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Brian McKernan
commissioned and edited what he believes may be the last
published article written by Jean Shepherd. He was the editor of
Videography from 1987 to 1999.
Here's his
story:
Videography, a
magazine for the professional video production industry, had
been founded in April 1976, and in 1996 I convinced my boss,
Paul Gallo (President of what was then known as Miller Freeman
PSN, a trade publisher of such titles as Pro Sound News,
EQ, Television Broadcast, and Videography,
among others) that we should publish a special commemorative
book to mark the magazine's twentieth anniversary.
Paul not only gave
me the green light, he enthusiastically increased the budget so
we could publish a high-class edition.
Delighted with the
opportunity, I asked select writer friends to create chapters on
various topics appropriate to their areas of expertise
(immersive entertainment,
education, video history, etc.).
One writer I didn't
know, but had idolized ever since discovering him on my tiny
Panasonic transistor radio one cold winter night in the Bronx in
1965 was Jean Shepherd. Fast forward 31 years, and I recalled
reading somewhere that he was retired and living on Sanibel
Island FL. I called directory assistance for that area, but
found no listing for him. Then I got the bright idea to ask for
a number for Leigh Brown, and BINGO! I found them. I spoke to
Ms. Brown by phone (she couldn't have been nicer), made my
request, and she asked me to send a letter for Shep reiterating
my request.
A couple of weeks
later, there it was, in the mail: a type-written essay titled
"Remembrance of Things Past," written by Shep himself and
autographed to me at its conclusion! I treasure it to this day.
Needless to say, it was published in "The Age of Videography" I
even drew a cartoon to accompany the essay, which I feel, is one
of Shep's best. I suspect it may also be his last published
work. If anyone knows for certain -- one way or the
other--please contact me at:
brian.mckernan2@verizon.net
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