Linotype: The Film

In a bit of shameless promotion:

“Linotype: The Film” is a feature-length documentary centered around the Linotype typecasting machine. Called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” by Thomas Edison, it revolutionised printing and society. The film tells the surprisingly emotional story of the people connected to the Linotype and how it impacted the world.

You can see more at: http://www.linotypefilm.com

Log in to reply   11 replies so far

Loved the film. Is it for sell in DVD format?

That is very cool. Two nights ago I had a dream where I found a spanking brand new Linotype machine, but it wasn’t all black and metal finish, it was a very bright purple. It was a fantastic dream. The trays were full of new matrices too.

image: purple.jpg

purple.jpg

As an Intertype operator from the 60’s to 70’s I like watching people show off these machines.

I also remember the days when an operator would type newspaper lines at a rate that three lines going at one time.

One line going back to the distribution mechanism, one going for casting and the third being set from the keyboard.

I thought the film had a Kickstarter project that was funded last year- doubled the goal if I remember. It looks like they’re going at it again?

Regardless, I’m happy to donate again.

Along the same lines, I have a friend trying to get rid of a working Linotype if anyone is interested. Message me.

The explanation for why there have been two kickstarter campaigns can be found here:

http://ilovetypography.com/2011/08/23/linotype-the-film-—-final-push/#more-10854

Projects grow and become more expensive (and much better) than first imagined, so they need additional funding for post-production.

I think this film will be fantastic and can’t wait to see it.

-Kim

how much are linotype machines going for these days?
I mean in what range?
Can anyone tell me? I might be interested in purchasing one locally and learning the craft.

If you are interested, put out the word. If you are in the Midwest or East, you are in machine rich territory, less so for the South and things are pretty grim in the West. Still, with the Internet, you can probably connect up with a machine with much more ease than in the past.

Just post here, or on the LETPRESS list or on the Intertype World list at Yahoogroups. We’ll be more than happy to connect you up with a machine.

Aaron,

The DVD will be released in the Spring of 2012.

Enriquevw,

For the most part, you can find a Linotype for little to no cost these days. The major cost will be removing it and relocating it to your facilities.

Also, finding someone to teach you the craft of setting type and the art of repairing a Linotype is, sadly, getting more and more difficult.

As an Linotype operator and past owner of one. If you do not know how to repair things and make parts stay away from these machines.

I was luck to own a C-4 Intertype back in the day, newspaper and the large printing shop had them. So, getting repair work done was just picking up the phone and call.

Commercial Linotype/Intertype (and Ludlow) service is still available from Dave Seat, www.hotmetalservices.com Dave travels the entire country working on these machines.

Regards,
David M. MacMillan
www.CircuitousRoot.com

I will second David’s suggestion of Dave Seat at Hot Metal Services. He is the only remaining traveling Linotype repairman that drives coast-to-coast fixing Linotypes, Ludlows, Vandercooks and everything in-between.

Dave is also one of the nicest people you will ever meet.

In fact, we just interviewed him for “Linotype: The Film” this past week.

Best,

Doug