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on November 27
Dana Bartle
backed a project
Jonathan Cody White Makes His Debut EP!!! by Jonathan Cody White
Making my debut EP "Words Left In My Mind" with the help of Kickstarter and all you awesome people! Thanks for the support!!
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102% funded $8,211 pledged
- 116 backers
- Funded Nov 27, 2011
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on May 8, 2010
Dana Bartle
Posted project update #4Pa Dukes
Post CommentI spent all day yesterday with the Yancey's. Just sitting around their kitchen table absorbing all the great stories they had to share. It was my first time meeting Dilla's father, Beverly Dewitt Yancey, he was probably the single most influential person in Dilla's musical development. Both he and Ma Dukes had numerous musical groups over the years from their gospel group Positive Force, to their after church group they liked to call the Attitude Adjustment which included a 10 year old Dilla playing snare drum, to their Jazz and Gospel group The Larks, which they just sang with not two years ago. But Mr. Yancey's first group was a Doo Wop group called The Ivies. They were four long time friends from Detroit who sang 4 part harmony, Dewitt being the Tenor. They played together for 25 years and were the halftime group for the Harlem Globetrotters for many years. The Ivies only recorded two songs in 1958 in New York City at the Ed Sullivan Studio for Ivy Records. They are long out of print but you can find a CD Doo Wop compilation called The Best of Ivy and Hanover Records on Amazon and the Ivies are on track 11 Sunshine and track 12 Come On. My Yancey played the CD for me yesterday and his face just lit up as we all sat and listened.
When I came back to my hotel room I somehow found a copy of the song online and posted it on Twitter and Facebook. Then my friend Vlada Stojanovic from the Global Grooves Collective and Laidback Radio in Brussels contacted me and asked if I could send him the track so he could feature it on his radio show. I was already so excited to get back to the Yancey's today and tell Dewitt the news, and then this morning I found a copy of the original 45 The Ivies recorded all those years ago at Ed Sullivan Studios and now I can't wait to get there and give it to him.
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on April 29, 2010
Dana Bartle
Posted project update #3IndieWIRE In The Works
Post CommentView the article in it's entirety here:
IndieWIRE
In the Works: Eerie “Inn,” Crude Story, Quiet Hunt, Immigrant Mess, Microloan Impact & Hip Hop “Ma Dukes"
By Brian Brooks and Basil Tsiokos (Updated 13 hours, 58 minutes ago)Director Ti West in front of the The Yankee Pedlar Inn where he's currently filming "The Innkeepers." Image courtesy of Dark Sky Films.
This week in our production column, ‘In the Works’, indieWIRE checks in with Ti West – the maker of recent horror smash “The House of the Devil” – about his new project, “The Innkeepers,” then takes a look at a number of documentaries with crowdfunding campaigns on Kickstarter.
EDITORS NOTE: “In the Works” is a weekly column taking a look at upcoming films, in addition to projects in production. It spotlights films in development, as well completed films that are taking creative paths towards distribution and occasionally ventures away from films to look at other types of projects, such as interesting new film distribution, funding, or exhibition mechanisms.
“The Innkeeper”
Director Ti West unexpectedly found the story for his newest film in the hotel he stayed in while shooting his previous film, “The House of the Devil.” He’s returning to the Connecticut inn for “The Innkeepers,” inspired by unexplainable occurences during their stay.
“We stayed here during ‘House of the Devil’ and all this crazy shit happened,” West told iW. “So, it’s allegedly haunted. It’s weird stuff and I must say I’m a skeptical person, but the lights would turn on and off on their own and even the TV turned on by itself.” Employees told West that they believe one of the ghosts in residence at the hotel, called “The Yankee Pedlar Inn,” is a woman who committed suicide there after being stood up at her wedding.
West, who penned “The Innkeepers” following “Devil,” began production this week with Dark Sky Films. The film stars Sara Paxton (“Last House on the Left”) as the lead, and the cast includes Pat Healy, Kelly McGillis, and George Riddle, among others.
“The Innkeepers” follows the story of two employees working in a haunted hotel before it goes out of business after a century-plus in existence. According to Dark Sky Films, the plot centers on “the last remaining clerks, Claire (Paxton), a twenty-something that has come to terms with her lot in life, and Luke (Healy), a computer-smart loner, are convinced that the hotel is haunted and are determined to prove it. As time ticks down to the final days of operation, mysterious guests check in including Leanne Rease-Jones (McGillis), a former TV actress turned psychic, and an old man insistent on staying in room 353. As several strange occurrences begin to add up, both Claire and Luke must make the crucial decision on what to believe and what not to believe…”
West will work with much of the same crew who worked on “Devil.” He said that after they saw the script, they were eager to work with him again on “The Innkeepers.”
“They were all on board to do it,” said West. “They saw the script and said [to me], ‘We know this film, we can do this…’”
Continuing, West added, “I’m still skeptical about all this stuff and I’m still not sure if I believe it, but there was a lot that happened when we stayed here and if it continues, I might have to be a convert.”
More projects
“Oil in the Family”
Logline: “Oil in the Family” follows filmmaker Jon Goldman in his attempt to understand his family’s connection to the oil industry and the classic 1948 documentary film “Louisiana Story.” Using Robert J Flaherty’s final masterpiece as a touchstone, Goldman returns to his bayou roots sixty years later and discovers the price of progress on the land and its people.
The team: Jon Goldman, Director/Producer; Ed Slattery, Cinematographer; Bill Lattanzi, Writer; Daniel Neiden, Co-Producer; Roger Day, Co-Producer; Kevin McCaffrey, Producer; Jean Dunoyer, Editor; Nicole Guillemet, Advisor; Jay Spain, Producer
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From Jon Goldman’s “Oil in the Family.” Image courtesy of the filmmaker.About the film: When Jon Goldman traced the roots of his family and its wealth, he discovered the link to Flaherty’s alternately praised and derided film, commissioned by Standard Oil to show the safety and benefit of oil drilling in a small community. He explains, “My grandmother, Lucy Lemann, helped Flaherty make that film, and my family was also a beneficiary of the discovery of oil.” Assembling a production team (many of whom previously worked together on another noted documentary about a family’s legacy, Godfrey Cheshire’s “Moving Midway”), Goldman retraces Flaherty’s steps - including meeting the now 75-year-old star of Flaherty’s film - while taking stock of the environmental damage, energy dependence, and political strife wrought by the oil industry, making his personal story resonate on a global level.
Current status: The project is currently in production, which also includes an animation component. They are in the midst of a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the production, including covering the costs of obtaining the rights to use Flaherty’s films and stills.
For more information and to support the film: http://kck.st/cAuKh4. As with all Kickstarter campaigns, the filmmakers will not receive any donations unless they meet their fundraising goal of $10000 by their May 14th deadline.
“Soundtracker”
Logline: A portrait of a sound recordist who has spent the last 30 years of his life searching for the quietest places on earth… before they disappear entirely.
The team: Nicholas J Sherman, Producer/Director/Writer; Frederick Marx, Associate Producer (“Hoop Dreams”); Martin DiCicco, Cinematographer; Gordon Hempton, Binaural Audio Recordings; J. Davis, Editor; David Wingo, Composer (“George Washington,” “All the Real Girls,” “Snow Angels”)
A scene from Nicholas J. Sherman’s “Soundtracker.” Image courtesy of the filmmaker.About the film: Filmmaker Nicholas Sherman worked together with “Hoop Dreams” producer Frederick Marx on a documentary in the Himalayas and was inspired to direct his own film, one focused on the natural world but with a strong human element. When he read about Gordon Hempton in the newspaper, he found his subject and quickly made arrangements to accompany him into the field and unobtrusively (and quietly!) film his activities. Sherman explains: “It was sort of like shooting a nature film about a rarely seen animal, a snow leopard or something – only in this case our snow leopard was the soundtracker.”
Current status: The project is nearly complete, and will be premiering next week at Hot Docs and then moving on to other festival engagements. Producers are currently running a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to cover the post-production costs, including a sound mix, color correction, and some clearances for archival footage.
For more information and to support the film: http://kck.st/9yfXW2. As with all Kickstarter campaigns, the filmmakers will not receive any donations unless they meet their fundraising goal of $5000 by their May 15th deadline.
“Tony & Janina’s American Wedding”
Logline: After 18 years in America, the Wasilewski family is torn apart when Janina and their six-year-old son Brian are deported back to Poland, barred from returning for ten years. Set against the backdrop of the Chicago political scene, and featuring Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez at the heart of the immigration reform movement, “Tony & Janina’s American Wedding” follows the Wasilewskis’ struggle to be reunited in America, as their Senator rises to the Presidency.
A scene from Ruth Leitman’s “Tony & Janina’s American Wedding.” Image courtesy of the filmmaker.The team: Ruth Leitman, Director/Producer/Cinematographer/Editor (“Lipstick & Dynamite,” “Wildwood, NJ”); Steve Dixon, Co-Producer/Composer; Gordon Quinn, Story Consultant (“Hoop Dreams,” “Prisoner of Her Past”); Kali Heitholt, Editor; Leslie Simmer (“War Tapes,” “No Crossover: The Trial of Allen Iverson”) & Amy Cargill (“Nice Bombs,” “Garbage: The Revolution”), Consulting Editors.
About the film: Director Ruth Leitman met Tony and Janina the day that Janina found out she had 48 hours to leave the US and began to work with the family to reveal their story. She explains: “Why were these two people clinging to this country - even though their family was being torn apart? I wanted to examine their adopted patriotism, that so many immigrants have for this country, that people like me take for granted.” Janina and her son left for Poland, while Tony remained in Chicago, quickly becoming an immigration reform activist as he petitioned for help with his case from his political representatives, including Rahm Emmanuel, Barack Obama, and Luis Gutierrez. In following Tony and Janina’s individual story, Leitman also demonstrates the larger impact and injustices of the immigration system, a key issue from the 2008 election that will have an impact on 2010 as well.
Current status: The project is currently in post-production, with an anticipated premiere in June. Producers are currently running a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to support the final edit, color, sound, music, and final output.
For more information and to support the film: http://kck.st/aopgNU. As with all Kickstarter campaigns, the filmmakers will not receive any donations unless they meet their fundraising goal of $8000 by their May 21st deadline. In addition, the project is participating in the linktv short film contest until April 30.
“Microcapitalist: A Documentary About Women”
A scene from Rachel Cook’s “Microcapitalist: A Documentary About Women.” Image courtesy of the filmmaker.Logline: “Microcapitalist” chronicles the lives of poor women living in South America, Africa, and Asia as they utilize microcredit - loans often as small as $25 - to launch and manage small businesses, pulling themselves and their families out of poverty.
The team: Rachel Cook, Director/Producer; Steve Hiller, Director of Photography; Lou Karsen, Producer/Second Camera; Dominic Mendicino, Sound Engineer
About the film: After reading a New York Times op-ed by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn about poor women’s use of microlending, director Rachel Cook was intrigued. She explains: “Because the idea seemed so impactful, I wanted to learn more about it, so I traveled to Paraguay in November to meet some of these businesswomen and hear their stories firsthand.” She returned to Chicago and began assembling a production team to make a film exploring the impact of microlending across the world. Her team will travel to three continents to document the stories of women using microloans to support themselves and their families and to gain more influence on their households and on their communities.
Current status: The film is currently in production. The production team recently completed their first leg of shooting in Paraguay, and are planning the second leg of shooting in Asia in the Fall. The producers are currently running a Kickstarter campaign to contribute towards production costs.
For more information and to support the film: http://kck.st/bXTvhX. As with all Kickstarter campaigns, the filmmakers will not receive any donations unless they meet their fundraising goal of $7500 by their May 17th deadline.
“Raise It Up for Ma Dukes”
A scene from Dana Bartle’s “Raise It Up for Ma Dukes.” Image courtesy of the filmmaker.Logline: When celebrated hip-hop producer J Dilla was struck by Lupus, his mother, Maureen “Ma Dukes” Yancey, sacrificed everything to help him. After his death, she lost her home and her life savings, and is forced to fight for her son’s estate, even as she is herself combats the same disease that took her son’s life.
The team: Dana Bartle, Director/Producer/Cinematographer; Jude Ray, Executive Producer; Greg Boas, Editor; Jeremy Deputat, Cinematographer; OUTLAW KOPPS, Animators; Michael “task” Hudson, Photographer/Graphics
About the film: Director Dana Bartle has been a fan of J Dilla since the early ‘90s, recognizing his work producing for celebrated musicians including A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, The Roots, Common, Erykah Badu, Janet Jackson, and Busta Rhymes. While Dilla kept to the background during his life, his early death brought him media attention, and introduced Bartle to his mother and her role in caring for her son both physically and financially in his last years, and its continuing aftermath. She explains her motivation for making the documentary: “The bond that J Dilla and Ma Dukes shared throughout his career and his illness is an aspect of hip hop culture that is rarely examined.”
Current status: Principal photography is scheduled to begin in September. A Kickstarter campaign is currently underway to raise the $5,000 needed to complete the trailer, which includes footage from a benefit party for Ma Dukes hosted by Questlove of the Roots.
For more information and to support the film: http://kck.st/cn3dnr. As with all Kickstarter campaigns, the filmmakers will not receive any donations unless they meet their fundraising goal of $5000 by their May 11th deadline.
Also currently In the Works:
Faith-based urban drama “I’m in Love with a Church Girl,” directed by Steve Race and written by Galley Molina, recently announced the addition of Stephen Baldwin, Vincent Pastore, Michael Madsen, Michael Rivera, and T-Bone to the cast already featuring Ja Rule and Adrienne Bailon (from the “Cheetah Girls”). The production is scheduled to begin principal photography on May 13, and is the first feature from Reverence Gospel Media, a new independent production company specializing in developing and producing faith-based films and other media. “Church Girl,” based on Molina’s life, focuses on a former high level drug trafficker who has gone legit but struggles to keep on the right side of the law, and the relationship with the titular figure who helps him find redemption.
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posted on April 28, 2010 -
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on April 28, 2010
Dana Bartle
commented on a project updateWhen I shared the news with MA DUKES she sent me the following message: WOW!!! I'M AT A LOSS FOR WORDS-THAT'S REALLY SAYING SOMETHING. I'M SO EXCITED, CAN'T THINK -WILL HIT YOU BACK TOMORROW. LOVE, MADUKES
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on April 28, 2010
Dana Bartle
Posted project update #2IndieWIRE article to feature Raise It Up For Ma Dukes
Last week IndieWIRE contacted me and asked if they could feature my film Raise It Up For Ma Dukes in their column In The Works, which highlights films in production to watch. The article will be published this Thursday, April 29th!
The column was just launched at the beginning of April and they have featured some great films from some heavy hitters in my industry including Ted Hope, Producer of Adventureland, 21 Grams, American Splendor and The Devil and Daniel Johnston, as well as Paul Rachman, Director of American Hardcore and some ladies I know, Academy Award nominated filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady who Directed Jesus Camp and Boys of Baraka.
For those of you who are not familiar with IndieWIRE it is the leading news, information, and networking site for independent-minded filmmakers, the industry and moviegoers alike, indieWIRE launced on July 15, 1996.
Winner of the Webby Award for best film website, indieWIRE was lauded as a "must read" by Variety, branded the "online heartbeat of the world's independent film community" by Forbes, and dubbed "best indie crossroads" by film critic Roger Ebert.
Aside from all of that it is run by four of my favorite New Yorkers, Eugene Hernandez, James Israel, Peter Knegt and Brian Brooks. The In The Works column is written by Brian Brooks and Basil Tsiokos, another one of my favorite Manhattanites, who is, among other things, the Programming Associate of Documentary Features for the Sundance Film Festival. Thank you guys so much for considering me and for always being so supportive of my career!!
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on March 15, 2010
Dana Bartle
Posted project update #1Questlove Interview
Post CommentI finally met Questlove at the Donuts are Forever 4 show on Dilla's Birthday after having emailed his manager and agent for quite awhile getting permission to use his performance at the show in the film. He was as nice as Ma Dukes said he was and we spoke about the project backstage and I asked him if I could interview him for the movie. He was so accommodating and really so lovely and he said of course I could interview him and just to get in touch with his people and set it up. Then he suggested that I do the interview at 30 Rock since he and the Roots are the house band at the Jimmy Fallon show. I was thrilled. My dream has been to interview him on the empty soundstage for the show but honestly just interviewing him at 30 Rock is going to be great. He has been pretty busy playing in Japan and at the Olympics and at the NAACP Image Awards that he just recently got back to New York. So I reached out to his people at Okayplayer last week and we are in the process of figuring out when we can fit the interview into his schedule.
Questlove has always been an integral part of the story. He and Dilla worked together in the Soulquarians and they were very close friends. In fact at the Donuts are Forever 4 show Quest started his set by telling the crowd that he has shied away from doing Dilla benefits because he is still processing the lose of his close friend. Questlove holds a special place in Ma Dukes heart as well. The day that Dilla passed the first two people to arrive at her doorstep to give their respects and make sure she was alright were Dave Chappelle and Questlove.
Since I conceived of this film one of the things I have been most excited about was interviewing Questlove, He has been a hero of mine for a long time and I have been to see the Roots and Quest DJ at least a dozen times. For the Donuts are Forever 4 shoot he and Black Thought remixed 75 Dilla beats as a tribute to the man that he calls the Greatest Producer of All Time. His tribute began at midnight that night on the day that would have been Dilla's 36th birthday with Boyz II Men's It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday. Knowing the connection that he and Dilla shared it was hard to keep from tearing up.
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on March 12, 2010
Dana Bartle launched a project
Raise it up for Ma Dukes by Dana Bartle
The story of "Ma Dukes," mother of hip hop great J Dilla, as she fights for her son's estate while battling the same disease that took her son.
Funding Unsuccessful (05/11/2010)
Dana Bartle
Dana Bartle is a documentary filmmaker based in New York City and originally from Somers Point, New Jersey. Her short film "Bend & Bow," about the notorious "Saw Lady" of the New York Subway, premiered at the 2008 Hot Docs Interna... view more
When I shared the news with MA DUKES she sent me the following message:
WOW!!! I'M AT A LOSS FOR WORDS-THAT'S REALLY SAYING SOMETHING. I'M SO EXCITED, CAN'T THINK -WILL HIT YOU BACK TOMORROW. LOVE, MADUKES