Bill Miles, American director and producer (d. 2013)

William Miles (April 18, 1931 – May 12, 2013) was an eminent American filmmaker whose work profoundly chronicled the African-American experience, particularly through the lens of his beloved Harlem. Born and raised in this iconic New York neighborhood, Miles drew upon his deep personal connection, extensive knowledge, and lived experience to craft unique and often inspiring cinematic narratives about Harlem's rich and complex history. His commitment to storytelling saw him based at Thirteen/WNET in New York City, where he produced numerous films that garnered national broadcast, bringing vital stories to audiences across the country.

Miles’ keen interest in creating historically grounded documentaries was meticulously cultivated over a remarkable twenty-five-year period. During this time, he dedicated himself to the intricate art of restoring archival films and early feature classics for prestigious organizations such as Killiam Shows, Inc. and the Walter Reade Organization, both pivotal institutions in New York City's film preservation landscape. This extensive background not only honed his understanding of film as a historical document but also instilled in him a meticulous approach to research and visual storytelling, which became hallmarks of his own productions.

Today, his monumental legacy is carefully preserved. William Miles' extensive film archive, a treasure trove for scholars and enthusiasts alike, is housed at the Washington University Film & Media Archive in St. Louis, Missouri. This comprehensive collection extends far beyond just his completed films; it also includes all the foundational elements that contributed to their creation. Researchers can delve into original interviews, explore invaluable stock footage, examine historical photographs, review detailed research materials, peruse producer notes, analyze various script drafts, and even gain insight from Miles' personal papers, offering a holistic view of his creative process and dedication.

Frequently Asked Questions About William Miles

Who was William Miles?
William Miles was a distinguished American filmmaker, born in Harlem, New York, known for his historical documentaries that focused on the African-American experience, especially the history and culture of Harlem.
What was William Miles' primary focus as a filmmaker?
His primary focus was to tell the unique and often inspiring stories of Harlem's history and to chronicle various facets of the African-American experience through his films.
Where was William Miles based during his filmmaking career?
William Miles was based at Thirteen/WNET in New York City, a major public broadcasting station, from where his films reached national audiences.
How did William Miles develop his interest in historical documentaries?
His passion for historical documentaries was nurtured through 25 years of experience restoring archival films and early feature classics for Killiam Shows, Inc. and the Walter Reade Organization in New York City.
Where is William Miles' film archive located?
William Miles' comprehensive film archive is held by the Washington University Film & Media Archive in St. Louis, Missouri.
What types of materials are included in William Miles' archive?
Beyond his completed films, the archive contains a rich array of production elements, including interviews, stock footage, photographs, research materials, producer notes, various scripts, and Miles' personal papers, providing deep insight into his creative process.