Scope and arrangement
Production files for this film encompass contributors' personal collections; the filmmakers' research process; the film's funding and budget information; general correspondence; contracts; releases; and scripts. In the course of producing this documentary, the filmmakers solicited personal narratives and supporting visual material for these stories from members of the lesbian and gay community around the United States, including home movies, personal photographs, and other visual materials that told the story of what it was like to be lesbian or gay in the U.S. prior to the Stonewall Uprising. Folders in the "Personal Collections" section contain photocopies, photographs, and other visual materials. The filmmakers kept good records of their interactions with contributors and interview subjects, which can be found in folders with titles such as, "Leads" and "Logs." The filmmakers also conducted extensive historical research, obtaining archival film footage and photographs from newsreels, the U.S. military, broadcast television, libraries, publications, professional photographers, and other sources, which is well documented in the Research section. Photographs documenting the production of interview segments and theatrical premieres are also included. No film or video media elements are included in these files.
The Before Stonewall production files are arranged in three series: