FILM Archives Inc. Founding Partner Richard Scheckman Dead at 67

New York based FILM Archives Inc. founding partner Richard ("Rick") Scheckman passed away following a brief illness on March 10, 2023. He was 67. Scheckman and Mark Trost, FILM Archives president, transitioned their youthful fascination with movies from hobby to stock footage firm in 1986. "He was not only my business partner, he was also a dear friend of nearly 50 years," said Trost. "We began collecting films together as teenagers in the late 1960s and early 1970s."

Among Rick's greatest pleasures was sharing that lifelong love of film, often loaning prints from his expansive personal collection to special screenings and events. In 2021, Scheckman placed his entire collection of rare 16mm prints (including many irreplaceable silents) with the Library of Congress. Upon learning of his death, the Library published a touching tribute, describing the films and LoC employees' efforts to ingest and preserve his legacy.

"Of course we will miss him greatly," Trost said. "Our dedicated staffers Karen Doogan and Kate Wilkinson will carry on Rick's wish to make this remarkable collection available and licensable to our clients, friends, and associates."

Besides his involvement with FILM Archives and the vintage film collectors' community, Scheckman became David Letterman's film coordinator for the late night show's entire 33-year run on NBC and CBS. Letterman's comedy writers relied on him to provide goofy clips for their bits, often on the spur of the moment. Occasionally he even appeared as Letterman's foil in sketches, such as "World's Worst Elvis Impersonator."

Click here to read more about Rick at the Library of Congress and here for The Hollywood Reporter's account of his television career.