It is a question I’ve been asked literally hundreds of times since I first launched www.richardamsel.info back in early 2008. As December 4th marks what would have been Richard Amsel’s 73rd birthday, I feel today is an appropriate time to finally answer.
Yes, there will be a book.
(Cover art not final.)
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Through an exclusive agreement with the Richard Amsel estate, CINEMALAD PRODUCTIONS is excited to announce a feature documentary now in the final stages of production, and the development of a new retrospective book on the late artist’s work.
THE DOCUMENTARY
AMSEL: ILLUSTRATOR OF THE LOST ART is a forthcoming documentary profiling the life and work of RICHARD AMSEL (1947-1985).
One of the most prolific and popular American illustrators of the 1970s and 1980s, Amsel remains a titanic figure in the world of entertainment art. From his celebrated covers for TV GUIDE, to portraits of legendary personalities like Bette Midler, Lily Tomlin, and Barbra Streisand, to his remarkable posters for films such as RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, HELLO DOLLY, THE STING, FLASH GORDON, THE DARK CRYSTAL, and MAD MAX BEYOND THUNDERDOME, Amsel’s work has inspired generations of illustrators, and continues to be enjoyed by millions of art and film lovers around the world.
Amsel’s life and career, however, were tragically brief, and the aim of the film is to celebrate his work, preserve his creative legacy, and shed light on a life that was every bit as colorful and wondrous as the art itself.
Filmmaker Adam McDaniel has traveled extensively throughout the United States, conducting over 50 interviews with Amsel’s friends, colleagues, classmates, teachers, and art collectors, as well as new generations of artists who Amsel inspired. The documentary is the culmination of over a decade’s worth of research into Amsel’s life and creative oeuvre.
AMSEL: ILLUSTRATOR OF THE LOST ART is a sponsored project of FRACTURED ATLAS, a non-profit 501(c)(3) arts service organization legally registered as a charity to fundraise in all 50 states. Donations to the documentary are fully tax-deductible where applicable by law.
THE BOOK
In tandem with the documentary, filmmaker Adam McDaniel is also developing an extensive retrospective book on Richard Amsel’s work and career.
Tentatively titled RICHARD AMSEL, the book will feature selections from the hundreds of images McDaniel has collected of Amsel’s artwork over the years, including some that have never before been published. It will also include high-quality digital images made from a selection of Amsel’s iconic original artwork, new photographs, and transparencies – each one professionally digitized, color-corrected, and restored. This will allow for some of the artist’s most prominent works to be seen in a new and improved light.
The book is projected for release upon completion of the documentary, which is in the early editing stages.
To learn more about Richard Amsel, or the progress of the film and book, go to www.RichardAmselMovie.com.
For press inquiries, please contact:
Adam McDaniel
Cinemalad Productions
Tel: 818-749-5280
Email: richardamselproject@gmail.com
