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bwoodtx · 12-26-2013, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 62overlander

I am curious, why not get Airstream involved? With out Wally Byam and Airstream this caravan might not have taken place. It was in planning well before his death. I do not see the logic of keeping Airstream out of it. Many of us use Airstreams site to reference the free material they provide of trailer specs, sales literature, ect...

My only thought was that once you asked Airstream finance the conversion, I believe their legal dept would ask you relinquish all rights to the films. Once that is done the rest of us would have a snowball's chance in h377 of getting a copy.

My thought is get the conversion made and then offer Airstream a copy like the rest of us. Retain your ownership is all I am saying

bevman · 12-26-2013, 03:48 PM

I tried to get The Mothership to "help" me produce a coffee table book on "Airstreams in the Wine Country" (there a LOT of them at wineries/vineyards). I was not looking for funding, but wanted assistance in research. I was told, "We have little funding for marketing and it ALL goes to support our dealers..." Funny, but as a marketing professional, I understand the value of brandbuilding and image. I don't think that Harley-Davidson is as cavalier about their historical documents/photos/etc., and they have HUGE brand value and customer loyalty.

At the 2008 International I talked with the club historian about getting some historical information on the 60s era caravans (that my trailer attended) and she told me that the photo albums of caravans that were donated to the club were just in "a pile of boxes" at the office. In front of me, an old couple was there donating their albums to her will loving reverence. She was polite, but I could tell that the book was just going to be chucked in a box with a bunch of others. Cynical? Me?... a bit.

John&Vicki · 12-26-2013, 04:02 PM

This is a perfect project for crowdfunding. Do a little research on the 'net, easy to set up.

Good luck !

Poppy

bredlo · 12-26-2013, 05:50 PM

I agree with most here: I see very little value in getting the mothership involved, especially if this can be easily converted and distributed with private funds. Kickstarter is a great idea.

Something else to consider: there are online movie distribution sites today, that would eliminate the need to burn the movie to DVD, packaging costs, etc. Once you pay, you'd have unlimited access to the film from anywhere. Could be one route to explore, at least.

As for Airstream's marketing and view of their past - I sure wish they'd take a page out of Harley's playbook and embrace their history more. Imagine TV ads that begin with older footage from the ATW or African caravans... fading into shots of today's trailers and beautiful vistas. What better way to push Boomers' nostalgic buttons, and capture the interest of us younger folk too. Lots of people enjoy knowing they're buying an icon... and footage like we're discussing here is marketing gold.

I say convert it ...and then offer to license it back to Airstream.

Aviator · 12-26-2013, 05:56 PM

I'm interested in a copy.

falcon-N-Air · 12-26-2013, 07:01 PM

Please count me in for a copy as well!

moparjohn · 12-26-2013, 07:20 PM

Another copy here. I love History, and you can't find it hidden in boxes, lol. Count me in! MPJ

MPhDJones · 12-29-2013, 11:04 AM

At first I was shocked to see how much of an interest there is in my great uncle Truitt's ATW films! But as I learned more about how the footage that Airstream promised its caravaners was never delivered, it started to make more sense to me.

I am currently starting a business which requires a lot of my attention. I will devote a block of time to these films in the near future - once I get some breathing room. I'll get an estimate on film restoration as well as the cost to convert it to digital. I don't know much about film technology, but it looks like its in the ballpark of 8mm.

I have three full length reels of the ATW trip and then another three full length reels from their South America to Canada trip. There is a smaller reel without any labeling but was part of the collection so that one will be a surprise. More than likely I will take the advice from many on this forum and do a Kickstarter fundraiser. I'll be sure to make an announcement on this forum when I get ready to do that.

As for the Airstream, #4255. My grandparents inherited that many years ago from my great uncle. My grandfather sold it just prior to going to assisted living. Nobody in the family knows to whom he sold it. But it was sold out of McDonough Georgia.

Thanks for all the comments, it definitely makes me want to hurry up and get this project rolling! -Matt

NWGreyhound · 12-29-2013, 11:24 AM

Put my name down for a copy.

NJtoNC · 12-30-2013, 06:38 AM

this looks like its only about $10 per reel.
iMemories

Julie53 · 09-26-2014, 03:15 PM

Hello, my uncle was Fran Hall. I think you were in contact with my cousin, Nan Abbott of Faribault, MN, in regards to photos of the Airstream that you bought. I just happened to see your name here. I too, would be interested in seeing these films if they are available. I remember Fran giving a film lecture at Carleton College after he returned from the '63-'64 trip.

flyrc · 09-27-2014, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Julie53

Hello, my uncle was Fran Hall. I think you were in contact with my cousin, Nan Abbott of Faribault, MN, in regards to photos of the Airstream that you bought. I just happened to see your name here. I too, would be interested in seeing these films if they are available. I remember Fran giving a film lecture at Carleton College after he returned from the '63-'64 trip.

Your cousin Nan gave me a treasure trove of photos your Uncle sent her and she also provided the oral history ,73 pages, that your Uncle Fran shared with her. I've passed the 134 photos and the oral history to the VAC historian and the others that have one of the ATW trailers.
The movie I would like to find is the one Fran made after completing the caravan. That movie was titled "Trailer Around the World" Since Fran filmed movies for Disney,I'm sure his film would rate a bit higher than a home movie.
It's good to have you as a new member. What type and size trailer are you interested in?
Wally H.

Julie53 · 09-28-2014, 09:57 AM

I'm glad Nan could give you lots of info on Fran's trailer, and that you could pass it on to others. Actually, I am not looking for a trailer, as I have just finished building my own teardrop trailer, and named her Tallie, after Fran's wife. I used Airstream aluminum in the build. I have always liked the Airstreams, ever since Fran's trip, so I just wanted to follow the posts here about the "63-"64 trip, and happened to run across your post. I have no idea what happened to the film you are referring to, but I can get in touch with Nan to see if she knows anything. Thanks for the message.
Julie