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  • Gala Opening of the Rita F. Reagan Set Building

Founded in 1916 Jacksonville, FL as Eagle Film City and purchased by Richard E. Norman in the early 1920s, the  Norman Studios was among the nation’s first to produce “race films” starring African American characters in positive, non-stereotypical roles. Today, Norman’s five-building studio complex survives in Jacksonville’s Old Arlington neighborhood. Our 501(c)3 organization is working to reunify, restore and reopen this historic complex as a thriving community, learning, research and tourism center. Want to play a supporting role in the Norman Studios’ epic comeback? There are lots of ways to get involved. Please join our cast!

HISTORIC - INFLUENTIAL - AMBITIOUS

Three Things to Know About Norman Studios

BREAKING BARRIERS

On the Norman Studios site, some of the first films featuring all African-American casts were produced more than a century ago. This five-building complex is the sole studio remnant of Jacksonville's heyday as the Winter Film Capital of the World and one of just two Northeast Florida sites designated as National Historic Landmarks.

Pictured: Eagle Film City/Norman Studios site circa 1910s.

Read up on our history

FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES

Throughout the years, our nonprofit organization, dedicated to preserving, presenting and promoting the history of silent movies and race films in Northeast Florida on the landmark campus of Eagle Film City/Norman Studios, has partnered with and gained support of individuals and organizations among the elite in film history and preservation. 

Pictured: Library of Congress Packard Campus Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound archives.

Meet our friends

FORWARD-MOVING

More than a century after its inception, silent film is enjoying a resurgence of interest, inspired in part by the realization that far too much of the era's history is crumbling. The Norman Studios aims to restore and ultimately reopen the Eagle Film City/Norman Studios campus as a world-class film history, research and tourism center - but we need your help!

Pictured: Silent filmmaker Richard E. Norman and unidentified actors on set.

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NORMAN STUDIOS - JACKSONVILLE'S SILENT HISTORY

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WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT NORMAN STUDIOS

Send Your Thoughts & Ideas to media@normanstudios.org

This is a unique historical site worthy of your time. The lost history of film in Jacksonville comes to light at the great historical site.

Lake Ray, IV Jacksonville, FL

A fantastic organization with an incredible mission of saving Jacksonville's silent film history! Well worth your time to schedule a visit and explore Jacksonville's only remaining silent film studio. 

Pictured with father, former Jacksonville City Councilman Lake Ray, III, who successfully lobbied for the purchase and preservation of the Norman Studios property.

History deserves the right to live. I truly believe that. These are exciting times in cinema for African American actors, writers and directors. It is important to know about the sacrifices Richard Norman endured and this landmark cements his legacy. Because of his determination and tenacity we are able to create our own art the way we envisioned it in a positive way.

HELP US CONTINUE THE LEGACY THEY STARTED

Founders of Eagle Film City, predecessor to the Norman Studios, 1916