Janis Cole & Holly Dale Fonds

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Biographical History


Date 1975-Present

Janis Cole (b. 1954, Chatham, Ontario) and Holly Dale (b. 1953, Toronto, Ontario) are a filmmaking duo who have produced and directed works together, and separately. They first met in 1975 at Sheridan College, in Oakville, in the film studies program. At the time, the pair both lived near Toronto’s Yonge Street strip, which was known for its sex shops, massage parlours, and sex workers. Cole and Dale took to documenting the people and scenes around them in their signature direct cinema style, relying mostly on interviews with their subjects, and minimal to no voiceover narration. Their first documentary films together, “Cream Soda” (1976) and “Minimum Charge, No Cover” (1976) both dealt frankly with sex trade workers and entertainers. Their next film, “Thin Line” (1977) also explored the lives of those on the social margins – this time focusing on the inmates at the Penetang Hospital for the Criminally Insane.
The pair launched their film production company, Spectrum Films, in the early 1980s, and continued to explore themes of social marginality. Their first feature and breakthrough film, “P4W: Prison For Women” (1981) focused on the stories, experiences, and relationships of five inmates at Kingston’s Prison for Women, Canada’s only female prison at the time. “P4W” was groundbreaking in terms of its largely positive portrayal of a lesbian relationship onscreen. It was also incredibly successful, earning over half a million dollars in Canadian sales against its modest $32,000 budget, and garnering Cole and Dale a Genie Award for Best Theatrical Documentary.
Cole and Dale followed up the success of “P4W” with “Hookers on Davie” (1984), which examined the lives of cis and transgender sex workers on Davie Street in the West End of Vancouver, set in the context of mayor Mike Harcourt’s efforts to “clean up” Vancouver’s streets, as well as the federal government’s Fraser Commission investigations into prostitution and pornography. In gaining the trust of their subjects, Cole and Dale produced a remarkably fierce and candid work that earned the duo their second Genie Award nomination for Best Theatrical Documentary.
The pair’s next film dealt with the world of filmmaking itself. “Calling the Shots” (1988) was a feature-length documentary about the lives of women in the film industry, with interviews of Jeanne Moreau, Anne Wheeler, Sandy Wilson, Margot Kidder, Penelope Spheeris, and Lizzie Borden among others. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 1988 and was nominated for Best Theatrical Documentary at the Genie Awards in 1989.
Cole and Dale also collaborated on projects for television. In 1992, Cole wrote, and Dale directed a Canadian Heritage minute about Agnes MacPhail, the first woman to be elected to the Canadian House of Commons, and her battle for penal reform. And in 1996, Cole wrote, and Dale directed the television film “Dangerous Offender” (also known as “Dangerous Offender: The Marlene Moore Story”) for CBC. The film centered on Marlene Moore, one of the women Cole and Dale had originally profiled in “P4W,” and the first woman in Canada to be designated as a dangerous offender. The wrenching portrayal of Moore’s life behind bars earned the film seven Gemini Award nominations and two wins: one for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series, for Brooke Johnson’s performance as Marlene, and one for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Supporting Role in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series, for Jayne Eastwood’s performance as Marlene’s mother.
Cole and Dale also collaborated on a book version of their film “Calling the Shots”, which was released by Quarry Press in 1994. Together, they also received the 1994 Toronto Arts Award. Their films have appeared in countless international festivals, including Toronto, Chicago, Paris, Berlin, Tel Aviv, Syndey, and Tokyo.
Outside of her collaboration with Dale, Janis Cole continued her own work in film and television. In 1990, she directed the documentary short “Shaggie: Letters from Prison”, a segment in the Canadian film anthology “Five Feminist Minutes.” This film also explored the life of Marlene Moore through letters she wrote from prison, until her suicide in 1988. Cole also directed the short film “Bowie: One in a Million” (2001), which was a tribute to her friend Cathie Bowie, who was murdered by her husband. Cole also wrote for the television series ”Bliss” as well as “Exhibit A: Secrets of Forensic Science.” Additionally, Cole was also a contributing writer and editor of “POV Magazine” and a writer and film reviewer for “NOW Magazine.” Cole has taught several filmmaking, writing, and documentary workshops at the Winnipeg Film Group, Charles Street Video, and Trinity Square Video. She was also a professor in the Integrated Media program at OCAD University for 30 years and is now a Professor Emerita. Cole holds a Master of Fine Arts in Documentary Media from Toronto Metropolitan University.
Outside of her collaboration with Cole, Dale also continued to work in film and television. Dale attended the inaugural Canadian Film Center program in 1995, resulting in her first narrative feature film – the vampire romp “Blood and Donuts” (1995). Dale then largely focused on directing for television, starting in the mid-90s on series such as “Traders”, ”Bliss” and “Exhibit A: Secrets of Forensic Science.” In the early 2000s, her credits included several episodes of “Twice in a Lifetime”, “The Collector” and “Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye.” Dale also directed several episodes of “Durham County”, the first of which earned her both the Gemini Award for Best Direction in Dramatic Series and the DGC Craft Award for Direction in a Television Series. Dale also directed episodes of hit Canadian shows such as Flashpoint” and “Being Erica.” Dale began to find work south of the border, directing episodes of well-known American programs such as “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit,” “The Americans,” and “Dexter.” She also continued to direct on high-profile Canadian series such as “Mary Kills People” and “Transplant,” the latter of which earned her a Canadian Screen Award for Best Direction in a Drama Series. Her recent directorial credits include “Batwoman” and the Netflix series “FUBAR” starring Arnold Schwartzenegger.

Extent and Medium

Audio
Overall total number of items: 2254. Total RT: 758:14:47.
• 2 audio cassettes, RT 3:00:00
• 1 audio cassette : Hi-8, RT 0:30:00
• 11 optical disc : CD ; audio, RT 13:19:03
• 6 optical disc : CD-R ; audio, RT 1:06:31
• 71 m4a files, RT 4:59:46
• 2161 mp3 files, RT 735:06:01
• 2 wma files, RT 0:13:26
Data
Overall total number of items: 20.
• 7 optical disc : CD-R ; data
• 13 optical disc : DVD-R ; data
Graphic
Overall total number of items: 102. Total b&w: 29. Total colour: 73.
• 1 architectural drawing : 24 x 34 in., folded
• 3 site plan drawing : 14 x 24 in., folded
• 1 site plan drawing : 16 x 30 in., folded
• 2 site plan drawing : 24 x 34 in., folded
• 7 flyer : b&w ; 8 1/2 x 11 in.
• 4 poster : b&w ; 8 1/2 x 14 in.
• 1 poster : b&w ; 9 1/2 x 9 1/2 in., mounted on foamcore
• 1 poster : b&w ; 9 1/2 x 10 in., framed
• 1 poster : b&w ; 9 x 14 in., mounted on foamcore
• 1 poster : b&w ; 10 x 15 in., plaqued
• 3 poster : b&w ; 11 x 14 in., mounted on foamcore
• 1 poster : b&w ; 14 x 19 in., folded
• 1 poster : b&w ; 22 x 32 in., mounted on cardboard
• 1 poster : b&w ; 25 x 39 in., mounted on cardboard
• 1 storyboard : b&w ; 20 x 30 in, mounted on posterboard
• 1 art proof : colour ; 11 x 14 in.
• 1 artwork : mixed media ; dimensions variable
• 2 bookmark : colour ; dimensions variable
• 1 collage : mixed media ; 14 x 22 in., mounted on board
• 2 flyer : colour ; 3 x 5 /12 in.
• 1 flyer : colour ; 5 x 9 in.
• 9 flyer : colour ; 8 1/2 x 11 in.
• 40 hockey cards : colour ; 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.
• 2 poster : colour ; 8 x 9 1/2 in., mounted on foamcore
• 1 poster : colour ; 8 x 22 in., plaqued
• 1 poster : colour ; 8 1/2 x 9 1/2 in., plaqued
• 1 poster : colour ; 8 1/2 x 11 in.
• 1 poster : colour ; 10 1/2 x 12 in., mounted on foamcore
• 1 poster : colour ; 12 x 19 in., plaqued
• 1 poster : colour ; 23 1/2 x 36 in.
• 2 poster : colour ; 24 x 34 in.
• 1 poster : colour ; 25 x 36 in., folded
• 2 poster : colour ; 25 x 39 in.
• 1 poster : colour ; 25 x 39 in., mounted on cardboard
• 1 poster : colour ; dimensions variable
• 1 poster proof : colour ; 13 x 19 in.
Moving Image
Overall total number of items: 72. Total RT: 27:24:11. Total footage: 59,205 ft.
• 1 reel : colour interpositive ; 16mm, RT 0:12:30, 450 ft.
• 3 reel : colour negative; 16mm, RT 0:26:22, 950 ft.
• 27 reel : colour print , optical sound ; 16mm, RT 10:50:30, 23,425 ft.
• 4 reel : colour print ; 16mm, RT 0:40:57, 1475 ft.
• 16 reel : duplicate colour negative ; 16mm, RT 7:29:14, 16,175 ft.
• 1 reel : full coat magnetic audio ; 16mm, RT 0:11:48, 425 ft.
• 17 reel : optical sound ; 16mm, RT 6:57:25, 15,030 ft.
• 1 reel : optical soundtrack negative ; 16mm, RT 0:10:25, 375 ft.
• 2 reel : original colour negative ; 16mm, RT 0:25:00, 900 ft.
Object
Overall total number of items: 160.
• 1 acrylic plaque : 9 1/2 x 13 in.
• 7 awards certificate : 8 x 10 in.
• 10 awards certificate : 8 1/2 x 11 in.
• 4 awards certificate : 8 1/2 x 11 in., framed
• 1 awards certificate : 10 x 12 in.
• 1 awards plaque : 8 1/2 x 10 in.
• 1 awards plaque : 10 x 13 in.
• 1 ballpoint pen : dimensions variable
• 1 belt bag : dimensions variable
• 6 cap : dimensions variable
• 4 director chair back : 7 x 21 in.
• 1 embroidered patch : 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.
• 13 identification card : 2 x 3 in.
• 1 identification card : 2 x 3 in., on lanyard, 16 in.
• 1 identification card : 2 x 3 in., on lanyard, 17 in.
• 1 identification card : 2 x 3 in., on lanyard, 18 in.
• 4 identification card : 2 x 3 1/2 in., on lanyard, 16 in.
• 1 identification card : 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 in., with lanyard, 16 in.
• 1 identification card : 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 in., on lanyard, 17 in.
• 1 identification card : 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 in., with lanyard, 19 in.
• 1 identification card : 2 1/2 x 4 in., on chain, 14 in.
• 1 identification card : 2 1/2 x 4 in., on chain, 17 in.
• 5 identification card : 3 x 3 1/2 in.
• 10 identification card : 3 x 4 in.
• 1 identification card : 3 x 4 in., on lanyard, 16 in.
• 4 identification card : 3 x 4 in., on lanyard, 17 in.
• 1 identification card : 3 1/2 x 5 in., on chain, 14 in.
• 1 identification card : 3 1/2 x 5 1/2 in., on lanyard, 16 in.
• 2 identification card : 4 x 4 1/2 in., on lanyard , 17 in.
• 1 identification card : 4 x 5 1/2 in., on lanyard, 15 in.
• 1 identification card : 4 x 5 1/2 in., on lanyard, 16 in.
• 6 identification card : 4 x 5 1/2 in., on lanyard, 17 in.
• 3 identification card : 4 x 5 1/2 in., on lanyard, 18 in.
• 1 identification card : 4 x 5 1/2 in., on lanyard, 21 in.
• 6 identification card : dimensions variable
• 4 identification card : dimensions variable, on lanyard, 16 in.
• 7 identification cards : dimensions variable, on lanyard, 17 in.
• 1 knit cap : dimensions variable
• 1 long sleeved t-shirt : dimensions variable
• 1 metal button : 3 in.
• 1 metal plaque : 11 x 14 in.
• 1 pack of matches : 1 1/2 x 2 in.
• 1 padded file folder : 9 x 13 in.
• 2 pairs of sunglasses : dimensions variable
• 8 patches : dimensions variable
• 2 pin : 1/2 in.
• 4 pin : 1 in.
• 4 pin : 2 in.
• 2 pin : 1/2 x 1 in.
• 1 pin : 1 x 1 in.
• 1 pin : 2 x 2 in.
• 3 pin : 2 x 3 in.
• 4 plastic card : 2 x 3 1/2 in.
• 1 plastic pin : 2 x 2 1/2 in.
• 1 plastic pin : 2 x 2 in.
• 1 production slate : 6 x 11 in.
• 1 production slate label : 4 x 6 in.
• 1 scarf : 10 x 53 in.
• 1 t-shirt : dimensions variable
• 1 water bottle : dimensions variable
Photograph
Overall total number of items: 903. Total b&w: 121. Total colour: 782.
• 5 contact sheet : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
• 1 print : b&w ; 1 1/2 x 2 1/2 in.
• 1 print : b&w ; 3 x 3 in.
• 2 print : b&w ; 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.
• 68 print : b&w ; 3 1/2 x 5 in.
• 1 print : b&w ; 4 x 5 in.
• 3 print : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
• 2 print : b&w ; 4 x 7 in.
• 4 print : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
• 1 print : b&w ; 5 x 8 in.
• 1 print : b&w ; 6 1/2 x 9 in., plaqued
• 1 print : b&w ; 7 x 9 in., mounted on board
• 24 print : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
• 1 print : b&w ; 8 x 12 in.
• 4 print : b&w ; dimensions variable
• 2 transparency : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
• 1 contact sheet : colour ; 8 1/2 x 11 in.
• 27 frame negatives : colour ; 35mm
• 4 Polaroid photograph : colour ; 2 1/2 x 4 1/2 in.
• 20 Polaroid photograph : colour ; 4 x 4 in.
• 6 Polaroid photos : colour ; dimensions variable
• 1 print : colour ; 3 x 3 in.
• 3 print : colour ; 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.
• 7 print : colour ; 3 x 4 in.
• 121 print : colour ; 3 1/2 x 5 in.
• 1 print : colour ; 4 x 4 in.
• 250 print : colour ; 4 x 6 in.
• 13 print : colour ; 5 x 7 in.
• 1 print : colour ; 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 in., plaqued
• 4 print : colour ; 6 1/2 x 9 in., plaqued
• 13 print : colour ; 8 x 10 in.
• 3 print : colour ; 8 1/2 x 11 in.
• 1 print : colour ; 14 x 17 in.
• 306 print : colour ; dimensions variable
Textual
Overall total: 9.4 linear meters, textual materials
Video
Overall total number of items: 900. Total RT: 548:53:58
• 1 digital video disc : BluRay, RT 2:00:00
• 250 digital video disc : DVD, RT 308:47:13
• 55 digital video disc : DVD-R, RT 15:00:22
• 8 reel : 1 in ; video, RT 5:38:00
• 32 video cassette : 3/4 in. Umatic, RT 14:56:26
• 2 video cassette : Betacam, RT 1:30:00
• 87 video cassette : Betacam SP, RT 62:05:40
• 1 video cassette : Digital Betacam, RT 2:04:00
• 2 video cassette : Hi8, RT 1:00:00
• 3 video cassette : MiniDV, 2:18:00
• 113 video cassette : VHS, RT 93:02:12
• 53 avi files, RT 12:12:50
• 7 m4v files, RT 0:21:28
• 128 mov files, RT 3:08:55
• 131 mp4 files, RT 23:33:20
• 13 mpg files, RT 0:06:04
• 14 wmv files, RT 1:09:28
This fonds has been arranged in two different ways. The first is an arrangement scheme based on the original order by box number. The creators worked with a third party archival service that organized materials into numbered boxes and provided finding aids with some description.
As Janis Cole and Holly Dale have worked collaboratively as well as apart, the second arrangement divides the fonds into three series based on the records creator as follows:
Series One: Cole/Dale
Series Two: Janis Cole
Series Three: Holly Dale
Series One: Cole/Dale
This series includes records pertaining to Janis Cole and Holly Dale’s collaborative work. It has been arranged into the following subseries:
Subseries One: Film and Television Materials
This subseries consists of records related to Janis Cole and Holly Dale’s collaborative films and television work. This includes moving image elements, screener copies, and behind the scene photographs of their films, arranged by title in chronological order. Titles represented are: “Cream Soda,” “Minimum Charge No Cover,” “Thin Line,” “P4W: Prison For Women,” “Hookers on Davie,” “Quiet on the Set: Filming Agnes of God,” “Calling the Shots,” “Heritage Minute - Agnes MacPhail,” and “Dangerous Offender.”
Subseries Two: Miscellaneous/General Film Materials
This subseries consists of general records related to Janis Cole and Holly Dale’s collaborative film work. Records in this subseries include screener DVDs of films donated to Cole and Dale by a pirate distributor, screener copies and behind the scenes photos of works made by Cole, Dale, and other Sheridan classmates while they were in film school, general files and agreements pertaining to the distribution of Cole and Dale’s films, film synopses, filmographies, correspondence, clippings, VHS covers and key art samples, as well as compilation DVDs and trailers featuring the work of Cole and Dale.
Subseries Three: Awards and Certificates
This subseries consists of awards and certificates of recognition received by Cole and Dale for their collaborative work. Records include screeners of awards shows, photos of awards and awards storage cases, awards certificates and plaques, and plaqued articles pertaining to awards won.
Subseries Four: General Photos
This subseries consists of promotional photographs of Cole and Dale, as well as photos of Cole and Dale in professional settings, as well as Cole and Dale with their friends.
Subseries Five: Ephemera
This subseries consists of ephemeral materials related to the work of Cole and Dale. Included in this subseries are hockey cards (research materials for a project that was never completed). It also includes a collage of the Spectrum Films offices and the suite signage for Spectrum Films. Finally, this subseries includes two pairs of Janis Cole’s sunglasses, which were worn by participants of the film “Thin Line,” in order to protect their identities.
Subseries Six: Clippings and publications
This subseries consists of newspaper and magazine clippings, as well as book and journal excerpts pertaining to the work of Janis Cole and Holly Dale. These are arranged alphabetically by publication/article title.

Series Two: Janis Cole
This series includes records pertaining to Janis Cole’s work and life separate from Holly Dale. It has been arranged into the following subseries:
Subseries One: Films
This subseries consists of records related to Janis Cole’s filmmaking. Records in this subseries include moving images elements and film screeners, as well as behind the scenes photographs from Cole’s films. Materials are arranged chronologically, and by title. Titles included in this subseries are “Shaggie: Letters from Prison,” “Bowie: One in a Million” and “Dog Days of Summer” (which appears on a Toronto International Film Festival compilation tape only).
Subseries Two: Script Writing, Editing, Consulting
This subseries consists of records related to Janis Cole’s script writing, editing, and consulting work. Records in this subseries include scripts (draft and final), script notes, correspondence, screeners of produced scripts, loan agreements and travel grant agreements, research materials and clippings pertaining to the film and television writing industry, filmographies and writing resumes, story editor agreements, and speaking notes for an industry panel.
Subseries Three: Magazine Writing, Editing
This subseries consists of records related to Janis Cole’s magazine writing and editing work. Records in this subseries include clippings of magazine articles written by Janis Cole, as well as draft articles by Janis Cole.
Subseries Four: Teaching and Workshops
This subseries consists of records related to Janis Cole’s teaching work – from workshops to her work as a professor at OCAD. Records in this subseries include flyers, catalogues, and information sheets for workshops and classes taught by Cole, as well as course materials from workshops taken by Cole. This subseries also includes Cole’s teaching materials, including videos, course packs, syllabi, class notes, and student assignments. This subseries also includes a selection of films made by Cole’s students. Finally, this subseries includes records related to Cole’s general tenure at OCAD, including grant proposals, committee and chair files, collective agreements, a recognition certificate of 20 years of service, and notice of Cole’s emerita conferral.
Subseries Five: MFA Materials
This subseries consists of records related to Janis Cole’s MFA coursework as well as her thesis materials. Records in this subseries include correspondence, transcripts, applications and letters of reference, class notes, syllabi, course packs, books, reference, and research materials, assignments, photographs taken as part of a final class project, Cole’s graduation photograph, clippings, and MFA thesis presentation posters.
Subseries Six: Clippings
This subseries consists of newspaper and magazine clippings pertaining to films and other works by Janis Cole.

Subseries Seven: Visual Art
This subseries consists of a clipping pertaining to Gathering: The Memorial Project - Artists Addressing AIDS, Memory, and Memorial, a group art show, as well as original artwork by Janis Cole to commemorate the life her brother, Barry Cole. The original artwork consists of several hand-sewn panels with postcards, greeting cards, and letters exchanged between Cole and her brother over the years.
Subseries Eight: Books, Reference and Research Materials
This subseries consists of books, scripts, and general research materials belonging to Janis Cole. The works included mainly pertain to screenwriting, filmmaking, health and wellness, and art. Screeners of television episodes, used as industry research, are also included.
Subseries Nine: Personal Files - Highlands East and Wilberforce Matters
This subseries consists of records related to Janis Cole’s time in Wilberforce, Ontario. Cole purchased a home in Wilberforce in the early 2000s and played an active role in the community until she sold her home in 2021. Records in this subseries include correspondence, legal records (affidavits, motions, court documents, etc.) and notes pertaining to small claims court cases undertaken by Cole against local businesses (Carriage House and Home Pro). It also includes correspondence, survey documents, site plans, government publications, and photographs relating to Cole’s efforts to halt brownfield redevelopment in Wilberforce. This subseries also includes records pertaining to Cole’s run for local office in Highlands east, including lists of electors, correspondence, election procedures, information sheets on Cole’s candidacy, clippings, pamphlets and other materials. This subseries also includes Committee notes, pamphlets, correspondence, and clippings pertaining to local issues such as the Wilberforce Waterworks, and efforts against an asphalt plant in Irondale. Finally, this subseries includes records related to Cole’s home, home maintenance, upkeep, decoration, and eventual sale, including contracts, receipts, pamphlets, samples, catalogues, MLS listings, and clippings of real estate listings.
Subseries Ten: Personal Files - General and Miscellaneous
This subseries consists of records pertaining to Cole’s general personal matters. Records in this subseries includes correspondence and legal documents (affidavits, motions, court documents, etc.) pertaining to a student loan issue. Records in this subseries also include wellness course handouts and other materials pertaining to health and nutrition. This subseries also includes general notes, correspondence, journals, and logs kept by Janis Cole. It also includes clippings and photographs pertaining to Cole’s family. Finally, this subseries includes stationary from Cole’s various companies and workplaces.
Subseries Eleven: General Photos
This subseries consists of photographs of Cole, and taken by Cole, in professional as well as personal capacities.


Subseries Twelve: Ephemera
This subseries consists of ephemera collected by Cole from various industry events. Identification cards and passes to various festivals and screenings are well represented. This subseries also includes Cole’s pin collection, student cards, and library cards.
Subseries Thirteen: Computer Backups
This subseries consists of backups of Cole’s computer on optical disc.
Series Three: Holly Dale
Records in this series include works by Holly Dale. They are arranged into subseries as follows:
Subseries One: Films
This subseries consists of materials related to films made by Holly Dale. Records in this subseries include screeners of films made by Dale, as well as a small selection of mounted photographs and clippings pertaining to Dale’s films. This subseries is arranged chronologically, and by title. Titles in this subseries include “Up on the Roof” (Dale’s first short made at the CFC), “Dead Meat” (another short made at the CFC), and “Blood and Donuts” (Dale’s feature length narrative film, made at the CFC). Also included is a screener copy of very early 8mm footage of Dale, shot by her grandfather.
Subseries Two: Holly Dale Productions Files
This subseries consists of files pertaining to Dale’s work as a television director. These are largely in the original order and were arranged in subject files by show title. Records in this subseries include director notes, storyboards, scripts and script notes, production and prep schedules, call sheets, cast and crew lists, casting notes, various departmental meeting notes, lookbooks, editing schedules, location notes and photos, costume and prop notes and photos, production reports, and other production-related files. Titles included in this subseries include: “Transplant,” “UTAP” (released as “FUBAR”), “Lost Boys,” “Mary Kills People,” “Blue Bloods,” “Timeless,” “The Dark Pieces,” “The Finger,” “Under the Dome,” “Pitfall,” “V Wars,” “Chicago PD,” “Flashpoint,” “Limitless,” “Lady Dicks” (Released as “Pretty Hard Cases”), “Mistresses,” “It’s Baber,” “Reign,” “The X-Files,” “Batwoman,” “Quantico,” “The Family,” “The Code,” “Law and Order: SVU,” “Law and Order: True Crime,” “Game of Silence,” “God Friended Me,” “Elephant Winter,” “Seal Team,” “Taken,” “SWAT,” “Take Two,” “Blood and Treasure,” “Bull,” “Chicago Med,” and “Chicago Fire.”
Subseries Three: General Files
This subseries consists of general files pertaining to Dale’s work as a television director. Records in this subseries include correspondence, letters of reference for a visa application, copies of official documents, a call-sheet, and clippings of reviews of “Transplant.”
Subseries Four: Clippings
This subseries consists of newspaper and magazine clippings pertaining to the work of Holly Dale.
Subseries Five: Reels and Screeners (Television and Commercial Work)
This subseries consists of video tape and DVD screeners of the television and commercial work of Holly Dale. These include general director reels as well as screeners of episodes/seasons of the following titles: “Being Erica,” “Durham County,” “Flashpoint,” “The Collector,” “Nero Wolfe,” “Bliss,” “Just Cause,” “Peter Benchley’s Amazon,” “Doc,” “Traders,” “Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye,” “Tracker,” “Twice in a Lifetime,” “The City,” “Jeremiah,” “First Wave,” “Missing,” “Wildfire,” “Kyle XY,” “Angela’s Eyes,” “Absolution,” “Hush Little Baby,” “Blood Ties,” “Life,” “Heroes,” “Football John,” “The Bridge,” “Cold Case,” “The Sarah Connor Chronicles,” “Chase,” “Rizzoli and Isles,” “The Playboy Club,” “The Firm,” “Falling Skies,” “Dexter,” “Castle,” “Under the Dome,” “Extant,” “Blue Bloods,” “NCIS,” “Law and Order: SVU,” “Chicago PD,” “Chicago Fire,” “Reign,” “The X-Files,” “The Whispers,” “Limitless,” “Mary Kills People,” “The Family,” “Game of Silence,” “Into the Black,” and “Batwoman.” This subseries also includes a list of shows directed by Dale for which screeners are not present/available.
Subseries Six: Awards and Certificates
This subseries includes awards certificates and plaques received by Holly Dale for her film and television work.
Subseries Seven: Ephemera, Memorabilia
This subseries various crew gifts (caps, baseball hats, t-shirts, belt bags, etc.) received by Dale. It also includes director chair backs bearing Dale’s name for various productions. This subseries also includes various identification cards, membership cards, and passes belonging to Dale. It also includes several production slates and labels commemorating various productions. Finally, this subseries includes posters and framed materials pertaining to various works by Holly Dale.

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Janis Cole & Holly Dale Fonds

Description
This fonds has been arranged in two different ways. The first is an arrangement scheme based on the original order by box number. The creators worked with a third party archival service that organized materials into numbered boxes and provided finding aids with some description. As Janis Cole and Holly Dale have worked collaboratively as well as apart, the second arrangement divides the fonds into three series based on the records creator as follows: Series One: Cole/Dale Series Two: Janis Cole Series Three: Holly Dale Series One: Cole/Dale This series includes records pertaining to Janis Cole and Holly Dale’s collaborative work. It has been arranged into the following subseries: Subseries One: Film and Television Materials This subseries consists of records related to Janis Cole and Holly Dale’s collaborative films and television work. This includes moving image elements, screener copies, and behind the scene photographs of their films, arranged by title in chronological order. Titles represented are: “Cream Soda,” “Minimum Charge No Cover,” “Thin Line,” “P4W: Prison For Women,” “Hookers on Davie,” “Quiet on the Set: Filming Agnes of God,” “Calling the Shots,” “Heritage Minute - Agnes MacPhail,” and “Dangerous Offender.” Subseries Two: Miscellaneous/General Film Materials This subseries consists of general records related to Janis Cole and Holly Dale’s collaborative film work. Records in this subseries include screener DVDs of films donated to Cole and Dale by a pirate distributor, screener copies and behind the scenes photos of works made by Cole, Dale, and other Sheridan classmates while they were in film school, general files and agreements pertaining to the distribution of Cole and Dale’s films, film synopses, filmographies, correspondence, clippings, VHS covers and key art samples, as well as compilation DVDs and trailers featuring the work of Cole and Dale. Subseries Three: Awards and Certificates This subseries consists of awards and certificates of recognition received by Cole and Dale for their collaborative work. Records include screeners of awards shows, photos of awards and awards storage cases, awards certificates and plaques, and plaqued articles pertaining to awards won. Subseries Four: General Photos This subseries consists of promotional photographs of Cole and Dale, as well as photos of Cole and Dale in professional settings, as well as Cole and Dale with their friends. Subseries Five: Ephemera This subseries consists of ephemeral materials related to the work of Cole and Dale. Included in this subseries are hockey cards (research materials for a project that was never completed). It also includes a collage of the Spectrum Films offices and the suite signage for Spectrum Films. Finally, this subseries includes two pairs of Janis Cole’s sunglasses, which were worn by participants of the film “Thin Line,” in order to protect their identities. Subseries Six: Clippings and publications This subseries consists of newspaper and magazine clippings, as well as book and journal excerpts pertaining to the work of Janis Cole and Holly Dale. These are arranged alphabetically by publication/article title. Series Two: Janis Cole This series includes records pertaining to Janis Cole’s work and life separate from Holly Dale. It has been arranged into the following subseries: Subseries One: Films This subseries consists of records related to Janis Cole’s filmmaking. Records in this subseries include moving images elements and film screeners, as well as behind the scenes photographs from Cole’s films. Materials are arranged chronologically, and by title. Titles included in this subseries are “Shaggie: Letters from Prison,” “Bowie: One in a Million” and “Dog Days of Summer” (which appears on a Toronto International Film Festival compilation tape only). Subseries Two: Script Writing, Editing, Consulting This subseries consists of records related to Janis Cole’s script writing, editing, and consulting work. Records in this subseries include scripts (draft and final), script notes, correspondence, screeners of produced scripts, loan agreements and travel grant agreements, research materials and clippings pertaining to the film and television writing industry, filmographies and writing resumes, story editor agreements, and speaking notes for an industry panel. Subseries Three: Magazine Writing, Editing This subseries consists of records related to Janis Cole’s magazine writing and editing work. Records in this subseries include clippings of magazine articles written by Janis Cole, as well as draft articles by Janis Cole. Subseries Four: Teaching and Workshops This subseries consists of records related to Janis Cole’s teaching work – from workshops to her work as a professor at OCAD. Records in this subseries include flyers, catalogues, and information sheets for workshops and classes taught by Cole, as well as course materials from workshops taken by Cole. This subseries also includes Cole’s teaching materials, including videos, course packs, syllabi, class notes, and student assignments. This subseries also includes a selection of films made by Cole’s students. Finally, this subseries includes records related to Cole’s general tenure at OCAD, including grant proposals, committee and chair files, collective agreements, a recognition certificate of 20 years of service, and notice of Cole’s emerita conferral. Subseries Five: MFA Materials This subseries consists of records related to Janis Cole’s MFA coursework as well as her thesis materials. Records in this subseries include correspondence, transcripts, applications and letters of reference, class notes, syllabi, course packs, books, reference, and research materials, assignments, photographs taken as part of a final class project, Cole’s graduation photograph, clippings, and MFA thesis presentation posters. Subseries Six: Clippings This subseries consists of newspaper and magazine clippings pertaining to films and other works by Janis Cole. Subseries Seven: Visual Art This subseries consists of a clipping pertaining to Gathering: The Memorial Project - Artists Addressing AIDS, Memory, and Memorial, a group art show, as well as original artwork by Janis Cole to commemorate the life her brother, Barry Cole. The original artwork consists of several hand-sewn panels with postcards, greeting cards, and letters exchanged between Cole and her brother over the years. Subseries Eight: Books, Reference and Research Materials This subseries consists of books, scripts, and general research materials belonging to Janis Cole. The works included mainly pertain to screenwriting, filmmaking, health and wellness, and art. Screeners of television episodes, used as industry research, are also included. Subseries Nine: Personal Files - Highlands East and Wilberforce Matters This subseries consists of records related to Janis Cole’s time in Wilberforce, Ontario. Cole purchased a home in Wilberforce in the early 2000s and played an active role in the community until she sold her home in 2021. Records in this subseries include correspondence, legal records (affidavits, motions, court documents, etc.) and notes pertaining to small claims court cases undertaken by Cole against local businesses (Carriage House and Home Pro). It also includes correspondence, survey documents, site plans, government publications, and photographs relating to Cole’s efforts to halt brownfield redevelopment in Wilberforce. This subseries also includes records pertaining to Cole’s run for local office in Highlands east, including lists of electors, correspondence, election procedures, information sheets on Cole’s candidacy, clippings, pamphlets and other materials. This subseries also includes Committee notes, pamphlets, correspondence, and clippings pertaining to local issues such as the Wilberforce Waterworks, and efforts against an asphalt plant in Irondale. Finally, this subseries includes records related to Cole’s home, home maintenance, upkeep, decoration, and eventual sale, including contracts, receipts, pamphlets, samples, catalogues, MLS listings, and clippings of real estate listings. Subseries Ten: Personal Files - General and Miscellaneous This subseries consists of records pertaining to Cole’s general personal matters. Records in this subseries includes correspondence and legal documents (affidavits, motions, court documents, etc.) pertaining to a student loan issue. Records in this subseries also include wellness course handouts and other materials pertaining to health and nutrition. This subseries also includes general notes, correspondence, journals, and logs kept by Janis Cole. It also includes clippings and photographs pertaining to Cole’s family. Finally, this subseries includes stationary from Cole’s various companies and workplaces. Subseries Eleven: General Photos This subseries consists of photographs of Cole, and taken by Cole, in professional as well as personal capacities. Subseries Twelve: Ephemera This subseries consists of ephemera collected by Cole from various industry events. Identification cards and passes to various festivals and screenings are well represented. This subseries also includes Cole’s pin collection, student cards, and library cards. Subseries Thirteen: Computer Backups This subseries consists of backups of Cole’s computer on optical disc. Series Three: Holly Dale Records in this series include works by Holly Dale. They are arranged into subseries as follows: Subseries One: Films This subseries consists of materials related to films made by Holly Dale. Records in this subseries include screeners of films made by Dale, as well as a small selection of mounted photographs and clippings pertaining to Dale’s films. This subseries is arranged chronologically, and by title. Titles in this subseries include “Up on the Roof” (Dale’s first short made at the CFC), “Dead Meat” (another short made at the CFC), and “Blood and Donuts” (Dale’s feature length narrative film, made at the CFC). Also included is a screener copy of very early 8mm footage of Dale, shot by her grandfather. Subseries Two: Holly Dale Productions Files This subseries consists of files pertaining to Dale’s work as a television director. These are largely in the original order and were arranged in subject files by show title. Records in this subseries include director notes, storyboards, scripts and script notes, production and prep schedules, call sheets, cast and crew lists, casting notes, various departmental meeting notes, lookbooks, editing schedules, location notes and photos, costume and prop notes and photos, production reports, and other production-related files. Titles included in this subseries include: “Transplant,” “UTAP” (released as “FUBAR”), “Lost Boys,” “Mary Kills People,” “Blue Bloods,” “Timeless,” “The Dark Pieces,” “The Finger,” “Under the Dome,” “Pitfall,” “V Wars,” “Chicago PD,” “Flashpoint,” “Limitless,” “Lady Dicks” (Released as “Pretty Hard Cases”), “Mistresses,” “It’s Baber,” “Reign,” “The X-Files,” “Batwoman,” “Quantico,” “The Family,” “The Code,” “Law and Order: SVU,” “Law and Order: True Crime,” “Game of Silence,” “God Friended Me,” “Elephant Winter,” “Seal Team,” “Taken,” “SWAT,” “Take Two,” “Blood and Treasure,” “Bull,” “Chicago Med,” and “Chicago Fire.” Subseries Three: General Files This subseries consists of general files pertaining to Dale’s work as a television director. Records in this subseries include correspondence, letters of reference for a visa application, copies of official documents, a call-sheet, and clippings of reviews of “Transplant.” Subseries Four: Clippings This subseries consists of newspaper and magazine clippings pertaining to the work of Holly Dale. Subseries Five: Reels and Screeners (Television and Commercial Work) This subseries consists of video tape and DVD screeners of the television and commercial work of Holly Dale. These include general director reels as well as screeners of episodes/seasons of the following titles: “Being Erica,” “Durham County,” “Flashpoint,” “The Collector,” “Nero Wolfe,” “Bliss,” “Just Cause,” “Peter Benchley’s Amazon,” “Doc,” “Traders,” “Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye,” “Tracker,” “Twice in a Lifetime,” “The City,” “Jeremiah,” “First Wave,” “Missing,” “Wildfire,” “Kyle XY,” “Angela’s Eyes,” “Absolution,” “Hush Little Baby,” “Blood Ties,” “Life,” “Heroes,” “Football John,” “The Bridge,” “Cold Case,” “The Sarah Connor Chronicles,” “Chase,” “Rizzoli and Isles,” “The Playboy Club,” “The Firm,” “Falling Skies,” “Dexter,” “Castle,” “Under the Dome,” “Extant,” “Blue Bloods,” “NCIS,” “Law and Order: SVU,” “Chicago PD,” “Chicago Fire,” “Reign,” “The X-Files,” “The Whispers,” “Limitless,” “Mary Kills People,” “The Family,” “Game of Silence,” “Into the Black,” and “Batwoman.” This subseries also includes a list of shows directed by Dale for which screeners are not present/available. Subseries Six: Awards and Certificates This subseries includes awards certificates and plaques received by Holly Dale for her film and television work. Subseries Seven: Ephemera, Memorabilia This subseries various crew gifts (caps, baseball hats, t-shirts, belt bags, etc.) received by Dale. It also includes director chair backs bearing Dale’s name for various productions. This subseries also includes various identification cards, membership cards, and passes belonging to Dale. It also includes several production slates and labels commemorating various productions. Finally, this subseries includes posters and framed materials pertaining to various works by Holly Dale.
Extent and Medium
Audio
Overall total number of items: 2254. Total RT: 758:14:47.
• 2 audio cassettes, RT 3:00:00
• 1 audio cassette : Hi-8, RT 0:30:00
• 11 optical disc : CD ; audio, RT 13:19:03
• 6 optical disc : CD-R ; audio, RT 1:06:31
• 71 m4a files, RT 4:59:46
• 2161 mp3 files, RT 735:06:01
• 2 wma files, RT 0:13:26
Data
Overall total number of items: 20.
• 7 optical disc : CD-R ; data
• 13 optical disc : DVD-R ; data
Graphic
Overall total number of items: 102. Total b&w: 29. Total colour: 73.
• 1 architectural drawing : 24 x 34 in., folded
• 3 site plan drawing : 14 x 24 in., folded
• 1 site plan drawing : 16 x 30 in., folded
• 2 site plan drawing : 24 x 34 in., folded
• 7 flyer : b&w ; 8 1/2 x 11 in.
• 4 poster : b&w ; 8 1/2 x 14 in.
• 1 poster : b&w ; 9 1/2 x 9 1/2 in., mounted on foamcore
• 1 poster : b&w ; 9 1/2 x 10 in., framed
• 1 poster : b&w ; 9 x 14 in., mounted on foamcore
• 1 poster : b&w ; 10 x 15 in., plaqued
• 3 poster : b&w ; 11 x 14 in., mounted on foamcore
• 1 poster : b&w ; 14 x 19 in., folded
• 1 poster : b&w ; 22 x 32 in., mounted on cardboard
• 1 poster : b&w ; 25 x 39 in., mounted on cardboard
• 1 storyboard : b&w ; 20 x 30 in, mounted on posterboard
• 1 art proof : colour ; 11 x 14 in.
• 1 artwork : mixed media ; dimensions variable
• 2 bookmark : colour ; dimensions variable
• 1 collage : mixed media ; 14 x 22 in., mounted on board
• 2 flyer : colour ; 3 x 5 /12 in.
• 1 flyer : colour ; 5 x 9 in.
• 9 flyer : colour ; 8 1/2 x 11 in.
• 40 hockey cards : colour ; 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.
• 2 poster : colour ; 8 x 9 1/2 in., mounted on foamcore
• 1 poster : colour ; 8 x 22 in., plaqued
• 1 poster : colour ; 8 1/2 x 9 1/2 in., plaqued
• 1 poster : colour ; 8 1/2 x 11 in.
• 1 poster : colour ; 10 1/2 x 12 in., mounted on foamcore
• 1 poster : colour ; 12 x 19 in., plaqued
• 1 poster : colour ; 23 1/2 x 36 in.
• 2 poster : colour ; 24 x 34 in.
• 1 poster : colour ; 25 x 36 in., folded
• 2 poster : colour ; 25 x 39 in.
• 1 poster : colour ; 25 x 39 in., mounted on cardboard
• 1 poster : colour ; dimensions variable
• 1 poster proof : colour ; 13 x 19 in.
Moving Image
Overall total number of items: 72. Total RT: 27:24:11. Total footage: 59,205 ft.
• 1 reel : colour interpositive ; 16mm, RT 0:12:30, 450 ft.
• 3 reel : colour negative; 16mm, RT 0:26:22, 950 ft.
• 27 reel : colour print , optical sound ; 16mm, RT 10:50:30, 23,425 ft.
• 4 reel : colour print ; 16mm, RT 0:40:57, 1475 ft.
• 16 reel : duplicate colour negative ; 16mm, RT 7:29:14, 16,175 ft.
• 1 reel : full coat magnetic audio ; 16mm, RT 0:11:48, 425 ft.
• 17 reel : optical sound ; 16mm, RT 6:57:25, 15,030 ft.
• 1 reel : optical soundtrack negative ; 16mm, RT 0:10:25, 375 ft.
• 2 reel : original colour negative ; 16mm, RT 0:25:00, 900 ft.
Object
Overall total number of items: 160.
• 1 acrylic plaque : 9 1/2 x 13 in.
• 7 awards certificate : 8 x 10 in.
• 10 awards certificate : 8 1/2 x 11 in.
• 4 awards certificate : 8 1/2 x 11 in., framed
• 1 awards certificate : 10 x 12 in.
• 1 awards plaque : 8 1/2 x 10 in.
• 1 awards plaque : 10 x 13 in.
• 1 ballpoint pen : dimensions variable
• 1 belt bag : dimensions variable
• 6 cap : dimensions variable
• 4 director chair back : 7 x 21 in.
• 1 embroidered patch : 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.
• 13 identification card : 2 x 3 in.
• 1 identification card : 2 x 3 in., on lanyard, 16 in.
• 1 identification card : 2 x 3 in., on lanyard, 17 in.
• 1 identification card : 2 x 3 in., on lanyard, 18 in.
• 4 identification card : 2 x 3 1/2 in., on lanyard, 16 in.
• 1 identification card : 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 in., with lanyard, 16 in.
• 1 identification card : 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 in., on lanyard, 17 in.
• 1 identification card : 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 in., with lanyard, 19 in.
• 1 identification card : 2 1/2 x 4 in., on chain, 14 in.
• 1 identification card : 2 1/2 x 4 in., on chain, 17 in.
• 5 identification card : 3 x 3 1/2 in.
• 10 identification card : 3 x 4 in.
• 1 identification card : 3 x 4 in., on lanyard, 16 in.
• 4 identification card : 3 x 4 in., on lanyard, 17 in.
• 1 identification card : 3 1/2 x 5 in., on chain, 14 in.
• 1 identification card : 3 1/2 x 5 1/2 in., on lanyard, 16 in.
• 2 identification card : 4 x 4 1/2 in., on lanyard , 17 in.
• 1 identification card : 4 x 5 1/2 in., on lanyard, 15 in.
• 1 identification card : 4 x 5 1/2 in., on lanyard, 16 in.
• 6 identification card : 4 x 5 1/2 in., on lanyard, 17 in.
• 3 identification card : 4 x 5 1/2 in., on lanyard, 18 in.
• 1 identification card : 4 x 5 1/2 in., on lanyard, 21 in.
• 6 identification card : dimensions variable
• 4 identification card : dimensions variable, on lanyard, 16 in.
• 7 identification cards : dimensions variable, on lanyard, 17 in.
• 1 knit cap : dimensions variable
• 1 long sleeved t-shirt : dimensions variable
• 1 metal button : 3 in.
• 1 metal plaque : 11 x 14 in.
• 1 pack of matches : 1 1/2 x 2 in.
• 1 padded file folder : 9 x 13 in.
• 2 pairs of sunglasses : dimensions variable
• 8 patches : dimensions variable
• 2 pin : 1/2 in.
• 4 pin : 1 in.
• 4 pin : 2 in.
• 2 pin : 1/2 x 1 in.
• 1 pin : 1 x 1 in.
• 1 pin : 2 x 2 in.
• 3 pin : 2 x 3 in.
• 4 plastic card : 2 x 3 1/2 in.
• 1 plastic pin : 2 x 2 1/2 in.
• 1 plastic pin : 2 x 2 in.
• 1 production slate : 6 x 11 in.
• 1 production slate label : 4 x 6 in.
• 1 scarf : 10 x 53 in.
• 1 t-shirt : dimensions variable
• 1 water bottle : dimensions variable
Photograph
Overall total number of items: 903. Total b&w: 121. Total colour: 782.
• 5 contact sheet : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
• 1 print : b&w ; 1 1/2 x 2 1/2 in.
• 1 print : b&w ; 3 x 3 in.
• 2 print : b&w ; 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.
• 68 print : b&w ; 3 1/2 x 5 in.
• 1 print : b&w ; 4 x 5 in.
• 3 print : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
• 2 print : b&w ; 4 x 7 in.
• 4 print : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
• 1 print : b&w ; 5 x 8 in.
• 1 print : b&w ; 6 1/2 x 9 in., plaqued
• 1 print : b&w ; 7 x 9 in., mounted on board
• 24 print : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
• 1 print : b&w ; 8 x 12 in.
• 4 print : b&w ; dimensions variable
• 2 transparency : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
• 1 contact sheet : colour ; 8 1/2 x 11 in.
• 27 frame negatives : colour ; 35mm
• 4 Polaroid photograph : colour ; 2 1/2 x 4 1/2 in.
• 20 Polaroid photograph : colour ; 4 x 4 in.
• 6 Polaroid photos : colour ; dimensions variable
• 1 print : colour ; 3 x 3 in.
• 3 print : colour ; 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.
• 7 print : colour ; 3 x 4 in.
• 121 print : colour ; 3 1/2 x 5 in.
• 1 print : colour ; 4 x 4 in.
• 250 print : colour ; 4 x 6 in.
• 13 print : colour ; 5 x 7 in.
• 1 print : colour ; 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 in., plaqued
• 4 print : colour ; 6 1/2 x 9 in., plaqued
• 13 print : colour ; 8 x 10 in.
• 3 print : colour ; 8 1/2 x 11 in.
• 1 print : colour ; 14 x 17 in.
• 306 print : colour ; dimensions variable
Textual
Overall total: 9.4 linear meters, textual materials
Video
Overall total number of items: 900. Total RT: 548:53:58
• 1 digital video disc : BluRay, RT 2:00:00
• 250 digital video disc : DVD, RT 308:47:13
• 55 digital video disc : DVD-R, RT 15:00:22
• 8 reel : 1 in ; video, RT 5:38:00
• 32 video cassette : 3/4 in. Umatic, RT 14:56:26
• 2 video cassette : Betacam, RT 1:30:00
• 87 video cassette : Betacam SP, RT 62:05:40
• 1 video cassette : Digital Betacam, RT 2:04:00
• 2 video cassette : Hi8, RT 1:00:00
• 3 video cassette : MiniDV, 2:18:00
• 113 video cassette : VHS, RT 93:02:12
• 53 avi files, RT 12:12:50
• 7 m4v files, RT 0:21:28
• 128 mov files, RT 3:08:55
• 131 mp4 files, RT 23:33:20
• 13 mpg files, RT 0:06:04
• 14 wmv files, RT 1:09:28