Produced for public television broadcast in Ontario, Pilot takes the form of a prime-time newsmagazine, with General Idea as the subject. As hosts, AA Bronson, Felix Partz, and Jorge Zontal describe their collective transformation from young strivers to "famous, glamorous artists," and the diversification of the General Idea media empire. Using a library of clips, they recount General Idea's public performances, films, and fashion designs (such as the "Venetian Blind Gown," modeled here by dancers, swimmers and snow skiers). They also discuss their print publication, FILE, and their decision to change the magazine's logo after Time-Life sued them for trademark infringement in June 1974. ("They didn't like our lifelike format," says Bronson.) A witty survey of the group's early work, Pilot is punctuated throughout by a voice-over manifesto on their continuing project, the Miss General Idea Pavilion of 1984.
General Idea's Pilot was adapted for television by General Idea. Visual Co-ordinator: Tom Sherman. Make-Up: Bill Breen. Key Grip: Beany Potts. Floor Director: Sean Ryerson. Cameramen: Robin Periana, Craig Bulmer. VTR Operator: Joe Ditta: Audioman: Maarten Heilbron. Video-Lighting: Mario Resnik. Switcher: Stu Beecroft. Talent Co-ordinator: Bob Langlois. Production Assistant: Kathy Floyd. Director: Richard Johnson. Producer: Richard Johnson. A Learning Opportunity by TV Ontario, The Ontario Educational, Communications Authority. -- Electronic Arts Intermix
-----------------------
This title is available for exhibitions, screenings, and institutional use through Electronic Arts Intermix (EAI), NY. Please visit the EAI Online Catalogue for further information about this artist and work. The EAI site offers extensive resources for curators, students, artists and educators, including: an in-depth guide to exhibiting, collecting, and preserving media art; A Kinetic History: The EAI Archives Online, a collection of essays, primary documents, and media charting EAI's 40-year history and the early years of the emergent video art scene; and expanded contextual and educational materials.