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Lectures For Lifelong Learners!

Formerly

David Morton

Film Historian
Lecture Topics: Movies & Film
Expertise: Florida Film History
Available for in-person lectures in: Central Florida
Available via Zoom?: Yes
To book David, e-mail: dan@primetimepresenters.com, or fill out this form here.

David Morton is a Lecturer in the Film Department at the University of Central Florida, where he received his Ph.D. in Texts and Technology in 2019. His book, Motion Picture Paradise: A History of Florida’s Film and Television Industry, is now available for purchase through the University Press of Florida.

This was incredibly interesting & his communication was excellent. Can’t thank you enough for offering this – remarkable & quite an education – bits of advice we can all use day to day.

Parker Life Senior Living Attendee

I could have listened to him for at least another hour. It was a fascinating presentation!

Parker Life Senior Living Attendee

Speaker was great! Presentation thoughtfully included enough time at the end for questions, which enhanced the presentation with additional information. Thank you for thinking of such an intriguing topic in the series!

Parker Life Senior Living Attendee

This was one of the best programs you have had. I think you said programs are not taped, but I think you would have given this one a A+++.

Parker Life Senior Living Attendee

I can’t give enough stars. This was wonderful and the questions were thoughtful and answered with the grace and ease of a wonderful presenter.

Parker Life Senior Living attendee after Mark’s “Let’s Put On A Show” lecture

I thought this program was very interesting. I enjoy my local theater and never knew or even imagined all the ins and outs of putting on a show. I would definitely be interested in any other program by this presenter.”

Parker Life Senior Living attendee after Mark’s “Let’s Put On A Show” lecture

“James Calaski’s lecture on national, regional, and hyper-local history was professional and highly informative. Our patrons were incredibly engaged, the delivery was well-paced and articulate… We’ll be having him back!”

Brianne Colombo
Director
Glen Rock, NJ Public Library

“Your knowledge of the German American Bund and their history is second to none… Your expertise, both from a historical and research perspective and also in the field, enabled us to capture phenomenal footage for our project… thank you for appearing in our film.”

Annette Baumeister
Documentary Film Director ('The American Führer')

“James Calaski’s gifts as a historian, coupled with his innate skills as a police detective, bring a unique perspective to his work. He is thorough in his research, always going to those places where the facts lead. All that, plus Jim’s personable style and good sense of humor make him an ideal presenter for any group event.”

Arnie Bernstein
Author of 'Swastika Nation: Fritz Kuhn and the Rise and Fall of the German-American Bund'

FANTASTIC !!! She is an incredible lecturer. Only wish more time could have been spent on each segment of her presentation. Left me wishing for more. The blend of history and literature was so interesting and informative.

Parker Life Senior Living Attendee after Myra’s American Dreams: The Immigrant Experience In US Literature lecture
Lectures
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General Book Talk: Motion Picture Paradise!

Often overlooked in its contribution to film history, Florida has played a key role in creating the modern entertainment industry. This presentation discusses how Florida became a “third coast” to the American film and television industries over the past one hundred years. Starting with the first film pioneers in Jacksonville during the 1900s and 1910s to South Florida’s television boom during the 2000s and 2010s, Florida has inspired countless exciting stories captured by the camera.

The Ten Films/TV Shows That Put Florida On The Map

This talk as promised would give an overview of what I consider the ten best films and television shows made in Florida that are about Florida. I’ll include short excerpts of the films and share neat behind-the-scenes stories about them.

Florida As The World’s Winter Film Capital

This talk would focus on Florida’s silent film industry and how in the 1910s it out produced California nearly 3 to 1. This would be a deep dive in the film companies that shaped Florida’s silent film industry and the politicians who supported or fought to expel the “movie-people” to the West Coast.

Richard E. Norman: Race Film Pioneer

I accompany this talk with a screening of The Flying Ace (1926), which is a 60-minute adventure film directed by Richard Norman and filmed in Arlington, Jacksonville. Along with the screening I provide a background of Richard Norman Studios and a brief history of the race film industry. Since the movie is public domain, there are no issues with rights or redistribution.

Florida Springs On The Silver Screen

This talk covers Florida’s springs and their unique role in shaping the American motion picture industry. Featuring iconic films such as Creature from the Black Lagoon and tv shows including Sea Hunt, Florida’s springs have had an outstanding role in creating unique and inventive stories.

Are you ready to bring Primetime Presenters to your community?

Please e-mail dan@primetimepresenters.com for additional information. We look forward to hearing from you!
dan@primetimepresenters.com