Film and sound archives

From its early beginnings at the end of the 19th century film and, later, television has been recording the experiences of people and their lives in the East Midlands. Moving images enable us to recapture the past in a vivid and immediate way.

Oral records also have an immediacy of impact. They give us the language and dialect of ordinary people. The recording of a person's memories and history is a valuable source of information and allows us to hear the voices of those who have been 'hidden from history' and for them to contribute to and challenge the historical record.

Midlands Audio Visual Strategy

The Audio Visual Strategy is a collaboration between MLA East Midlands, MLA West Midlands, Screen West Midlands, EM Media, MACE and EMOHA. The strategy is a dynamic document looking creatively at developing a sustainable film and sound archive presence in the Midlands. The aim is to achieve a 'real world' outcome and the strategy proposes a pan-regional framework to harness the expertise of film and sound providers, and promotes delivery to and engagement with their audiences. The long-term strategic vision is to build, through partnership, a sustainable audio visual archives sector, which applies professional standards to the stewardship and the proactive use of sound and moving image heritage for public benefit across the Midlands.

In 2006, we began the process of developing the strategy.  A copy of the strategy, executive summary and summary of recommendations can be downloaded below:

Midlands Audio Visual Strategy (95 kb)
Midlands Audio Visual Strategy - Summary (25 kb)
Midlands Audio Visual Strategy - Recommendations (20 kb)  

MACE

The Media Archive for Central England is the recognised body responsible for collecting and preserving the moving image heritage of the East and West Midlands and for making such collections available. The archive collects a wide range of material, from local commercial companies and television to amateur film makers.  Visit the MACE website to sign up for a regular online newsletter.

EMOHA

The East Midlands Oral History Archive collects, records and makes available oral history recordings and provides support and advice on matters relating to oral history projects. The recordings are stored at the Record Office for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.