Mission

Love in Action.

The guiding principle for this film is to craft something that truly embodies love's transformative power, inspired by the unity seen at Woodstock in 1969. The goal is to create a compelling narrative that resonates with modern audiences, highlighting the timeless themes of empathy and understanding amidst societal divisions. Through meticulous research, authentic storytelling, and a heartfelt mission, I aim to produce a film that not only entertains but also ignites a spark of change, encouraging a movement towards unity and love.

The vision for this project goes beyond just simply making a movie, it will attempt to create something that resonates with everyone who is involved, making an inspiring experience that starts a movement.

Director’s Statement

During my research on Woodstock and the late 60s, I was struck by the parallels between that era and our present times. It became evident to me that we are not alone in our struggle for unity amidst division. This realization fuels my conviction that the right film, seen by the right person, has the potential to inspire profound change. By embracing diverse perspectives, we can witness the transformative power of open dialogue and empathy.

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Production Goals and Objectives

A Collaborative Spirit:

Encourage actors to improvise to add a layer of depth, realism and authenticity to all of the film’s performances. Embrace a loose and collaborative filming style, which goes hand-in-hand with the carefree spirit of the Woodstock festival.

Docu-style Filming:

Utilize a multi (Super 16mm film) camera approach with a variety of lenses from the mid to late 1960s. This will create a distinctive visual aesthetic, capturing the nostalgic feel of the era and enhancing the overall immersive experience for the audience. This approach to the narrative will ultimately enhance the realism and energy of the finished project.

Community Engagement:

Hire local extras and crew members to rally the community behind the production, creating a celebratory atmosphere during filming. This approach not only supports local talent and businesses but also fosters a sense of communal pride and involvement in the project.

Archival Footage:

Throughout the production and editing process, incorporate genuine archival footage of Woodstock '69 to provide a nostalgic atmosphere. The objective will be to seamlessly blend fiction the historical event with fictional narrative and enhance the overall experience for the audience.

Location Shooting:

Film in (and around) Bethel, NY to enhance the true essence of the Woodstock festival's original site. Because the region is still primarily farms, fields and woods - it will provide an authentic backdrop that enhances the film's historical accuracy. Shooting in NY State will also gain access to NY State’s 25% Film Production Tax Credit.

Fostering A Communal Crew:

Create a strong sense of community among the crew by encouraging members to bring their families and stay together. Production will secure a variety of lodging options to foster a tight-knit family atmosphere. Additionally, summer camps and daycare services will be available to ensure children have fun activities to do while their parents work on the movie, making it a family-friendly environment.

A Story that Reflects and Connects

Set against the backdrop of the counterculture movement of Woodstock 1969, the goal of this project is to visually represent an iconic era in a diverse way. The rich cultural and social dynamics of the time will be portrayed through a varied cast, capturing the spirit of inclusivity, peace, love, and social change that defined Woodstock. This approach not only enriches the narrative but also highlights the multicultural aspects of the 1960s counterculture movement, echoing and emphasizing its relevance to contemporary DE&I values.

Young adults and adults, typically ranging from late teens to middle-aged individuals. They are interested in historical fiction, drama, and stories with themes of self-discovery, love, and transformation. This group includes music enthusiasts who appreciate the iconic songs and counterculture of the 1960s, particularly fans of Woodstock and its cultural significance. They also enjoy independent films that explore unique narratives and offer thought-provoking storytelling. Additionally, they are socially conscious viewers who value themes of peace, love, and social change, and are interested in exploring the dynamics of different social movements.
Fans of romantic dramas who enjoy emotional and character-driven stories with a romantic element. This group also comprises history enthusiasts with a keen interest in the historical events and cultural shifts of the late 1960s, including the Vietnam War and the counterculture movement. Film festival attendees who regularly seek out and appreciate independent films are also part of this audience. Additionally, advocates for diversity and inclusion, who value projects prioritizing diverse representation both in front of and behind the camera, are strongly represented in this group.
The project demonstrates a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by featuring a Latina female co-lead, a Black female supporting character, and a Latina female supporting character. It also includes a range of diverse tertiary characters, ensuring that the narrative world reflects real-life multicultural communities. Additionally, the project provides numerous opportunities to showcase a wide array of characters through extras and background roles, promoting representation and inclusivity throughout the story.