Blackhawk Films started in 1927 as a producer of film advertising and a distributor of regional newsreels. Aided by the 1933 advent of 16mm sound film, Blackhawk gained success in the non-theatrical distribution market and established several regional offices before World War II. In 1947, Blackhawk expanded into the sale of used film and, soon thereafter, began distributing new 8mm and 16mm prints of comedies from Hal Roach Studios, as well as titles from Fox Movietone, Killiam Shows and National Telefilm Associates. Film historian and preservationist David Shepard joined Blackhawk as Vice President from 1973 to 1976 and, after founding Film Preservation Associates in 1986, acquired the Blackhawk Films library, which is now comprised of some 5,000 titles.