About this project
What people are saying about the project:
"The video on Kickstarter is easily the most inspiring thing that I've seen in all my adult life."
"I showed it to a colleague who is in his 70s. He's a big fan of Duke Ellington and he really enjoyed it."
What is the Queen's Suite?
The Queen’s Suite is a documentary which tells the story of Peter Edwards, one of England's most promising jazz arrangers, as he tries to achieve his dream of playing Duke Ellington’s Queen’s Suite (written for the Queen in 1959) to the Queen of England, at the centre of London's cultural quarter, the South Bank.
The documentary follows Peter as he scores Ellington's work, puts together his orchestra, rehearses them and negotiates with Buckingham Palace. Does the Queen attend the performance? The documentary provides a unique and intimate insight into the background and career of an exceptional jazz arranger and musician. It has an original live soundtrack performed by The Tomorrow's Warrior's Jazz Orchestra.
Who are we?
We are a group of independent filmmakers, brought together by the Director Corine Dhondee, who believe that Peter’s story is an inspiring example of what a committed and talented young musician can achieve.
You can meet the team here.
http://the-queens-suite.com/Team.html
Who am I?
I'm the director, producer, principal camera, editor, runner and the woman who was inspired to make the film and who has been pushing it forward.
Firstly I'd also like to a BIG THANK YOU to Kickstarter for giving us the opportunity to raise our funds.
I first saw The Tomorrow's Warriors Jazz Orchestra perform The Queen's Suite at an open rehearsal in 2008. As I listened to the incredible music, played with dynamism by a young orchestra, who were guided by world famous Jazz musicians of the calibre of Gary Crosby OBE, and passionately directed by a young man, I was moved to make a documentary.
What did I see?
In a world that is saturated with negative images of young people, I saw the young people I know, talented, sensitive, committed and full of passion and joy.
For eight months I was privileged to hear and see the story and music unfold and develop. I can say that it was a real privilege for all of the team to spend time with Peter and orchestra. They are all extremely talented young people who are committed to their musicianship.
You can find out more about the orchestra here.
http://the-queens-suite.com/Orchestra.html
As filming continued I learnt that Ellington's suite was inspired by the majesty of nature. In the six movements that make up the suite, one can hear the sounds of frogs, mockingbirds, and peacocks. Nature inspired what was to be one of his finest and yet least known suites.
You can read more about the Queen and Duke Ellington and the suite here.
http://the-queens-suite.com/DukeEllingtonandtheQueen.html
Why did I make it?
In a world saturated with negative images of young people I wanted to do something positive to show just how brilliant young people are. And I loved the music and the story of Duke Ellington and the Queen. I was inspired.
Can documentaries make a difference?
In 2010 The End of the Line has made a difference on national and international levels. Documentaries can make a difference to how young people are represented and how in turn they and us can glimpse something of the magical within themselves and others.
Recent events.
Recently I was invited to attend a conference on film into education. Here I learnt that the documentary naturally fits under the UK's 'Gifted and Talented' strand. Gifted and talented starts from the premiss, 'all children are naturally talented.'
The initiative aims to work with children to strengthen their talents or guide them towards discovering their talents. It's a wonderful scheme and with your support the documentary will be used in the UK and globally to spur on young performers or young people who are interested in music and creative forms of expression.
I hope you enjoy the trailer.
Many thanks.
Corine
You can read more about HOW and WHY the documentary was made here.
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php...
You can read more from the Director here.
http://the-queens-suite.com/DirsStatement.html
How much are we asking for?
We are seeking $12,000 (£8,000) to clear copyright costs for archival footage and to complete an online edit with proper color grading and audio mix. Our editor, John Howard, has 22 years experience. John will rework the project, adding our additional archive footage, complete colour grading and finalize both our offline and online edit. Our audio supervisor, Frank Jacobs, will lay down the track, equalize, and provide a broadcast ready sound mix.
Why do we need the money?
The documentary is an entirely independent project. It was made outside the established broadcasting system with no funding. Christopher Hird, the Executive Producer, gave Corine kit ie camera, and sound equipment.
We need the funds to finish the documentary so that we can realize our dream of spreading Peter’s inspirational journey to schools, colleges, youth organizations, and community organizations in England and worldwide.
We want to show how brilliant young people are and prove that dreams are worth following.
Our Promise to you.
Raising the full amount will enable us to release a DVD by 2011. A number of free DVDs will be sent to schools and community centers in the UK and globally and the Director Corine Dhondee will give a number of free workshops in schools and community centres in the UK.
Part of the money pledged will go towards the charity Stoma baby. The project is being set up in England by Corine's friend, Charlotte Westmorland Stubbs for babies and children with stoma.
FAQ
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on August 31, 2010.
Pledge $1 or more
Dir Corine Dhondee will dedicate her first tune of the day to you. :-)
Pledge $3 or more
Special thanks on the film web-site. http://the-queens-suite.com
Pledge $9 or more
Online download and a special thanks on the film web-site. http://the-queens-suite.com
Pledge $15 or more
Receive electronically an exclusive photograph of the Queen and Duke Ellington meeting in 1958, online download and a special thanks on the film website. http://the-queens-suite.com
Pledge $20 or more
Receive a DVD, an online download, an exclusive electronic photograph of the Queen and Duke Ellington meeting in 1958 and a special thanks on the film web-site. http://the-queens-suite.com
Pledge $20 or more
For everyone who loves Mark Crown. If 20 people or over pledge I will put an extra of Mark Crown's phenomenal trumpet solo that is taking Current TV by storm onto the DVD. Young people in schools around the world will be able to experience the wonderful talent that is Mark Crown. You will also receive a photo of the bad ass trumpet player, an online download of the doc, a DVD, an electronic photograph of Duke Ellington meeting the Queen and a special thanks on The Queen's Suite web-site. http://the-queens-suite.com/ Here's Crown in action http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQnhtGxC0Jk
Pledge $50 or more
A credit on the end of the film (even if it a very long list), a DVD, an online download, an exclusive electronic photograph of the Queen and Duke Ellington and a special thanks on the film website. http://the-queens-suite.com
Pledge $100 or more
A credit on the end of the film (even if it a very long list) a DVD, an online download, an exclusive electronic photograph of the Queen & Duke Ellington, your photograph and biog will put onto The Queen's Suite web-site and a special thanks on the film website. http://the-queens-suite.com
Pledge $150 or more
For those in London or traveling to London. A one-to-one piano lesson with Peter Edwards, the talented pianist, arranger and Musical Director. His achievements to date include, runner up in the 2009 Worshipful company of musicians' Young Jazz Musician of the year, and recipient of The Trinity College of Music scholarship Award, rank highly. As an accompanist for Nicola Emmanuelle he has performed for Lord Spencer (Princess Diana's brother) at a family anniversary. The 2 hour session will include an introduction to jazz piano, playing by ear and improvisation skills. He will give practical advice about how to compose and arrange for modern jazz ensembles. You will also receive a credit on the end of the film (even if it is a very long list), a DVD, an online download, an exclusive electronic photograph of the Queen & Duke Ellington, your photograph and biog will be put onto The Queen's Suite web-site and a special thanks on the film web-site. http://the-queens-suite.com/index.html
Pledge $150 or more
For those in London or traveling to London. A rare opportunity to have lunch with one of England's leading documentary Executive Producers. In 2010 Christopher Hird was the Executive Producer for 'The End of the Line.' Over lunch at the exclusive 'Hospital' Christopher will talk to you about how to make it in documentary filmmaking. You will also receive a credit on the end of the film (even if it is a very long list), a DVD, an online download, an exclusive electronic photograph of the Queen & Duke Ellington, your photograph and biog. You will be put onto The Queen's Suite web-site and a special thanks on the film web-site. http://the-queens-suite.com/index.html
Pledge $230 or more
For those in London or traveling to London. Award winning cinematographer Tunji Akinsehinwa will spend an afternoon with you. Do you want to know more about being a camera person, or do you want to know more about lighting, or both? Tunji will cater the afternoon to your needs. You will also receive a credit on the end of the film (even if it is a very long list), a DVD, an online download, an exclusive electronic photograph of the Queen & Duke Ellington, your photograph and biog. You will be put onto The Queen's Suite web-site and a special thanks on the film web-site. http://the-queens-suite.com/index.html
Pledge $230 or more
For those in London or traveling to London. A one to one session or a group session with the Director. Over lunch Corine Dhondee will let you know how to direct a successful documentary starting with just an idea. The session will cover the idea, writing, networking, from start to finish, and marketing using new media platforms. You will also receive a credit on the end of the film (even if it is a very long list), a DVD, an online download, an exclusive electronic photograph of the Queen & Duke Ellington. Your photograph and biog will be put onto The Queen's Suite web-site and a special thanks on the film web-site. http://the-queens-suite.com/index.html
Pledge $234 or more
For those in London photographer Naomi Woddis will do a one hour photo-shoot worth $234 (£150) with you. The shoot can be for individuals or pairs. You will receive a colour jpeg portrait for non commercial online use. You will also receive a credit on the end of the film (even if it is a very long list), a DVD, an online download, an exclusive electronic photograph of the Queen & Duke Ellington. Your photograph and biog will be put onto The Queen's Suite web-site and a special thanks on the film web-site. http://the-queens-suite.com/index.html You can see more of Naomi's work here, Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Naomi-Woddis-Photography/234885179213?ref=ts Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/naomiwoddis/collections/72157622849627811/
Pledge $300 or more
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND - BECAUSE THE TWO LUNCHES WITH CHRISTOPHER HIRD WERE PLEDGED WITHIN 4 HOURS OF GOING LIVE WE HAVE ORGANISED SOME MORE AT $300 (£200). For those in London or traveling to London. A rare opportunity to have lunch with one of England's leading documentary Executive Producers. In 2010 Christopher Hird was the Executive Producer for 'The End of the Line.' Over lunch at the exclusive 'Hospital' Christopher will talk to you about how to make it in documentary filmmaking. You will also receive a credit on the end of the film (even if it is a very long list), a DVD, an online download, an exclusive electronic photograph of the Queen & Duke Ellington, your photograph and biog. You will be put onto The Queen's Suite web-site and a special thanks on the film web-site. http://the-queens-suite.com/index.html
Pledge $300 or more
For those in London or traveling to London. A rare opportunity to spend the day with The Tomorrow's Warriors Jazz Orchestra. See how they rehearse and work together. You will also receive a credit on the end of the film (even if it is a very long list), a DVD, an online download, an exclusive electronic photograph of the Queen & Duke Ellington, your photograph and biog. You will be put onto The Queen's Suite web-site and a special thanks on the film web-site. http://the-queens-suite.com/index.html
Pledge $450 or more
For those in London or traveling to London. London's most popular recording studios, The Premises Studios, whose client list includes Lily Allen and The Arctic Monkeys, is offering a half day (5 hours) recording session with an engineer at The Premises Studios. You will also receive a credit on the end of the film (even if it is a very long list), a DVD, an online download, an exclusive electronic photograph of the Queen & Duke Ellington, your photograph and biog will be put onto The Queen's Suite web-site and a special thanks on the film web-site. http://the-queens-suite.com/index.html
Pledge $5,500 or more
The award winning and internationally respected Executive Producer Christopher Hird will fly out, 'within reason', to you and give a talk about the making of the film. He will also screen the film. The pledge includes, flights, travel costs, accommodation, food, and incidentals ie medical costs. You will also receive a credit on the end of the film as co-producer, a DVD, an online download, an exclusive electronic photograph of the Queen & Duke Ellington, your photograph and biog will be put onto The Queen's Suite web-site and a special thanks on the film web-site. http://www.dartmouthfilms.com/who_we_are
Pledge $8,500 or more
The Director Corine Dhondee and the Musical Director Peter Edwards will fly out, 'within reason,' to give a talk on the making of the film. Corine will also give a workshop(s) on making a documentary with £150. They will also screen the film. The pledge includes, flights, travel costs, accommodation, food, and incidentals ie medical costs. You will also receive a credit on the end of the film as co-producer, a DVD, an online download, an exclusive electronic photograph of the Queen & Duke Ellington, your photograph and biog will be put onto The Queen's Suite web-site and a special thanks on the film web-site. http://the-queens-suite.com/index.html
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The Queen's Suite is Corine's most recent documentary. Her mentor is one of England's most respected Executive Producers, Christopher Hird. The production company is Dartmouth Films.
Previously she directed, A Short Film about Jazz, screened at the East End Film Festival. The music producer Ty said, 'it inspired me about music again.' In Search of God's Disciples, filmed in the Czech Republic the short was highly commended. Director Ivan Biel said, 'Thankyou for making this.' Two men, was made as part of Compass Point, a training initiative organised by the NFTS and B3 Media. It tells the story of two men who died in the London terrorist attacks. Her mentor was the film director Peter Kosminksy.
Corine has given talks and workshops at the Guangzhou International Documentary Film Festival, China, in Alice Springs, Australia and in the UK. She is a graduate of The London School of Economics.
