Biography
Robert Carlisle joined forces with Jerry Fairbanks to create a dynamic team behind three of Paramount's most popular short film series. Operating as Scientific Films, Inc., the company produced six Popular Science and six Unusual Occupations one-reelers annually, all filmed in Magnacolor, along with six "Speaking of Animals" novelty shorts of the same length each year, continuing this production for 14 years.
Fairbanks and Carlisle’s Popular Science films showcased the latest advancements in science, chemistry, and other fields. Their Unusual Occupations series, beginning in 1937, highlighted the everyday hobbies of ordinary Americans. In 1941, Paramount released the first "Speaking of Animals" novelty short, which combined live animal footage with trick photography to make animals appear to speak. This innovative technique, the first to integrate animation as an essential part of live-action footage, was made possible by the Duoplane process developed by Fairbanks.
Because many Popular Science and Unusual Occupations subjects were located across the country, the production team utilized two specially designed trucks as mobile photographic units that were constantly on the move. Fairbanks, an experienced pilot, also used his plane, equipped for filming, as an aerial camera platform. Additional footage was captured by representatives stationed in key U.S. cities, all equipped to film in Magnacolor. Similar photographic setups operated in England, Mexico, and before the Pacific War, in Hawaii and the Dutch East Indies.
The production of the three series ceased in 1949 following a split between Paramount and producer Jerry Fairbanks. After 14 years of collaboration, the separation reportedly stemmed from Fairbanks’ refusal to halt his television work.
Fairbanks’ career in motion pictures began in 1919. He started as a projectionist, moved into camera work by 1924, and worked on major films such as "Sea Beast" and "Hell’s Angels." In 1929, he began producing shorts independently and later created the "Strange As It Seems" series for Universal and "Battle of Life" for Educational. In 1934, he produced a feature film titled "Last Wilderness." In 1935, he partnered with Robert Carlisle to establish their organization, which released films through Paramount.
With his extensive camera experience, Fairbanks personally handled all West Coast productions. In 1941, after extensive experimentation, he developed the photographic process that enabled the unique "Speaking of Animals" films. An aviation enthusiast since 1926, Fairbanks served as president of the Aviation Country Club of California and was an active member of the Sheriff’s Air Squadron and Quiet Birdmen.
