Historical Note
The
Pass Creek film was produced by Dick Snider
and Hal Riney, advertising executives and avid fishermen, in conjunction
with the North Umpqua Steamboaters. The film and all rights were
transferred by the filmmakers to Oregon State University (specifically the
Department of Fisheries and Wildlife) in 1968. James D. (Jim) Hall,
Professor of Fisheries, was the primary contact for promotion and
distribution of the film on behalf of the department. The film was widely
distributed and viewed in Oregon and throughout the United States through
the 1970s and was influential in changing logging practices in the
Northwest.
Hal Patrick Riney (1932-2008) was an advertising executive in San
Franciso. Dick Snider (1929-1977) was a filmmaker who collaborated with
Riney on other productions.
Content Description
The Pass Creek Motion Picture Film Collection consists of the
Pass Creek film and records documenting the
production and distribution of the film. The 10-minute color film (with
soundtrack) documents the impact of clearcut logging on the small
tributary streams of the Oregon's North Umpqua River Basin and includes
underwater footage; scenes of logging equipment, roads, and practices; and
views of streams and the North Umpqua River.
The film is narrated by Scott Beach.
The documentary materials in the collection consist of correspondence
between Jim Hall of the OSU Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and the
film makers and the deed of gift for the film; a compilation of materials
about the making of the film, apparently prepared by the film makers; and
Jim Hall’s file pertaining to the film. Hall's file consists primarily of
correspondence pertaining to showings of the film, publicity and
promotion, and copies purchased by other organizations.
The collection includes a 16 mm film duplicate and a VHS videotape
duplicate made in 1993. The location of the original film elements is
unknown. A duplication master and DVD use copy are available in the
Archives. The full film is available online as a streaming media file:
View film. (text/html)