Pittsburgh Neighborhood Narratives

Documenting Pittsburgh, non-documentary style

by Alice Marks

Pittsburgh. Free association might leave us with steel, smog, sports, college, yellow bridges and a brief encounter with the nickname "shitsburg" (dubbed so by one of Hollywood’s finest). But for those who have ever made the commute from Braddock Hills to downtown, strategically avoiding route 376 and her faithful band of fluorescent-vested friends, Pittsburgh recalls much more than the industrial revolution and Iron City beer.

Why? Because Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods are as contrasting as they are charming. From the Victorian elegance of Shadyside to the historical intrigue of Wilkinsburg, towns close in proximity belie distinctly different personalities. And while those outside of the ‘burgh may not yet realize its full potential as a mélange of architecture, culture and history, (and those who have lived here their whole life may unknowingly take it for granted), local filmmakers Kristen Shaeffer and Andrew Halasz (pictured) are well aware of the city’s charm.

Inspired by the film ‘Paris Je’taime,’ Schaeffer and Halasz sought a similar way to celebrate the diverse neighborhoods of Pittsburgh, weaving what Halasz refers to as "a fictional fabric that represents our city as a whole."

Their venture is called Pittsburgh Neighborhood Narratives and, much like its Parisian muse, summons the creative genius of several aspiring filmmakers. Ultimately, Neighborhood Narratives will be a series of short films portraying the experience, character and stories of the neighborhoods collectively referred to as "the‘burgh."

So as Pittsburgh gets ready to celebrate its 250th birthday, Halasz and Shaeffer invite local filmmakers to submit story treatments highlighting one of the city’s unique neighborhoods. An advisory panel (comprised of notables from the Pittsburgh film community) will then select the stories that best capture the spirit of their respective setting.

"We want people to know what it feels like to live in one of these communities," said Shaeffer.

A handful of candidates will be engaged to write a script and begin production, leaving their 10-minute mark on what promises to be a fascinating portrait of Pittsburgh. But the best part is that while these filmmakers are immortalizing their hometown (or at least a town they spent some portion of their life in) and adding another bullet point to the old resume, artistic vision need not surrender itself to homogeny.

As a filmmaker, media artist and instructor at Chatham University, Shaeffer has found that "a narrative is much more interesting when it pulls from a diversity of voices." She and Halasz had originally toyed with the idea of producing all the material themselves, but, in the end, decided against it. "… not only for the integrity of the project," laughs Halasz, "but also for a more accurate portrayal of Pittsburgh." While the dynamic duo may end up contributing a short or two, the bulk of the project will be a collaborative effort among members of the Pittsburgh film community. Halasz and Shaeffer both agreed that in painting our fair city, the more perspectives, the better.

It is for this reason that the nominated filmmakers will be heavily involved in the production of their shorts. "We leave everything to the filmmakers," said Shaeffer. While her and Halasz will oversee the logistics of the project, participating filmmakers will exercise complete creative control, casting, directing and generally shaping the course of the film.

Like Shaeffer, Halasz is also a media artist and an instructor at Point Park University. Having only moved to Pittsburgh two years ago, he is amazed at how much the city has grown on him. "There really is a thriving cultural scene here," he says, a pointed compliment from someone who has spent time in both New York and Paris. With Neighborhood Narratives, Halasz and Schaeffer hope to draw attention to the eclectic, often overlooked, side of Pittsburgh.

And to ensure that no good story gets left behind, the deadline for submission has been extended to January 1, 2008. Pittsburgh Neighborhood Narratives has already piqued the interest of several local filmmakers and, if all goes well, Halasz and Shaeffer anticipate a completed film by early next fall. The screenings will ideally take place at venues in neighborhoods from which the stories originated.

"We’d like to make it something of an event," said Schaeffer. "This is a great way to connect educators, students and artists, not only with each other, but also with their local communities."