Fictional History: Recognizing TV and Film Locations
Should the Brady Bunch House be in the National Register of Historic Places? Why not? asks alum Jonathan Kaplan. In his master’s thesis, the TV writer-turned-heritage conservationist makes a case for designating sites specifically for their use in movies and TV shows. Along with literary precedent dating back to Chaucer, Jonathan cites the deep meaning and shared cultural experiences these places create. There’s a reason the Christmas Story House is one of the top tourist attractions in Cleveland.
If a place inspires meaning, does it matter where that meaning comes from? Does reality matter in these fact-fluid times? Join us for a fascinating conversation that’s just the tip of the iceberg. For many, many more examples, check out Jonathan’s thesis, From Ramona to the Brady Bunch: Assessing the Historical Significance of Sites Used in Movies and Television Shows.
House of the Seven Gables. Image from Wikimedia Commons.
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As his career writing hour-long TV dramas came to a close, Jonathan Kaplan went back to school, obtaining a Master of Heritage Conservation degree at USC in 2017. He currently finds himself immersed in Los Angeles history through his position overseeing five historic districts as a planner in the City of Los Angeles Office of Historic Resources HPOZ Unit. Writing his thesis gave him the opportunity to combine his love of movies and his love of historic places. |
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Podcast co-host Cindy Olnick recently interviewed Jonathan about his thesis and career since. Cindy is a communications pro who loves L.A. and thinks historic places are magic. |
Want to know more about some of the ideas and places mentioned in this episode? Check out:
The House of the Seven Gables historic site
HGTV A Very Brady Renovation – before and after turning the real house into the TV house (2019)
Library of Congress National Film Registry
American Film Institute 100 Year 100 Movies listing
Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Emmy Awards – winners and nominees
