Although the Film is Fabulous! initiative was primarily instigated to preserve the vulnerable film treasures held privately in the U.K., the team also have a deep interest in the people behind the collections. This interest has resulted in the likelihood of a joint research project, led by Prof. Justin Smith, and the Cinema and Television Historians at De Montfort University. 

During the last two years, the encounters with the network of enthusiasts across the country, as well as the families of deceased film collectors, have made it clear that the history of film collecting has a fascinating story. This is relevant in the digital age, as the skills and knowledge associated with the past-time are, sadly, being lost as elderly collectors die.

The project aims to conduct oral history interviews with film collectors and former industry professionals, to capture their stories and the culture of the film collecting community. The collaboration between Film is Fabulous! and De Montfort University will result in the recording of a wide cross-section of interviews. These recollections will be published online.

In June 2024, at The Courtyard Cinema and Art Centre in Hereford, Sue Malden hosted a discussion with film collectors: 

https://filmisfabulous.org.uk/discussion-with-film-collectors/