Bell, Book and Camera Productions

08/06/2025

New episode of Antique Audio -- this one featuring a World War II-era suitcase and a record from 1938. This particular model is a 1941 , sold by Lyon & Healy Harps -- a Chicago institution since 1864.

In this episode of Antique Audio, we're spinning a 1938 Benny Goodman Quartet shellac recording of "Bei Mir Bist Du Schön," featuring the legendary Martha Ti...

07/05/2025

New episode of Antique Audio with a Vitaphone disc on the platter. These unique 16" records were the first to successfully bring sound to film. Listen to the first song from the 1928 Vitaphone short, "The Band Beautiful" featuring the all-female jazz band, The Ingenues.

This disc will have an appearance in our upcoming documentary, Ginny & Juel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caizVTwqjjo

On this episode, we are spinning a song from a 16" Vitaphone disc of the Ingenues, in their 1928 short film, The Band Beautiful. This is a custom modified AT...

07/04/2025

The Ingenues filmed 2 shorts for Vitaphone, "The Band Beautiful" and "Syncopating Sweeties." The first sound films had large 16" records that were synced to the film. This is what gave The Jazz Singer sound. However, most record players can't handle a 16" record, so I bought a custom player to play this original Vitaphone disc from 1928. This is a sample of the Ingenues from the film The Band Beautiful, an 8 minute Vitaphone short that played in theaters the summer of 1928 - 97 years ago. Instead of starting at the edge of the disc, Vitaphone records start near the middle, in order to better align the sound with the film.

07/03/2025

Spent some time today with Ginny Zender working on the shooting schedule for interviews. Like her mom, Ginny was a trailblazer. She graduated from SIU and, after spending some time at a radio station in Omaha, got a job at WMAQ Radio in Chicago, where her primary beat became covering the White Sox. She was the first female radio reporter allowed in the locker room. Oh, and she was a huge fan of Betty Davis, and has this signed picture in her living room.

To get updates on Ginny & Juel, click on this link to receive periodic updates on the progress of filming, plus some exclusive behind-the-scenes info, as well.
https://bellbookcamera.us19.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=8f11367c8e122f2cf9afc7e03&id=136e4fbe8c

06/29/2025

Here it is! A sneak peek at our upcoming documentary, "Ginny & Juel." Currently in production, Ginny & Juel will be premiering in 2026.

Starting with a record found in the Roscoe Woodstock Antique Mall, this is a story about music, memory, and the enduring connections that transcend time. All good stories begin with music.

Directed by Bruce David Janu
Produced by Bruce David Janu and Ginny Zender

Music featured in this clip:

Original song by Brian J. Donahoe – https://www.briandonahoe.com
"A Dream" by Enrico Caruso (1921)
"Tiger Rag" by The Ingenues (1928)



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5e-rbrJuxE

Coming in 2026: "Ginny & Juel" — a new documentary that begins with a forgotten record found in an antique shop and unfolds into a story about music, memory,...

05/27/2025

New episode of Antique Audio has dropped, featuring a 78rpm disc from 1940, played a 1956 Hallicrafters record changer.

Special thanks to Donna. Her dad owned this record player. It has been restored and now plays records like it used to.

Although uncredited on the disc, this recording is by Jan Peerce, one of the best tenors of the mid 20th century.

The sound was recorded on a Zoom H4n Pro, mixed down to mono and processed with noise reduction software.

On this episode of Antique Audio, we spin a 1940 78 rpm record of "Vesti la Giubba," one of the most famous arias in history. This disc is played on a restor...

05/24/2025

Missed the Chicago Horror Film Fest? Now you can watch over 220 films for a limited time online, including Say My Name! If you had a weekend pass for the fest, you can watch. Or, buy a virtual pass for $18. See some great horror films in the comfort of your own home, or basement, or crypt. https://www.chicagohorrorfilmfest.com

05/20/2025

Now that "Say My Name" has had its North American premiere at the Chicago Horror Film Festival, it is on to the next project: Ginny & Juel.

It started with a 1964 Rolling Stones record — and a name scratched into the vinyl.

That name led me to Ginny Zender… and to her mother, Juel, who once toured the world in the all-female jazz band The Ingenues during the Roaring Twenties.

A story of music, memory, and rediscovery — Ginny & Juel is now in production.

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05/20/2025

The Chicago Horror Film Festival was a blast. It was great seeing Say Ny Name on the big screen. Horror fans are the best, and CHFF was made for those fans. Great fest all around. Thanks, CHFF!

05/20/2025

We are pleased to announce 'Say My Name' by Bell, Book and Camera Productions as an official selection!

05/17/2025

Check out the playlist with music from and Inspired by Say My Name....if you dare.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6Rr5gbz5U4KuRNjqLypJng?si=-UTqpgzSQjiNE2u71Fnt9A&pi=DyPMbFh4TRC-y

05/15/2025

It's almost time! Say My Name is screening at 8:59 on Screen 3 at the Chicago Horror Film Festival -- See you there!