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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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