Culver City Observer -

Stephen Sylvester, author of M-G-M Hollywood's Greatest Backlot, and Academy award winning cinematographer Fred Koenekamp will share the spotlight at the next general meeting of Culver City Historical Society Wednesday, April 16 at 7 p.m. in the Veterans Memorial Building's Multi-Purpose Room, 4117 Overland Avenue.

Sylvester will present a short film and a PowerPoint presentation illustrating the history of the soundstages and outdoor sets where Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer produced many of the world's most famous films. The book features candid, exclusive voices and photographs from the people who worked there, and includes hundreds of rare and unpublished photographs. Sylvester will be selling and signing his book that night.

Koenekamp, known for his camera work on Patton, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Papillion, and The Towering Inferno, for which he won his Academy award, and many other fine films, will also share his memories of the MGM years.

There will be a brief discussion of upcoming programs and projects, as well as updates on the activities and exhibits in the Archives & Resource Center (ARC) which will be opened following the meeting.

All members of the Culver City Historical Society and the public are welcome to enjoy this free program and students are encouraged to attend. The entrance to the Multi-Purpose Room is through the back of the building near the parking lot, and through the Archive & Resource Center space.

For more information, please call the Society at (310) 253-6941 or inquire by e-mail at info@CulverCityHistoricalSociety.org. Also, visit the CCHS website at: http://www.culvercityhistoricalsociety.org for updates.