| Documentary Film Project |
Dear Friends, Supporters and Contributors:
I want to let you know about this exciting and important documentary project that
I am currently working on with 89-Second Productions. Its hard to believe we
have been working on the film for a year now.
As many of you know, the ninth anniversary of the death of Matthew Shepard
passed in October of 2007. Matthew's murder has made a huge mark on our
country's landscape, and has propelled many Gay Americans, their families and
loved ones to get proactive about LGBTQ rights through their own efforts, and
through organizations such as the Matthew Shepard Foundation.
As we have passed the 10th year remembrance of this tragic event, everyone I
have talked with has said, "Has it really been ten years?"
On November 2, 2007, 89-Second Productions (www.89-second.com) and I teamed
up for this documentary film venture. We began filming in Denver, Colorado on
November 2, 2007 and then traveled to Laramie, WY. It was an amazing shoot and
so many great people helped us out. We met and interviewed several people in
Laramie that will give film watchers a newer and moving experience about
Laramie and Matthew Shepard. . It was an amazing start to this documentary
journey. Since then we have traveled to film in Boston, MA, Albany, NY,
Minneapolis, MN and Laramie, WY, (a second time)
Our film will attempt to tackle issues that have been brought to light by Matthew's
murder, such as the need for hate-crime legislation and the general affect this
tragedy has had on people's lives. We will explore hate-crimes legislation and
the educational process since the murder of Matthew Shepard. We will also look
into what is being done at the high school and primary levels in teaching about
hate crimes and anti-bias.
I believe this film will be a life-changing event for those involved and who will
see it. Our goal is to premiere the film at the Center on Halsted in Chicago,
followed by a Q & A in 2009. There are also plans to submit it to a variety of film
festivals. As the months pass, we have much more filming to do.
Of course, this project will require financing. We have currently applied for a
grant to help us out with the remaining cost of getting the film done and out
there for you to see. We want to thank all our friends and families who have
offered support for the film. As you know because of your financial support,
you will receive a credit in the thank you portion of our film. In addition, you
will know that you contributed to a project that seeks to enlighten, educate
and preserve the life, death and after-effects of Matthew Shepard.
I am very happy to be working with Ryan Kipp, Creative Director of 89-Second
Productions. I've known Ryan since high school, where I was his first acting
coach in West Side Story! Ryan played Tony.
By now you all know that I travel the country and lecture about hate, why people
join hate groups, coming out, community, acceptance and diversity. I also lecture
to many schools about Matt's murder as I have visited Laramie.
If you would like to contact us regarding the documentary film, please feel free to
do so at the addresses below.
Sincerely,
Greg R. Baird
Executive Producer
LGBTQ College and University Lecturer & Advocate
northernvoice@hotmail.com
www.northernvoice.com
Ryan Kipp
Creative Director
89 Second Productions, Inc.
917.763.9650
ryan@89-second.com
www.89-second.com
I want to let you know about this exciting and important documentary project that
I am currently working on with 89-Second Productions. Its hard to believe we
have been working on the film for a year now.
As many of you know, the ninth anniversary of the death of Matthew Shepard
passed in October of 2007. Matthew's murder has made a huge mark on our
country's landscape, and has propelled many Gay Americans, their families and
loved ones to get proactive about LGBTQ rights through their own efforts, and
through organizations such as the Matthew Shepard Foundation.
As we have passed the 10th year remembrance of this tragic event, everyone I
have talked with has said, "Has it really been ten years?"
On November 2, 2007, 89-Second Productions (www.89-second.com) and I teamed
up for this documentary film venture. We began filming in Denver, Colorado on
November 2, 2007 and then traveled to Laramie, WY. It was an amazing shoot and
so many great people helped us out. We met and interviewed several people in
Laramie that will give film watchers a newer and moving experience about
Laramie and Matthew Shepard. . It was an amazing start to this documentary
journey. Since then we have traveled to film in Boston, MA, Albany, NY,
Minneapolis, MN and Laramie, WY, (a second time)
Our film will attempt to tackle issues that have been brought to light by Matthew's
murder, such as the need for hate-crime legislation and the general affect this
tragedy has had on people's lives. We will explore hate-crimes legislation and
the educational process since the murder of Matthew Shepard. We will also look
into what is being done at the high school and primary levels in teaching about
hate crimes and anti-bias.
I believe this film will be a life-changing event for those involved and who will
see it. Our goal is to premiere the film at the Center on Halsted in Chicago,
followed by a Q & A in 2009. There are also plans to submit it to a variety of film
festivals. As the months pass, we have much more filming to do.
Of course, this project will require financing. We have currently applied for a
grant to help us out with the remaining cost of getting the film done and out
there for you to see. We want to thank all our friends and families who have
offered support for the film. As you know because of your financial support,
you will receive a credit in the thank you portion of our film. In addition, you
will know that you contributed to a project that seeks to enlighten, educate
and preserve the life, death and after-effects of Matthew Shepard.
I am very happy to be working with Ryan Kipp, Creative Director of 89-Second
Productions. I've known Ryan since high school, where I was his first acting
coach in West Side Story! Ryan played Tony.
By now you all know that I travel the country and lecture about hate, why people
join hate groups, coming out, community, acceptance and diversity. I also lecture
to many schools about Matt's murder as I have visited Laramie.
If you would like to contact us regarding the documentary film, please feel free to
do so at the addresses below.
Sincerely,
Greg R. Baird
Executive Producer
LGBTQ College and University Lecturer & Advocate
northernvoice@hotmail.com
www.northernvoice.com
Ryan Kipp
Creative Director
89 Second Productions, Inc.
917.763.9650
ryan@89-second.com
www.89-second.com
| Check out pictures from our film shoot below! |
| Acton-Boxborough Regional High School Interviews with cast of "The Laramie Project." |
On April 12, 2008 we traveled North of Boston, MA to Acton-Boxborough High School. We
interviewed the directors and cast/crew of, The Laramie Project. Their production was
presented November 2, 3, 9, 10 in 2007. This was an amazing experience for not only all the
people involved, but for the community as well. Their production, of course came with
controversy from a National and local hate group.
Our interviews with the directors and students were wonderful and we were so happy to have
met such a fantastic group of people. You can read about their production at the link below.
http://www.wickedlocal.com/acton/fun/entertainment/arts/x1302708138
interviewed the directors and cast/crew of, The Laramie Project. Their production was
presented November 2, 3, 9, 10 in 2007. This was an amazing experience for not only all the
people involved, but for the community as well. Their production, of course came with
controversy from a National and local hate group.
Our interviews with the directors and students were wonderful and we were so happy to have
met such a fantastic group of people. You can read about their production at the link below.
http://www.wickedlocal.com/acton/fun/entertainment/arts/x1302708138
Director: Linda Potter
Assistant Director: Susan Williams
| Thank you to all the wonderful students for your assistance in making this a great film shoot and being a part of our Documentary film project! |