Museums: The Andy Warhol Museum (Part 6 of 6)

Andy Warhol famously wrote:

"In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes."

Another cool exhibit at the Andy Warhol museum features Warhol's "screen tests", which were 3 minute long B&W films of famous and unfamous individuals doing absolutely nothing.  You can read more below.

"Between 1964 and 1966, Warhol created almost five hundred Screen Tests of famous and anonymous visitors to his studio, The Factory, including Salvador Dalí, Dennis Hopper, and Edie Sedgwick. Warhol filmed his subjects using a stationary, silent Bolex camera loaded with 100-foot rolls of black and white 16mm film. Sitters were instructed to sit still for about three minutes, the length of time it took for the roll of film to run through the camera. He later projected the Screen Tests in slow motion, thereby extending their duration and imbuing them with a dreamlike stillness. During the 1960s, these films were rarely shown in public, but were often shown at The Factory."  (The Warhol Museum)

Andy Warhol filming a screen test

The ultra cool part of the exhibit is, after learning about Warhol's "screen tests", you get to make your own.  The gallery includes a small film set arranged like Warhol's, complete with a vintage movie camera.  .  

Greg's screen test:  Lights, camera, action!

The vintage movie camera has been modified to record video.

Greg enjoyed making a screen test.  Rather than sitting still for several minutes, he chatted about the museum. Unfortunately, there was no microphone.  So, Greg's screen test is a silent movie.

"Alright Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my closeup."

If you have want to see Greg's screen test, click here.  Susan makes a cameo appearance around 1:17.

Greg enjoyed his 15 minutes of fame.

Thanks for visiting the Andy Warhol Museum with us.