Biograph Teams with Sandman Studios and TitleHouse

Historic Restoration of the First Film in Hollywood Underway

HOLLYWOOD, CA (PRWEB) July 15, 2003 -- The American Mutoscope and Biograph Company (better known as Biograph) announced today its partnership with Sandman Studios and TitleHouse for visual and special effects, as well as for the restoration and digital re-mastering of In Old California", the first movie ever made in Hollywood.

The oldest movie company in America, Biograph was established in 1895. The film was directed by movie pioneer D. W. Griffith in 1910. While location scouting from New York, Griffith discovered a lovely village with a great atmosphere and friendly people. This village, or Hollywood", went on to become the home of many of Biographs movies, this film being the first.

In Old California" is a drama set in early Mexico-owned California, and provides insight into the life and times of the history of Mexican Americans in California. Thought to be lost until recently, the film was rediscovered and is now being restored.

Artists at TitleHouse and Sandman Studios (have collectively created visual and special effects for hundreds of feature films and have completed dozens of restoration projects over the years. We are happy to work with Biograph on this historic restoration project," said Stephen Sobisky, COO of Sandman Studios. It is exciting to participate in the preservation of the history of Hollywood." Thomas R. Bond, II, President and CEO of Biograph said, This is only the beginning. We look forward to being involved with Sandman and TitleHouse on many future projects."

In commemoration, a monument is scheduled to be placed on Hollywood Boulevard in October 2003 in coordination with the debut of the restored film at the Hollywood Film Festival. Following the monuments dedication, a gala event and screening of the film is planned, with a celebrity VIP after party at Jennifer Lopezs Madres restaurant in Pasadena.

Bond said, This is an exciting, historic event that will perpetuate the history of Hollywood, as well as the Hispanic influence in early motion picture history".

For interview bookings, more information and/or photos call:

Frank Marks
Publicity/VP
(619) 757-0646
biograph@biographcompany.com

Stephen Sobisky
COO
Sandman Studios
(801) 404-6025
stephen@sandmanstudios.com

Mark Allan
Vice President
TitleHouse
(323) 469-8171
mallan@titlehouse.com