On Wednesday, a significant number of staff members from the archive and library of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences were let go. This included Mike Pogorzelski, who had served as the director of the Academy Film Archive for 24 years. An insider with information about the situation revealed that many of the affected employees had been with the Academy for over a decade. In total, 16 employees from the archive, library, and museum collection units were laid off.
The cuts were announced by Bill Kramer, the CEO of the Academy, through an internal message that was later made available to Variety. This move is a part of an ongoing restructuring process within the organization. The affected units – the archive, library, and collection – are now under the purview of the newly established Academy Collection and Preservation department.
In Kramer’s statement, he noted that the formation of the new department resulted in some team members having to depart from the Academy. While expressing the difficulty of bidding farewell to colleagues, he also stated that less than 2% of the entire workforce was affected. Kramer reassured that the organization is fully committed to supporting those who were laid off and is working on finalizing a new reporting structure to be shared soon.
Interestingly, the layoffs occurred just a day before the Academy announced a number of new additions to its collection, which boasts of over 52 million items. Among the new acquisitions highlighted in Thursday’s press release include Quentin Tarantino’s original handwritten script draft for “Pulp Fiction,” the tearaway dress worn by Jamie Lee Curtis in James Cameron’s “True Lies,” and more than 80 artworks by Hayao Miyazaki and Nobura Yoshida.
The Academy and the Academy Foundation Workers Union have yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter.
Since Bill Kramer assumed the role of the organization’s CEO in 2022, the Academy has undergone several structural changes. This includes the promotion of Amy Homma to oversee the museum and an increase in responsibilities for Matt Severson. Previously in charge of library operations, Severson now heads collections, archiving and select aspects of the Academy Museum.
The Academy Film Archive, globally recognized for its vast and diverse collection of films, is a leader in the field of preservation. Similarly, the Academy Library, also known as the Margaret Herrick Library, is considered one of the world’s leading resources for film history research.
FAQs about the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
1. What is the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences?
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is an organization dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of motion pictures. It is known for its annual Academy Awards, also known as the “Oscars”.
2. Who is the CEO of the Academy?
As of 2022, the CEO of the Academy is Bill Kramer.
3. What is the Academy Collection and Preservation department?
The Academy Collection and Preservation department is a newly formed unit that oversees the archive, library, and collection of the Academy. It was established as part of a restructuring process within the organization.
4. What is the Academy Film Archive?
The Academy Film Archive is a collection of films managed by the Academy. It is recognized worldwide for its vast and diverse collection and is a leader in the field of preservation.
5. What is the Margaret Herrick Library?
The Margaret Herrick Library, also known as the Academy Library, is a leading resource for film history research. It is managed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Credit: variety.com
