The Ferrand Film Archive 6 Hrs. Film / 20 Hrs. Audio 100> Hrs. Supporting Video
A Brief History The Ferrand Film Archive contains over 6 hrs. of 16mm Color Film and 20 hours of audio recording documenting the original event of the Liberty Ship SS Jeremiah O’Brien “Steaming out of the Fleet” under her own power and subsequent restoration. The unsung heroes of this effort, John Pottenger, Harry Morgan, Harry Dring, Matilda Dring, and Richard Brannon are documented in this collection, as well as many other heroes of this early effort. There is additional documentation of the Memorial Cruise, captured with 8 - Arriflex 16mm cameras with Zeiss lens, as well as a stunning helicopter shot of the ship, outside the Golden Gate. A few months ago, 1 hour of the 6 hours of the Ferrand Film Archive was laser scanned to High Definition Video and Ultra Hight Definition video, bringing this Archive up to modern REC 709 video standards. A number of Network films about the SS Jeremiah Obrien, “Hero Ships”, “Last of the Liberties”, and other professional productions have used stock footage from the Ferrand Film Archive. The Producer of “The Last Liberty” has created with a number of different versions, over the years, by using different parts of this large archive. The current HD edit of “The Last Liberty” employs only 20 minutes – 5% of the 6 hrs. of film in this Archive. Many other films could be created from this collection, such as one just focusing on the Engine room, itself, with Harry Morgan, narrating the story. The Last Liberty “story” was really provided by Harry Dring’s passionate vison of the United States Merchant Marine. Who is Harry Dring? Harry Dring and Karl Kortum, built the largest tonnage maritime museum in the United States, now known as the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. In 1979, Harry’s wife, Matilda, gave the Producer her ticket, so that he could document the SS Jeremiah Obrien “sailing out of the fleet under her own power”. Harry and Matilda, also, donated thousands of dollars to this film production. Also donating thousands of dollars to defray film production expenses were, Myron Alexander, benefactor of the Liberty Ship “Golden Rivet Award”, as well as Thomas B. Crowley Sr, then Chairman of the National Liberty Ship Memorial donating $8,000. All other film production costs have been covered by the Producer, Robert Ferrand. Excluding the value of Robert Ferrand’s contribution of time, this production has cost over $50,000 in cash, over 40 years. The San Francisco Maritime National Park Association actually paid for a Professional “appraisal” of the Ferrand Film Archive, in 1985. The appraised value for the collection was $50,000. However, that was 40 years ago, today, the value would be significantly higher because, time has passed. This “appraisal” was done at the request of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, who wanted to acquire the Ferrand Film Archive for the J Porter Shaw Maritime Library, (whose founding Archivist was Matilda Dring.)
J Porter Shaw Maritime Library, also holds a collection of films that Robert Ferrand also produced over the years, at Harry Dring’s request, on the Schooner CA Thayer, The SS Wapama, the Balclutha, the Ferry Boat, Eureka, as well as the Schooner Alma. The appraised value of $50,000 was declined by the Producer because the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park demanded “All Rights”. The “Appraisal” only considered a partial value of the collection and did not reflect the value of “All Rights”. Concurrently, the San Francisco Bay Chapter of the United States Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association “strongly recommends that the Association purchase the documentary film “The Last Liberty” to 1. Preserve a unique historical film for the National Maritime Library 2. Provide the Academy and the Alumni Association, a Pubic Relations vehicle which can be used during the promotion of the Status of Liberty in 1986 3. Generate revenue for the Academy and the alumni associations for Network, Public Broadcast, Cable, film and video tape sales” In support of the above effort, Rear Admiral Thomas Patterson, while Commodore at Kings Point Maritime Academy stated, “I recommend this film to all those interested in United States Seapower., the United States tradition at sea and all those interested in our merchant marine roll as the fourth arm of defense.” Further sport came from H.E. Shear Maritime Administration, Administrator who stated, “Thank you for your letter to President Regan and for your documentary film, “The Last Liberty” which you enclosed. I have been asked to reply. The SS JEREMIAH OBRIEN represents an important achievement in the history of our people. I applaud you work to document this achievement and to publicize the history of the merchant marine through your film. This intermediate edit which we have reviewed portents a finished product that will prove a valuable contribution to the record of our maritime heritage.” The following year, John Gaughan, Maritime Administration, Administrator stated, “Your film project will preserve for the present and future generations of Americans one of the most illustrious and crucial maritime achievements in our Nation’s history. It warrants the support of all organizations and individuals who recognize the importance of maintaining a strong Maritime posture to meet military aggression.” Today, the Ferrand Film Archive will further support Maritime Preservation with the release of “The Last Liberty” in High-Definition Video…coming soon. Robert Ferrand Producer 650-576-3334 www.thelastliberty.com https://issuu.com/saddlefittinginfo/docs/5._letter_of_support