentary called American Collectors. Their film profiles people who collect a variety of things: purses, pianos, tractors, free AOL internet CDs -- a marvelous, eclectic array of personalities. Bob and Terri had heard of me, and wished to learn more about my particular passion. As curator/owner of the world's largest collection of Duran Duran posters, I was happy to fill them in. With a trip to the archive and a little on-camera exposition, I tried my best to convey the breadth and depth of my Duran-designed devotion.

After interviewing 40 collectors, the film's scope was narrowed down to 16 featured subjects, and I had the pleasure and privilege of being one of those 16. Last night, the film premiered at Bellingham's Pickford Theater.

The documentary was delightful! A colorful assortment of people shed light on the collecting phenomenon with a mix of humor, pride, and revealing honesty. Among the highlights: a big KISS memorabilia collector adorned his bathroom with rare artifacts from floor to ceiling, and his young son showed signs of following in his father's footsteps; and two men who collect axes and tractors respectively, proudly displayed their treasures, illustrating the vast spectrum of what is collectable. Even Bob Ridgeley, one half of the filmmaking team, showcased his collection of vintage bobblehead figures which numbers in the hundreds, eliciting gasps of awe from the audience.

Eventually the spotlight was turned on me, and I shifted nervously in my seat. Very odd to watch myself on the big screen. Bob and Terri were able to use some footage from my first poster exhibit, accompanied by a few seconds of Hungry Like The Wolf, which was all I needed to emerge from the theater afterwards, smiling from ear-to-ear.

Here is a press release from when Bob and Terri recently won a film award from the Indie Fest. Included is some further detail about their doc, including a link to the film's trailer at the bottom:

The Indie Fest recognizes film professionals who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity. The award was given for Binary Recording Studio's documentary film, "American Collectors" which was produced and directed by Bob Ridgley and Terri Krantz. American Collectors is a film which looks at the psychology of collecting and features interviews with 15 unique collectors. "In our research for this film we found that 30% of the American population collects, and has more room and space to fill with their collections than any other country in the world. Because of this unique set of circumstances we decided to focus on American collectors," says Krantz. "The film was crafted in a Cinema Verite style that lets the viewer come up with his own conclusion of why this behavior occurs," adds Ridgley. " After watching this film you will see some interesting repetitions in how they see themselves and why they do it."

To see the trailer of this film go to the website, AMERICAN COLLECTORS, a film about people who collect things.

AMERICAN COLLECTORS Film at the Tacoma Art Museum

American Collectors film will be screening at the 2009 Tacoma Film Festival Sunday, October 4^th, 12:15pm at the Tacoma Art Museum

Location: Tacoma Art Museum
1701 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402

www.americancollectorsmovie.com