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Mike Cassidy independent film collection

 Collection
Identifier: A1185

Scope and Contents

The Mike Cassidy independent film collection consists of 36 16mm films and 3 reel-to-reel audiotapes of elements of his experimental films and other videos filmed by him. Film elements include A, B, and C rolls, 16mm magnectic tracks, and sound on reel-to-reel audiotape, in addition to some work prints. Cassidy's films mostly take place in Utah and California. His most known film is the "(Attack of) The Giant Brine Shrimp", but the collection also includes other unique films, such as "Oct. 15", "Mondo Sleazo", and "Armageddon", in addition to footages of the Pride Festival (which the director refers as "Gay Parade") from the 1970s and 1980s, in Utah or California. This collection has not yet been digitized.

Dates

  • 1969-1984

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Conditions Governing Use

The Mike Cassidy films' copyrights are held by Diane Orr.

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Biographical Note

Mike Cassidy, born February 18, 1949, Utah, was a University of Utah Arts student around 1969, and was a writer and photographer for the University of Utah Student Newspaper (then The Daily Utah Chronicle). He then became a Salt Lake Tribune staff photographer from 1969 to 1972, and focused on filmmaking after that date. His film, the "(Attack of) The Giant Brine Shrimp," was shown on many arts and film festivals, including the Great Basin Film Festival. The film was one of the finalist in the 1975 Student Film Awards by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science. Cassidy was friends with other remarkable Utah independent filmmakers, like Trent Harris, Diane Orr, and C. Larry Roberts. Cassidy passed away in San Fracisco, California on November 21, 1985.

This information was compiled by Special Collections staff after researching through Utah and California newspapers.

Extent

36 16mm film

3 reel-to-reel audiotapes

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The Mike Cassidy independent film collection consists of work prints and film elements directed and produced by him, and other unique videos. Cassidy's most known work is the "(Attack of) The Giant Brine Shrimp". This collection has not yet been digitized.

Arrangement

Collection was organized by keeping the film elements together with each other, and by separating interviews, produced and amateur films, and other filmed footage.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Diane Orr and Trent Harris in 2015.

Related Materials

Processing Information

Title
Mike Cassidy independent film collection
Status
Completed
Author
Finding aid written by Special Collections staff.
Date
2023 (last modified: 2024)
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
The finding aid was written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the J. Willard Marriott Library Special Collections Repository

Contact:
295 South 1500 East
Salt Lake City Utah 84112 United States
801-581-8863