Government studio for government-produced films, videos, and audio recordings

 

The Successor to Lookout Mountain Studio: The National Audiovisual Center (NAC)

After the closure of Lookout Mountain Studio in 1998, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) established the National Audiovisual Center (NAC) in 1999 to serve as the central repository for the government's audiovisual holdings. The NAC assumed responsibility for preserving and providing access to a vast collection of government-produced films, videos, and audio recordings, including those previously housed at Lookout Mountain.

The NAC plays a crucial role in ensuring the preservation and accessibility of these important historical and cultural resources. The center's extensive collection includes:

• Over 2 million reels of film
• 450,000 videotapes
• 500,000 audio recordings
• 1.2 million photographs

These materials document a wide range of government activities, from military operations and scientific research to public education and cultural events. The NAC makes these materials available to the public through its online catalog and through partnerships with libraries, archives, and other institutions.

Here's a breakdown of the key differences between Lookout Mountain Studio and the NAC:

Feature	Lookout Mountain Studio	National Audiovisual Center (NAC)
Establishment	1940	1999
Primary Function	Production of government films and videos	Preservation and access to government audiovisual holdings
Collection Size	125,000 reels of film	Over 2 million reels of film, 450,000 videotapes, 500,000 audio recordings, 1.2 million photographs
Location	Lookout Mountain, Tennessee	College Park, Maryland

While Lookout Mountain Studio focused primarily on producing new audiovisual materials, the NAC prioritizes preserving existing government-produced content and making it accessible to the public. The NAC's vast collection and commitment to preservation ensure that these valuable historical and cultural resources will be available for generations to come.