Italian
Academy undergoes restructuring: Layoffs and new initiatives
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently laid off a significant number of staff from its archive and library sectors, impacting long-time employees, including Mike Pogorzelski, the Academy Film Archive director for 24 years. This move, affecting 16 employees, was part of an extensive restructuring plan led by Academy CEO Bill Kramer. Let’s delve deeper into the strategic shifts and new acquisitions that the Academy is embracing.
Structural changes and new directions
In an effort to streamline operations and enhance efficiency, the Academy has consolidated the functions of the archive, library, and museum collection into a newly established Academy Collection and Preservation department. Kramer emphasized the importance of building a cohesive team, despite the difficult decision to let go of valued colleagues. According to Kramer, less than 2% of the overall workforce was affected, and support systems are in place for the departing members.
“We know that having to say goodbye to colleagues is incredibly hard. We are deeply committed to providing support for those leaving and are finalizing a new reporting structure that we will share soon,” Kramer stated in his internal announcement.
Notable layoffs and community impact
The news of the layoffs particularly resonated due to the tenure of the impacted employees. Many had dedicated over a decade of their careers to the Academy, contributing significantly to its mission of film preservation and education. The departure of Mike Pogorzelski, whose expertise and leadership had been a cornerstone of the Academy Film Archive, underscores the magnitude of these changes.
New acquisitions enhancing the collection
Despite the downsizing, the Academy continues to expand its collection with noteworthy acquisitions. Recent additions include Quentin Tarantino’s original handwritten script draft of “Pulp Fiction”, the iconic tearaway dress worn by Jamie Lee Curtis in “True Lies”, and over 80 artworks by celebrated animation artists Hayao Miyazaki and Nobura Yoshida. These new items bolster the Academy’s reputation as a premier institution for film preservation and historical research.
For more on “Pulp Fiction,” explore this link.
Leadership and vision under Bill Kramer
Since his appointment as CEO in 2022, Bill Kramer has spearheaded several significant changes within the Academy. His strategic vision includes promoting Amy Homma to oversee the museum and expanding Matt Severson’s role to head collections, archiving, and elements of the Academy Museum. These changes aim to foster an integrated approach to managing the Academy’s vast array of historic and cultural assets.
The Academy’s legacy and future prospects
The Academy Film Archive remains one of the world’s most robust collections of movies, renowned for its dedication to film preservation. Similarly, the Margaret Herrick Library stands as a leading resource for film history research. The restructuring and recent acquisitions signify the Academy’s commitment to evolving and adapting in response to the changing landscape of film preservation and archiving.
With these structural changes and the infusion of new acquisitions, the Academy continues to honor its past while positioning itself for future growth. The strategic realignment, although difficult, reflects a deliberate effort to sustain and enhance its legacy as a custodian of cinematic history.
Encourage your friends and colleagues to stay informed and follow our updates for more insights into film preservation and the ever-evolving world of cinema. Join us in celebrating the magic of movies and the dedicated efforts to preserve them for future generations.
