Video Archives
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video rental |
| Founder | Lance Lawson, Rick Humbert |
| Defunct | 1995 |
| Headquarters | Hermosa Beach , United States |
Video Archives was a video rental business originally based in Manhattan Beach, California, before relocating to Hermosa Beach, California. The store was founded and operated by Lance Lawson alongside Rick Humbert.[1]
History
Before achieving fame in the film industry, directors Quentin Tarantino,[2][3] Roger Avary,[4] and Daniel J. Snyder[5] were employed at Video Archives. The establishment also attracted screenwriters such as Josh Olson, Jeff Maguire, John Langley, and Danny Strong.
Following its closure in 1995, Tarantino acquired the store's collection of videos and recreated the store's atmosphere within his personal residence.[6]
In a 1994 Rolling Stone interview, Tarantino referred to it as "the finest video store in the Los Angeles region," adding that "Video Archives serves as LA’s equivalent to the Cahiers du Cinéma."[7] In 1992, Roger Avary characterized the store as "more than just a rental shop—it was like a film academy [...] we engaged in passionate, eight-hour debates about movies. Visitors would join in and dive right into discussions. It evolved into a filmmaking clubhouse—arguably the most valuable filmmaking education one could receive."[8]
The name Video Archives also inspired the Video Archives Cinema Club, an intimate 20-seat theater located within the Tarantino-owned Vista Theatre.
Podcast
On July 19, 2022, Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary introduced a podcast titled The Video Archives Podcast with Quentin Tarantino & Roger Avary, inspired by the original Video Archives store. The series explores films that were once part of the store's collection, offering in-depth discussions about these movies. Producer Gala Avary regularly participates alongside Tarantino and Avary, with appearances from guests including Eli Roth and former Video Archives staff members.
References
- ↑ "COVER STORY : A Chat With Mr. Mayhem : Quentin Tarantino quickly acquired quite the reputation for violence. His 1992 film 'Reservoir Dogs' was a cult hit. Now comes 'Pulp Fiction.' Is he trying to outgun himself or all of Hollywood?". Los Angeles Times. September 11, 1994.
- ↑ MacFarquhar, Larissa (13 October 2003). "The Movie Lover". The New Yorker.
- ↑ "Movie Reviews". New York Times. July 16, 2020.
- ↑ "Roger Avary - The Quentin Tarantino Archives". tarantino.info. 2008-05-11. Retrieved 2015-11-22.
- ↑ Fernandez, Jay A. (July 18, 2007). "Producers, writers face huge chasm". Los Angeles Times.
- ↑ Grow, Kory (2 June 2022). "Ex-Video Store Clerks Quentin Tarantino, Roger Avary Launch Podcast to Talk VHS Tapes". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
- ↑ Wild, David (1994-11-03). "Quentin Tarantino: The Madman of Movie Mayhem". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2024-04-08.
- ↑ Mcalevey, Peter (1992-12-06). "All's Well That Ends Gruesomely". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-04-08.