The Chris Coles papers span the years 1977-1995 (bulk 1983-1992) and encompass 64 linear feet. The collection contains production files, television files, and subject files documenting Coles’ career as a line producer, production manager, and location manager.

The bulk of the collection is contained in the production files, with material for nearly two dozen films, including COOL RUNNINGS (1993), CUTTHROAT ISLAND (1995), OUT COLD (1989), NIGHT OF THE JUGGLER (1980), THE ROAD TO WELLVILLE (1994), and SANTA CLAUS (1985). There is extensive documentation for CHAPLIN (1992), L.A. STORY (1991), and in particular, THE ROSARY MURDERS (1987), the largest production ever filmed entirely in Detroit at that time. Also included is material covering Coles’ work as a location manager and later production manager on four films in the Superman franchise: SUPERMAN (1978), SUPERMAN II (1980), SUPERMAN III (1983), and SUPERGIRL (1984). Of particular interest is the small amount of material on RAINBOW WAR (1985), nominated for an Academy Award for best Live Action Short Film. While these files contain scripts, breakdowns, and schedules, the material is primarily financial and includes budgets, cost reports, and payroll and petty cash documentation.

The production files (unproduced) also contain several noteworthy titles including BUDDHA, a film on the life of Siddhartha written by Robert Bolt, to be directed by Ron Fricke; ISOBAR, a science-fiction film to be directed by Roland Emmerich with Sylvester Stallone in the lead role; and MELTDOWN, a science-fiction film originally written by John Carpenter, later rewritten by John and Rick Dahl, Scott Chesnut, and Chris Coles.

The television files contain contact information for the series SIRENS (1993) and budget information for PAVLOVA: A WOMAN FOR ALL TIME(1983). The subject files include contact information and a production manual for Carolco Pictures as well as correspondence from Chris Coles to Jay Weston regarding potential projects.

The oversize material comes from L.A. STORY (1991) and THE ROSARY MURDERS (1987).

Chris Coles was born and raised in Maine. After graduating from Brown University, he travelled to Africa and Europe on a Watson Fellowship. He then attended the National Film and Television School in London. After completing film school, he began working on SUPERMAN (1978) as a location manager. Over the next two decades, he worked as a line producer, location manager, and production manager on such films as THE ROSARY MURDERS (1987), L.A. STORY (1991), and CHAPLIN (1992), as well as three other films in the SUPERMAN franchise. Following his work on CUTTHROAT ISLAND (1995), Coles relocated to Bangkok, where he now works as an expressionist painter documenting Bangkok’s nightlife.