A rough portrait trailer edit for
THIN FOR COMEDY, THICK FOR MURDER…
This project not only features the craft & process of title design before our digital age, but more importantly the artistry of master hand-lettering artist, Harold Adler.
Harold Adler was a walking time capsule of film history for decades before he introduced Saul Bass to film title production at National Screen Service, where he became his lettering artist. When I met a 79yo Harold at my first film job in LA, he became my mentor and hero.
Harold had a relentless dedication to craft that paralleled his generation, with a kind nature and genuine humility.
I hope to tell this story through film & exhibition while sharing a trove of extremely rare film art, artifacts and early title design history.