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.
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.
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.
NORMAN STUDIOS - JACKSONVILLE'S SILENT HISTORY
Produced by Creative Industries Banner Center
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.
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.