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Megan Cooper

Local Film Picked Up by PBS

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The award-winning short film “Sparkle” by local documentarians Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert has been picked up by PBS for viewing across the nation. Premiering February 7 at 9 PM, you can see the short as part of a new show on PBS.

“Sparkle” was created as part of the pilot for “Lifecasters”. From the Web site: “The goal of Lifecasters is to inspire, engage and motivate national PBS audiences to share their underdog journeys of overcoming the odds. In today’s climate, this series is designed to bring hope and models for achieving goals to viewers.”

Each episode pairs a filmmaking team with a “lifecaster” – someone who is overcoming great odds to accomplish something special. Dayton’s own Sheri “Sparkle” Williams is a featured lifecaster on the first episode due to her great determination and talent in overcoming what could have been a career-ending injury. The filmmaking team of Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar tells the story in a heartfelt and truthful way. Their efforts garnered them the audience choice award for shorts at the prestigious SilverDocs Film Festival.

At the conclusion of A Premiere Evening (a benefit for DCDC), Jennifer Lawson, Senior Vice President of Television and Digital Video Content for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, announced the big news. Lawson spoke with great enthusiasm about how Bognar and Reichert are great ambassadors for our community. Even in all their travels, Lawson shared, “wherever they are, they are talking about Dayton!”

Tune in to PBS (locally – ThinkTV / CET) this February to catch the first episode of “Lifecasters” and see a powerful Dayton story told to the world!

A Premiere Evening SPARKLES

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It’s well-documented that the Dayton community is one of extraordinary innovation, arts and collaboration. That synergy will be on display at tonight’s sold-out November 2 (and newly added second performance November 4) with A Premiere Evening – a benefit for the world-renowned Dayton Contemporary Dance Company.

The evening includes the local premiere of the newest hit from award-winning filmmakers Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar. Their latest project, SPARKLE, won the Audience Award for Best Short Documentary at SilverDocs, the largest documentary film festival in the United States.

Sparkle tells the story of celebrated Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) dancer Sheri “Sparkle” Williams as she recovers from the first major injury in her 38-year career. Reichert and Bognar followed Williams through her months-long recovery process and offers the project to answer the question “Will she ever dance again?”  The film offers audiences a rare behind-the-scenes look at DCDC’s rehearsals and performances. A Q&A with the filmmakers follows the screening.

After the film screening, the audience will be treated to the world premiere of a dance created by the impassioned choreographer Rodney Brown for Sparkle “The Gatherer/weething” and a short performance by the world-renowned Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. Truly a premiere evening! Tickets are available now.

I talked to the woman of the hour – Sheri “Sparkles’ Williams – to learn about her experience as the subject of the short film by Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert and what audiences may expect.

Film is a very different medium than dance – was it a challenge from your perspective blending the two?

As documentarians – they don’t interrupt at all. It’s our regular rehearsal and they capture that – nothing is affected by their filming. Most of the time you don’t realize they’re there – you forget. They didn’t affect our day at all – no retakes, no stopping to get another angle or anything.

Were you concerned to have them following you during this vulnerable and challenging time of your career?

No, not all at – no pressure – no anything. My only concern had nothing to do with the documenting – my only concern was getting myself together.

What do you hope people will come away feeling after seeing the film and seeing you on stage?

I would hope people will get an opportunity to feel good about something. This may be dance and how it affects me, but (people) can be pushed back and overcome it. Know you’re not alone. You can make it happen. And it’s uplifting – the film is uplifting. And the whole evening together – from film to live movement – we are a family – we support each other, there’s camaraderie running amok. We work hard, but it’s a family and they were rooting me on. All of us get affected in some way – what we do is strenuous and people get hurt, but we’re there for each other.

Anything else?

Filmmakers of the caliber of Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar – it’s just amazing that they would want to spend their time with me. It’s been such an amazing experience – I’ve learned so much from them. I’ve had a great time and I have two more friends now. This whole evening is such an honor and such a joy -I’m so excited by it.

Don’t miss this great event! If you haven’t got your tickets for the Friday night benefit, don’t fear! By overwhelming demand a second show has been added on Sunday, November 4 at 5:30 PM at the Dayton Art Institute. Tickets are general admission and available for only $25 at TicketCenterStage.

Take Us Home: A Dayton Film from Israel

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If I told you there is a touching documentary that tells the story of the exodus of a family of Ethiopian Jews to Israel  – would you think it’s a Dayton film? Well – it is! TAKE US HOME is the most recent documentary by Aileen LeBlanc, known for telling the Joe Desch story through Dayton Codebreakers. Aileen worked with a Dayton-based team that included Mike King, Jim Klein, Michael and Sandy Bashaw, John Mays, Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar, and many others.  Major support for this project came from The Levin Family Foundation and numerous local partnerswho helped bring the story to life.

TAKE US HOME follows Fekadu who has been waiting for ten years in Ethiopia to go to Israel to reunite with his siblings and be welcomed into a more full experience with his Jewish faith. We see the rest of his family get the go-ahead for the trip, but Fekadu, his wife and their six children must stay behind. They learn their emigration is in jeopardy because of their adopted son, Worku. They must leave him behind or be forced to stay in Ethiopia under religious persecution. The audience watches the challenging decisions between faith, family and freedom. We watch how the events unfold in Ethiopia and Israel. Even returning ‘home’ to their Israel is not easy as the Ethiopian Jews are outcasts; they are overwhelmed by life in the high-tech, Hebrew-speaking country and their Jewish-ness is doubted among their new countrymen.

The Dayton premiere of this award-winning documentary will take place on Thursday, November 15 at the Dayton Art Institute. It’s presented as part of the Cultural Arts and Book Festival in partnership with FilmDayton, The Dayton Art Institute, 91.3 FM WYSO, and the Jewish Community Relations Council. A 7 PM reception precedes the 7:30PM screening of the film. Immediately following, there will be a Q&A with the filmmakers. As a special treat Worku and Fekadu will be in attendance to answer your questions about their story! Tickets are only $5 in advance and $7 at the door and may be purchased through The Dayton Art Institute Web page. [yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wCfzmj9CSY&feature=plcp’]

No experience? No problem! Get on TV

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Casting – not for people, but for PLACES! A Texas production company with local ties may come to the Dayton region to shoot two great shows for HGTV. Now they need YOU!

Do you live in a converted home – something that use to be a bank, bus, old tree or submarine? They want to take a light-hearted look at unique houses and you might have the right fit!

Is your house pretty normal, but your backyard pool is out of this world? You might have a shot, too! No kidney-shaped stand-bys for this show – they are looking for unique, exotic and special pools.

Check out the two calls below and if you have a great converted house or a “cool pool” – you might be the right fit for the show. Share your gem of a house/pool and bring the production to our region!

More information on what exactly they’re looking for and details on how to submit available at the FilmDayton site.

A FilmDayton Fest for You (+ Ticket Contest!)

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Major film buffs likely already know about the FilmDayton Festival. Now in its fourth year, the fest has been a celebration of great film talent and aspiring filmmakers from the region and across the world. But maybe you don’t know about it yet. Maybe this is the year you’re going to find out what it’s all about in the way that’s best for you. Here are some ways to check it out.

Looking for comedy? Start with Flick My Clip – a collection of comedy shorts and sketches with Ryan Singer. Film buffs and history lovers will want to watch the Sundance Selection These Amazing Shadows featuring film archivist George Willeman. Those who want to stay on up with ‘the best of the fests’ will enjoy Trash Dance and Tchoupitoulas and the highly-controversial Compliance. To explore what’s happening in international films and have a discussion about how multiculturalism is impacting our region – don’t miss Madrina Films Presents. Looking for a more local connection in films that are taking the fest circuit by storm – enjoy The Wonderland Express or Redlegs to see a lot of Dayton folk in the credits. 

And that’s just the major screenings! Before every feature you’ll get to enjoy entertaining shorts from local students and FilmDayton-affiliated educational programming. Two (or three) films for the price of one plus great Q&A after each screening.

But the fest is more than just an awesome weekend at the movies with the filmmakers. Learn more about the process at great workshops where professionals provide insights and share experiences about everything in the industry from the story pitch to the soundtrack and film on the Web and video for business. It’s a weekend of films, workshops, parties, and more.

New this year: FilmDayton launches the inaugural FilmDayton Awards. The capstone event of Saturday night, this event is going to be huge fun and very special. Three very cool awards (designed by Susan Cannon and reminiscent of the Muybridge horse) will be given out to three wonderful local filmmakers. Dave Ackels is getting the “Innovation Award” for his visionary filmmaking, John Mays is getting the “Key Award” for his boundless, endless generosity to the film community, and Julia Reichert is getting the “Filmmaker Award” for her amazing body of work. There will be laughs, tears, surprises and more… A true celebration of quality films, filmmakers and our creative community.

A “don’t miss” event that’s fun for filmmakers and audiences alike is the kick-off event Pitch It! Story-tellers and screenwriters have two minutes to pitch their idea for the next big movie to a panel of industry experts. The audience cheers them on and the pros offer great feedback. At the end of the night, one winner comes away with a cash prize and screenwriting software from Final Draft. A great way to get in the mood for the fest!

There’s way too much happening at the FilmDayton Festival to list here – parties, films, workshops, screenLESS screenings, awards, and a lot of great conversation. If you’ve not been before – 2012 is the year to check out the FilmDayton Festival. All-Access Passes are available to enjoy the full weekend for only $75. Individual events are $9 (Pitch It!, Saturday night Filmmaker Meet-and-Greet Party, WYSO Presents Community Voices all $5/each). Get your tickets now.

Quick Guide For Every Taste:

A film buff? Start at Pitch It! to hear some great new movie storylines, enjoy These Amazing Shadows followed by a workshop with George Willeman on film preservation, cheer on local filmmakers at the FilmDayton Awards, and see what’s on the international circuit at Madrina Films Presents.

A filmmaker? Pitch your story at Pitch It! for a chance to win cash and Final Draft software, catch as many films as possible and take advantage of the Q&A that follows each one, make plans to attend the FilmDayton Awards and the Filmmaker Meet and Greet Party Saturday night.

Always looking for What’s Next? Start at Pitch It! on Friday, head over Flick My Clip for comedy shorts by current and up-and-coming comics and filmmakers, and sit in on a couple workshops that are showing how film and video is adapting with the times (Emerging Fields: The Web Series and Technology, Business and Video)

Is Music your passion? See Trash Dance on Saturday, sit in on the Music and Movies workshop on Sunday and end your weekend at Tchoupitoulas.

Want raw, intense experiences out of your movies? Hope you’re ready for Compliance on Friday night. Take a break and come back Sunday for Redlegs.

Want a uniquely Dayton Experience? Well – then you have to attend the WHOLE festival. Every film, workshop and special event has a local connection. Of course, you won’t want to miss The Wonderland Express – a sci-fi feeling dramedy and the only feature of the festival that was shot entirely in the region with a 100% local cast/crew.

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TICKET CONTEST

We have one all-access passe ($75 value) to the FilmDayton Festival to give away!  Simplythis article, fill out the form and then comment below telling us what you’re looking forward to experiencing at the FilmDayton Festival.  We’ll announce a winner this Thursday August 23rd – GOOD LUCK!

CONTEST CLOSED

We have a winner!  And since we ended up with an extra pass, we have TWO winners!  Congratulations to:  Amy Forsthoefel and Laura Rea – you’re each going to the FilmDayton Festival with ALL-ACCESS PASSES!!!

Take a Ride on the Wonderland Express

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Written by Mark Martel, FilmDayton volunteer

A mysterious device fashioned from a garage door opener changes the perspectives of four different people as they experience and are transformed by its power.  Part psychological drama, part comedy and with a dash of science fiction, The Wonderland Express premiered at the StarLite Film Fest in Winter Garden, Florida in early 2012 and won its first award. The film was invited back for a summer festival there and has been an audience favorite on the festival circuit all across the country.

Now it’s homecoming. The Wonderland Express makes its local premiere at the 2012 FilmDayton Festival in downtown Dayton at the Neon Movies on Saturday, Aug 25th. The 11 a.m. matinee screening will include the shorts The Medal and Always Believe.

Directed by Daytonian Greg Nichols, the Express stars an all-local cast including Shawn Green, Ryan Singer, Natasha Randall, Craig Roberts, and Charles Larkowski.  Nichols and Green also produced the film with Rachel Wilson.

All of the actors in the film have roots in the Cincinnati/Dayton, Ohio theatre community and have extensive past experience in improvisation.  Writer/director Greg Nichols, and cast members Shawn Green and Ryan Singer were involved in the same improv group from 1998 to 2003, and their tight interplay shows onscreen.  Although the film began as a full script, most of the dialog was improvised during filming.  Cast member Natasha Randall was recently seen in the 2010 Sundance Festival Selection Take Shelter, another Ohio independent film.  Singer currently resides in Los Angeles, CA and is a feature performer of nationally touring comedian Marc Maron.

The core of the film lies in how the characters interact with a strange device and its influence on their normal everyday lives.  In this world of cell phones and GPS, today’s science can seem like magic to the average person, which is how the characters view their experiences with the device in the film as it changes their lives.  With limited understanding or preparation, their individual experiences are what lead them to different ends.

Read more about the national accolades for The Wonderland Express, the improvisation techniques used by actors, and a focus on simplicity and skill; the full article is available and tickets are on sale NOW.

The Wonderland Express will screen as part of the FilmDayton Festival on Saturday, August 25 at 11 AM at the Neon.

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The Black Box Improv Theater – A Taste of Chicago in DYT

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Justin Howard had a vision to offer Dayton something unique, cool, entertaining – a taste of Chi-town in the DYT. And he’s had quite a trip to get here. Introducing The Black Box Improv Theater.

After graduating from Tipp in ’01, Howard headed to Wittenburg as a football player. An injury took him out of the game and landed him with his first opportunity as a dorm R.A. One of the perks of the job is priority registration, and he decided to take advantage of it. After hearing that the most popular class is Improvisation for the Theater, he decided to give it a shot.  One class and he was hooked.

Chicago-style Improv

You know Chicago style pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and even Chicago style grammar guides. When his wife took a job in Chicago, it was time for Howard to learn Chicago-style improv. After his intro class in college, plus some experience writing, teaching and directing, Howard wanted to continue his artistic pursuits. He plugged into iO (formally Improv Olympic) to learn about the classic Chicago-based long-form improvisation style.

Opening night cast included David Michaels, Beth Conley, Kristen Howell, and Black Box founder Justin Howard

Most people are familiar with the “Whose Line…” style of improv where funky characters, witty one-liners, and quick responses are the goals. In this “short form” improv – the scenes come alive in an almost sporty way – encouraging  winners among the cast for who can be the funniest. Long-form values the funny, but focuses on the story, so it’s more laughter based on the surprise of where the characters go and less of the shock-factor. Often there’s no story at all in short-form (just jokes); the story in long-form is woven among many characters and carries the full length of the show. Howard explains it as, “a completely improvised one act play, complete with multiple characters each with unique relationships often intertwining in ways that seem like they were written ahead of time.  This is different from short form improv where a set of rules dictate a specific scene that begins and ends before a new set of rules dictate another scene. In short, we’re going to get on stage, start improvising and about an hour later you walk out saying “there’s no way they made that up” but we did.”

“Dayton is a Blank Slate”

According to Howard, the history of innovation exists today, but Dayton is still being redefined. He believes the arts are one of the strengths of the region and he’s excited to bring his unique form of improv to Dayton. Beyond the opportunity to help re-define Dayton as an arts town, Howard was attracted to the excitement, vibe and spirit of the downtown area. He and his wife recently moved from the suburbs to a house in the Oregon District where they get to enjoy accessibility of walking to work, restaurants, and the theater. Personally, he’s excited to be downtown, but there are great business benefits, too. Now, improv will be one of those walkable downtown destinations.

Howard also noticed immediately the great support of the Dayton community.  He’s found a home at the Cannery District on Third where the owners and fellow businesses have been really supportive. He’s excited by the feeling that residents, businesses and community volunteers all seem to be invested in his success as it plays into the success of our region. Whereas the ‘new thing’ is a big deal for a short time in some communities, only to be cast aside when the next fad comes along, Howard sees Dayton as a community where long-term relationships are developed.

How to go:

Long-form improv is new to Dayton, and Howard is excited to provide entertainment and education (classes forming soon!) available now.  Tickets are $9 and can be purchased online or at the door for their 9:30 PM shows on Fridays and Saturdays.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waHPvnU7Ch4′]

Play for Change in the Miami Valley

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A CALL FOR MUSICIANS, FILMMAKERS, AND VOLUNTEERS!

Wright State University calls for community partners, musicians, filmmakers and volunteers to participate in the worldwide music initiative, “Playing for Change.”

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us-TVg40ExM’] Launched by a multi-media group; Playing for Change is a social movement that captures the voices of musicians across the globe. A dedicated film crew crosses the globe to seek music’s most creative talent. Individual stories were woven into a single story about humanity, sung and played by some of the world’s most inspiring artists. For more information, visit http://playingforchange.com/.

Wright State University will add the voice of the Miami Valley to this growing initiative. The Miami Valley Playing for Change project is in need of local filmmakers, musicians, and other volunteers to participate in creating a video, featuring a blend of positive songs to uplift and showcase our region. Like the video above – a diverse collection of musicians of all different backgrounds, genres and instruments are invited to share their talents on a song that will become greater than the sum of its parts.

Heading up the program is Dr. Robert J. Sweeney, Executive Vice President for Planning at Wright State University. Sweeney was drawn to this project based on the great cultural impact it has demonstrated; the music program is bringing together communities that would have never otherwise worked together and crossing barriers across the globe. Regarding why he’s bringing it to the Miami Valley, he says, “We had Mark Johnson speak as a part of our Presidential Lecture Series and the response from the community to his message was overwhelming.  I know our musicians, filmmakers and community of volunteers rival any region in the world.”

Musicians may be soloists or bands/groups/choirs that use voice and/or instruments; the project seeks to highlight many different genres of locally connected musicians. Participating bands/artists will perform one or more of the featured songs while filmmakers shoot the performances at locations throughout the Miami Valley between July 14 and August 3.

The featured songs include:

“Nothing Can Stop Us Now” by Starship

“Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow” by Fleetwood Mac

“I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash

“We Are” by Sweet Honey in the Rock

The final product will be a video montage of the performances uploaded early September for a worldwide audience with a possible special reception to feature the songs/videos.

 

Miami Valley ‘Playing for Change’ Submission Guidelines:

Deadline: July 14, 2012

Please email submission information to Dr. Robert J. Sweeney, Executive Vice President for Planning and Secretary to the Board of Trustees, at robert.sweeney@wright.edu. In the subject of your email, please type “Playing for Change.”

Musicians: Participating musicians will need to learn one or up to all of the featured songs to participate. If interested, please submit your information including:

(1) The name of your band (or you as an individual artist),

(2) Musical Genre

(3) Instrument(s)

(4) Number of performers (soloists and groups welcome)

(5) Video, audio recording, Web site, additional information, etc

(5) Contact information, including your name, email and phone number

Filmmakers: Please submit the following information:

(1) What type of experience you have (camera, sound, edit, etc.),

(2) Length of time in industry

(3) Special equipment you may have,

(4) Reel, resume, additional information, etc.

(5) Contact information, including your name, email and phone number

 Other Volunteers: For any music lovers or champions of the Miami Valley who would like to participate in this event (i.e. donating bottled water or other snacks for shooting days, being an extra hand on set, etc.), please contact us with:

(1) What area you would like help with and

(2) Your contact information, including your name, email and phone number

 

Elysian Fields Books and More – New Bookstore, Old Friend

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Elysian Fields Books and More is one of the newest stores popping up in the downtown area to provide a unique retail experience. Co-owner Brian Strawn has been working feverishly to create the right atmosphere and get the store open for regular hours. Strawn says, “Elysian Fields Books is a cozy little family friendly place tucked in the middle of the Oregon District. We are catering to those looking to spend time with friends and used books. We have some refreshments – coffee, tea, and goodies from neighborhood bakeries. We still haven’t named the two cats but we are taking suggestions.”

Stop by and visit the local owners, enjoy some refreshments, and browse the collection of mostly used and a few new books at 436 E. Fifth Street in the Oregon District.

A focus on friends is the theme for one of the early events at Elysian Fields Books. Jen Violi, the award-winning author of the popular YA fiction, Putting Makeup on Dead People, is coming back to Dayton to offer a reading. Violi graduated from the University of Dayton and set her debut novel in familiar places around town. This will be the first visit from Violi since local audiences first discovered the novel through Nicole Amsler’s  September 2011 review on DMM.

Don’t miss a great party at a new place with an old (or new!) friend – at Elysian Fields Books on Wednesday, June 13 at 7 PM. Light refreshments, a reading from the novel by the author, and a Q&A with some conversation will fill the recently opened bookstore. More on Jen here!

Art in the Window

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Activated Spaces is back at it. Just in time for Urban Nights (whoo-hoo!), ten new art displays are up filling once-vacant storefront windows. As you’re out an about enjoying the food, music, fun, festivities, action, art, entertainment and more that comes with Urban Nights, keep your eyes open for Activated Spaces windows.  Just another way that downtown Dayton is becoming vibrant before your eyes – 10 art installations at a time.

From Activated Spaces:

It’s a brand-new season for Activated Spaces Street Team artists. This session’s theme is “Naturally Dayton.” We challenged local artists to  to focus on our beautiful outdoor assets.  Whether it’s a favorite spot is along the rivers, in a park, or a lush rooftop garden, we wanted to see unique perceptions of Dayton’s natural appeal.

And, boy, did they deliver! The great creativity, technical capability and unique visions of our artistic community are filling storefronts downtown starting on Urban Nights (5/11/12). Visit each window and find out how local artists interpreted this prompt to show off Dayton’s best natural features. Vote for your favorite by May 31!

Visit 100 E Third Street for:

Stop by Talbott Tower (131 N Ludlow) to see:

  • Philipe M. Payne’s triple pane glass visions of “MIAMI RiVERE DAYTON”
  • Spire Arts “Natural Dayton” installation to showcase work by artists affiliated with the Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities Services.
  • Talia Shade’s view of how industry mixes with nature to form “Consolidation.”

See photography in Main Street Garage (223 N. Main) by:

Check out Biltmore Tower (210 N. Main) for:

  • The Dayton Creative Syndicate’s showcase of PNC’s Second Street Public Market for natural food and fun in “A Taste of Dayton”

Visit all of these great spots to see local art beautifying our city and vote for your favorite to win the People’s Choice Award! Thanks to our talented artists who explored our region through the theme Naturally Dayton and shared their vision of the parks, gardens, shops, farms, neighborhoods and more.

PLUS: Out of love for the project and sharing her art, interior designer Tracy Kraft’s great work is filling the Ohio EPA office at 401 E. Fifth Street. Tracy has added beauty to this window in the Oregon District and brightened up the day of many walking by. (See featured photo)

Be a Part of Paul Laurence Dunbar History

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Too often those of us in Dayton don’t look around and see the history, architecture, community and passion that outsiders see. For these reasons, and many more, the Dayton region is attractive to filmmakers, artists and storytellers. Over the past few years, a filmmaker has been working quietly in Dayton, across the state, and in places around the country to tell the story of local poet Paul Laurence Dunbar. This month, a great opportunity is coming up for community members from the Miami Valley to be a part of this project.  In order to learn more, I asked filmmaker Frederick Lewis some questions on this project and his experience.

Can you talk about your history with Paul Laurence Dunbar and what drew you to focus your scholarship on him?

I am co-producing this documentary with Professor Joseph Slade, a colleague in the School of Media Arts & Studies. We have been working on it for several years and are now nearing completion. We hope to complete the project within the next 12 months. Our intended audience is PBS. Two of my previous documentaries have aired widely on PBS stations around the country and screened at many museums and universities.

What trips have you made to Dayton and what have you learned since launching this project?

We have made repeated trips to Dayton over the last three years, and conducted interviews with local Dunbar experts Laverne Sci, Herbert Martin, and Bing Davis. We’ve also conducted interviews with Dunbar biographer Felton Best, a distinguished professor at Central Connecticut State, and author Akasha Hull, who has written extensively on Dunbar’s relationship with his wife, Alice.

Can you discuss your history with this project and how it’s grown?

Interier of Old Courthouse taken from the Visitor's Galley looking down (from Montgomery Co. Collection at Dayton Metro Library)

We plan to interweave the biographical elements of Dunbars’ prolific, but tragically short life, with contemporary links to show his continued relevance. We followed the creation of Bing Davis’ sculpture inspired by Dunbar’s “Negro Love Song,” and James Pate’s new mural which prominently features images of Dunbar. We also recently completed a segment on how Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Lexington, Kentucky honors their school’s namesake.

Why should a person want to be a part of the shoot on Sunday?

The music video we will be shooting on May 13th will also be woven into the documentary. Inspired by a canvas by Dayton painter James Pate, in which Dunbar is portrayed as a contemporary hip hop artist, we have taken Dunbar’s famous poem “We Wear the Mask,” and had Ohio University student Jean P, a fast rising hip hop performer, put Dunbar’s words to music. The video will feature a myriad of masks created by Dayton’s own Tristan Cupp of Zoot Theatre Co. We have rented the old Montgomery Court House for a scene to be shot on May 13th between 5–7 pm and we need as many extras as possible to help us out. Please dress in contemporary clothing suitable for attendance at a trial. Yes, it is Mother’s Day. Just bring your mother with you! Give her a cameo in a music video for Mother’s Day:) We ALSO need 8 or 10 people earlier in the day to act in several scenes to be shot in downtown Dayton. If you are interested in that aspect of the production please let us know asap!!

How to go:

When: Sunday, May 13, 5-7 PM (time slots available earlier in the day as well)

Where: Old Courthouse in Downtown Dayton on Courthouse Square (5PM Session)

Clothing: Contemporary clothes you have in your closet! You’ll dress in business clothing – something appropriate for a trial (jackets, ties, skirts, etc).

How: Email Frederick Lewis to express your interest and learn more: lewisf@ohio.edu

Simple Steps: Paint a Bridge for Community Vibrancy

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***This project has been postponed to June 2 on account of rain! Please follow the event Facebook page for updates!***

On Saturday June 2, 2012, updayton, will be holding an event at the Burns-Jackson Park to paint the pedestrian bridge spanning highway US 35.  The event invites everyone from the Dayton area community to assist in painting a colorful mural onto the 2,800 sq. ft bridge deck.

Titled “Unifying the Divide,” this team strives to bring positive attention to a bridge that was built to unify the South Park and Oregon District neighborhoods when they were divided by US 35.

On July 16, 2011, the Creative Communities committee held its first event to clean-up the bridge. Approximately 20 volunteers attended to cut bushes, and remove trash and debris off and around the bridge. After further brainstorming, street painting projects in other cities got the groups’ attention, and thus, the idea for the “Unifying the Divide” project was born. In February, the committee placed a call for mural designs to grace the floor of the bridge, and received a dozen submissions from local artists. After a public online poll, ‘Dayton Wags’ provided the winning design which features a stained glass and floral motif to represent the history and aesthetics of both the South Park and the Oregon District.

The committee used the fundraising website Kickstarter.com to help collect funds for paint supplies and over $1,500 was raised in less than 30 days. The Creative Communities Team also received help from various community partners including Citywide Development, South Park Historic Inc., Oregon Historic District Society, Emerson Academy, and DJ What Not. An aerial photo of the completed paint project will be provided by Perfect Perspectives Aerial and posted on the updayton website once the project is completed.

“It’s been an amazing year of effort on this project,” Laura beamed with pride. “I am so proud of our team and can’t wait to celebrate the successful completion of this project.”

With a design selected and funds raised, only one component remains to implement the Unifying the Divide project: the community. The Creative Communities Team needs the people of Dayton to volunteer on May 5th to paint the mural. The first shift begins at 8am with other sift times throughout the day. Groups or individuals can sign up for a job based on their skill level. The event is expected to end by 8pm.

For more information on how to register to volunteer for the Unifying the Divide project, email updaytoncc@gmail.com.  Get involved and paint the town!

WWII Documentary Shot in Dayton – Shown in Dayton

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The creators of the Emmy Award winning PBS hit Red Tail Reborn have now created a new aviation program, The Restorers-They Were All Volunteers.  The documentary film centers on airplane restorers and the WWII heroes known as the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders, and will now appear in theaters in select cities throughout the Midwest.

What’s the history? On April 18th, 1942, Gen. James Doolittle led the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders on a top secret mission that would strike back at the heart of Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor four months earlier. The Raiders launched their B-25 Mitchell Bombers off an aircraft carrier that would get them close to the home island of Japan. The bombing mission was a great success, boosting much needed morale for the United States.

Each year the famous Doolittle Tokyo Raiders from WWII have a reunion to remember their mission, their comrades, and their heroic leader Gen. James Doolittle.  In 2010, an extraordinary event took place. For the 68th Doolittle reunion, seventeen B-25 bomber crews volunteered to gather in honor of the Raiders.  Over 70,000 people turned up to witness the event, to see the bombers, and to meet the remaining Raiders.

The Restorers-They Were All Volunteers follows the journey of a Minnesota B-25 named Miss Mitchell. Join this restored bomber as she travels to Dayton, Ohio to attend the largest B-25 gathering since WWII.

April 18th, 2012 marks the 70th anniversary of the historic Doolittle mission. The Restorers – They Were All Volunteers will screen on Tuesday, April 17th, 7:30 pm – The Neon Movies – Dayton, Ohio

Helpful links:

www.TheRestorers.com

www.hemlockfilms.com

www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/doolittle.asp

 

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy4tysi4TvY’]

Small Effort: Big Effect

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There’s a lot of work to do to continue to make our region vibrant and exciting. Some jobs are so big and we as community members feel helpless to do anything.

This isn’t that kind of story.

Give here.

Before the Clean-Up

This is a story about a group of people who had a simple vision and they are getting it done! Last year at the 2011 updayton Summit, a Creative Communities team emerged with the idea that our neighborhoods are great assets to the community and they should be walkable, accessible and friendly. Nice idea, right? So, how do you DO something about it?

Safe and Accessible After Clean-Up

The Creative Communities team (CC) focused on the pedestrian walkway that crosses 35 and connects the historic neighborhoods of South Park and Oregon District. These two neighborhoods have active neighborhood associations, easy access to entertainment and recreation, and beautiful parks. A bridge connecting the two (and helping neighbors avoid 35 when traveling) makes perfect sense.

Unfortunately, no one wanted to walk over the walkway. Overgrown weeds, tight corners, and a general rusty broken-down look made it feel unsafe. CC came up with a big job for volunteers, but one they knew they could do and do well with the right support.

At the end of last summer they hosted a major clean-up day. It’s impressive what a little elbow grease can do to de-weed, clean and make the bridge a lot more appealing and usable. But they’re not done yet. They don’t want it ‘not ugly.’ They want to see it as a favorite place for community members to enjoy (especially with its close access to parks). It’s gettin’ prettified!

Wanna know where YOU come in? They need your help in three ways:

1) Come out for the follow-up clean up (prepping for the painting) on April 28.

2) Come out for the painting (grown-up paint by numbers = awesome) on May 5.

3) Help out the kick-starter campaign so they can get all the materials they need to make this happen and keep it going into the future. The thing about kick-starter: yeah, a big donation is awesome. But your $5 matched up with the donations from 10 other people giving $5 adds up pretty quick.

Here’s a video from YouTube that will help you know what to expect at the Paint Day this May. Don’t pass up being a part of this opportunity!

And the nominees for best party are….

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No – I’m not talking about who’ll win what on Oscar night – I’m talking about where you’re going to party to celebrate! Dayton is a film community, and as such – we’ve got different parties for all different tastes to celebrate the Academy Awards. Want to dress up in your finest or stay cozy in your PJs? Want to watch the show for free or make a donation to a local nonprofit? Want to sit in a theatre and enjoy it on a big screen or hang out in a bar with friends to watch it on 14 smaller screens? Like I said – something for everyone. Here’s a taste:

You’re interested in a very “comfy” event? Check out Jeans ’n’ Jammies at the Little Art Theatre in Yellow Springs. There will be a screening of the ceremony and a cash bar will be available serving the Little Artini (among other tasty beverages). The Oscars at the Little Art will be preceded at 6:00 p.m. by a pre-party at the Winds Café, just a short walk from the theater, where heavy appetizers and complimentary wine will be served thanks to Mary Kay Smith and Kim Korkan of the Winds Café.  At 7:30 p.m. partygoers will proceed to the red carpet at the Little Art in time to catch the Oscars on the big screen – served up with free popcorn.  For those who wish to go early, the Hollywood red carpet arrivals will be showing at the Little Art at 7:00 p.m. Admission to the entire program is $50, of which $35 is a tax deductible contribution to the nonprofit Little Art Theatre Association. Attendees are invited to come in their pajamas. But, if they are not comfortable with relaxed attire in public, they may opt for jeans. Prizes will be awarded for best Jammies for couple and individual, for correctly predicting winners in the major categories, and for winners of a movie trivia contest. Local actor Howard Shook will emcee the event. Go to littleart.com or call Maureen Lynch at 937-901-1920 for more details and to RSVP.

Looking to stay closer to the center city, but still have that big screen experience? Don’t miss the Oscar Party at the NEON! This free event is a great chance to enjoy the ceremony with your friends in the very theatre that first showed many of the Oscar nominated films to our region.  Known throughout the Miami Valley for bringing the latest and best in independent and foreign cinema, THE NEON screened numerous films that have been nominated for Academy Awards.  Movies that screened over the past year garnered over 30 Oscar nominations, and that number will continue to grow in the coming weeks. Ballots are currently available in THE NEON’s lobby for attendees to begin making their Oscar predictions.  On the night of the party, ballots must be turned in before the first Academy Award is given – and prizes (including soundtracks, screenplays, and dvds) will be awarded throughout the evening for correct guesses.  At the end of the night, the person with the most correct predictions will win “The Star Treatment” – a gift basket from Square Salon & Spa and THE NEON.  (Must be present to win.)  Seating for this year’s party will begin at approximately 7pm and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. NOTE: The Neon is grateful to ThinkTV who provides assistance in acquiring a strong signal for the broadcast.

Like the casual feel, but want a more social night out? Check out the FilmDayton Oscar Party. Moving from the big screen to the small screen, they’ll have the ceremony broadcast on 14  flat screens at Geez Grill and Pub (off Far Hills in Centerville). Doors open at 7:30 PM and you’ll be able to grab some great food, enjoy the cash bar, bid on some great silent auction prizes, compete in a 50/50 cash prize for the best ballot, and play along with Oscar Bingo. Join FilmDayton to mingle with the filmmakers, film lovers, and friends who think the Oscars are a great excuse for a fun party. It’s a great night that encourages grabbing a table, chatting with your friends, and watching who wore what, who got Oscar, and who got robbed. $10 for FilmDayton members and $20 for nonmembers. More information here. This fundraiser for FilmDayton helps support the educational programming that the organization offers throughout the region and supports the annual FilmDayton Festival.

The Partnership of Arts, YPs and Rock and Roll

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What do you get when you pair a Pink Floyd rock tribute with the Philharmonic? Or a couple fun-lovin’ DPO Board members with two local YPs groups? Or great food and a backstage tour? Or prizes, a live radio broadcast and crazy discounted tickets?

Lest you think this is the beginning of a REALLY complicated joke, I’m here to tell you – it’s Encore Night at the Dayton Philharmonic!

On Thursday, February 9, make a night of it with fellow young professionals!

5:30PM – Start the night at Uno’s Downtown where there will be complimentary appetizers, cash bar, prizes, and on-air “audio tweets” during a live radio remote with WTUE’s Aaron Klauber. Last prize is raffled off at 6:45 PM (must be present to win) when we cash out and the group heads across the street because…

7:15PM – We’re heading BACKSTAGE at the Schuster Center for a special tour and briefing hosted by Brent Havens (Windborne Conductor).

8:00PM – Get to your awesome seats specially reserved in the loge to hear what happens when progressive rock meets classical orchestra. The program features the music of Pink Floyd performed by the amazing Windborne Music backed by the full DPO!

This is a special night (with a crazy great discounted price) specifically to introduce YPs to the great time that is the Dayton arts scene and the Dayton Philharmonic. Tickets are only $30  – that’s more than 1/2 off plus they are actually waiving the $4 processing fee. You MUST order your tickets through the special link below or call Madea Thompson at 937-228-7591 x3222. This deal is only good through February 4th – after that the seats will be released and sold for the face value of $66 (plus that service charge). Don’t miss out!

**This event is NOT limited to previous participants of Generation Dayton or JumpstART – all local YPs are encouraged to attend.**

PURCHASE SPECIAL OFFER ONLINE:
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Event hosted by jumpstART & DPO Trustees Lauren Hamer & Maha Kashani