Historic African-American Centered Film Studio Now a National Landmark

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Poster for the "The Bull-Dogger" produced by the Norman Film Mfg. Co. in Jacksonville, Florida in 1923. Pickett was discovered by studio head Richard Norman in the all-black Oklahoma town of Boley while working as a rancher. He later performed in other Norman productions. Photograph courtesy of the State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory,
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A north Florida movie studio that produced silent-era films catering to an African-American audience has been designated a National Historic Landmark.

Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner on Monday said that Norman Film Studios in Jacksonville has been given the honor.

The studio is now owned by the city of Jacksonville, which is working to partially restore the studio.

The studio’s late owner, Richard Norman, was among the first filmmakers to produce movies that catered to African-Americans in the 1920s.

The silent-era movies often starred African-American actors in positive, professional film roles, such as lawyers and pilots.

The National Historic Landmarks program honors places that are nationally significant or historic.

Source: AP

 

 

Poster for the "The Bull-Dogger" produced by the Norman Film Mfg. Co. in Jacksonville, Florida in 1923. Pickett was discovered by studio head Richard Norman in the all-black Oklahoma town of Boley while working as a rancher. He later performed in other Norman productions. Photograph courtesy of the State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory,
Poster for the “The Bull-Dogger” produced by the Norman Film Mfg. Co. in Jacksonville, Florida in 1923. Pickett was discovered by studio head Richard Norman in the all-black Oklahoma town of Boley while working as a rancher. He later performed in other Norman productions. Photograph courtesy of the State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory,

 

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