Lights, camera, action in Birmingham

Birmingham Museum staffer and movie buff Kyle Phillips will present a free lecture on how Birmingham and its surroundings have figured into numerous feature films, short films and commercials in the last of a series of free museum lectures on Thursday, August 8, at 7 p.m. at Baldwin Public Library.

“I’ve always been interested in movies,” said Phillips. “When I first started working at the Birmingham Museum, there was an exhibit display for the ‘People of Birmingham’ bicentennial exhibit on actors Tim Allen and Bruce Campbell, and director Sam Raimi, who were all from this area. I was surprised by this and became very curious about other aspects of Birmingham’s connection to films and film making.”

When the opportunity to give a presentation on the topic came up, Phillips jumped at the chance to learn more and present a lighthearted lecture on Birmingham's contribution to writing, acting and producing film.

“I’ve definitely learned a lot about the topic and am excited to share it,” he added.

Museum director Leslie Pielack noted that the local community is very interested in arts and culture, including film.

“Birmingham seems to have its own special film culture. People here are very knowledgeable about and appreciative of film. They may have gone to school with, or may even be related to, a big name in Hollywood or an indie filmmaker,” she said.

She adds that Campbell has visited his hometown from time to time, and in years past made an appearance at the museum. “We are thrilled to have a signed copy of his book, If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B Movie Actor in our collection.” The museum also has other industry-related artifacts, and will be taking some of them to display for the audience at the presentation on August 8.