The Mini-Series of David L. Wolper

The University of Southern California offers a behind-the-scenes look at the productions of the master of the mini-series, David L. Wolper. Among the featured titles are: Roots, Roots: The Next Generations, Queen, The Thorn Birds, Napoleon and Josephine, and North and South, plus a section on Roots' creator Alex Haley. The exhibit will consist of never-before-seen photos, production materials, memorabilia, correspondance, original documents penned by Haley, Wolper and others, as well as letters to the network from both pleased and angry viewers.

This exhibit takes place in the David L. Wolper Center, located on the ground floor of USC's flagship Doheny Memorial Library. Members of the USC community, as well as the general public, are invited to explore the installation and the center.

David L. Wolper is arguably the most successful independent documentary producer to have ever worked in television. Through a career span of nearly 50 years, this prolific filmmaker has left his imprint with documentary specials, documentary series, dramatic mini-series, movies made for theatrical release, movies made for television, television sit-coms, entertainment specials and entertainment special events.

Perhaps Wolper’s most significant accomplishment was his development work with the television non-fiction drama mini-series. He helped to invent the docu-drama genre with his award-winning production of Haley’s saga Roots. Reconstructing history in an unprecedented 12-hour film, the series was broadcast in one- and two-hour segments over an eight-day period in 1977. Contrary to initial concerns over the high-risk nature of the venture, the series brought ABC significant public and commercial acclaim, setting viewership records that place the mini-series among the most-watched programs in the history of television.

Contact Information:

Steve Hanson
213.740.7273
shanson@usc.edu