About the Film
Linotype: The Film is a feature-length documentary centered around the Linotype type casting machine. Called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” by Thomas Edison, it revolutionized printing and society. The film tells the charming and emotional story of the people connected to the Linotype and how it impacted the world.
The Linotype (pronounced “line-o-type”) completely transformed the communication of information similarly to how the internet is now changing communication again. Although these machines were revolutionary, technology began to supersede the Linotype and they were scrapped and melted-down by the thousands. Today, very few machines are still in existence.
The highly-skilled operators of the Linotype are in a battle against time. If their skills are not passed along to a new generation of operators, the machine will die completely. There is a small group of former operators that want to save the Linotype from the scrap yard, but some see this as a fruitless endeavor.
What place does the Linotype have in the age of new technology? Should the machine be shoved into a museum and left to rust? Why should anyone care about typography or the technology of communication? The film seeks to answer these questions.
Production and Release
Production started in August of 2010 and the world premiere was in New York City at the SVA Theatre on February 3, 2012. The film was released digitally and on DVD/Blu-ray on October 16, 2012. You can purchase the film here.
About the Filmmakers
Doug Wilson – Director & Producer
Doug comes to the film from a background of graphic design and letterpress printing. Born and raised in the Midwest, he has travel in his blood and has visited five continents.
He has a BFA in Graphic Design and Art History. In 2008, he spent a summer as an artist in residence at l'Association pour le Patrimoine Industriel in Geneva, Switzerland. He also has worked at an advertising agency and taught typography as an adjunct professor.
When not editing the film, he enjoys the great outdoors with his wife, Allison.
Fun Fact: Doug loves olive oil, but really can't stand the taste of olives.
Brandon Goodwin – Director of Photography and Editor
Brandon bought a video camera and an Apple Powerbook his senior year of high school (the same year his green 1992 Camaro was stolen on his way to homecoming). He has been working as a freelance producer, director, videographer, and writer ever since.
He runs Goodwin Films, a video production company in Springfield, Missouri that has produced videos for Warner Bros. Records, Virgin Records, and PepsiCo.
He believes in the power of a good story and that Peanut Butter Captain Crunch is the greatest cereal ever created.
Fun Fact: Brandon secretly wants to be Anderson Cooper.
Jess Heugel – Audio & Sound Design
When Jess was 15 he moved with his family to Kenya and spent his high-school years amazed by the beauty, sorrow, and humor of East Africa. In Kenya, Jess started shooting pictures in an attempt to process the world around him.
After completing a degree in journalism, Jess spent a few years as a newspaper photojournalist. Since 2008, he has been working as a freelance media producer.
Jess fills his time playing music, writing, and university teaching. He keeps busy, but is always ready to call it a day and go home to his wife, Kelly.
Fun Fact: Jess flew in an airplane with Doug at the controls. He was scared.