The celluloid Burgh

Local filmmakers selected for Pittsburgh Neighborhood Narratives

by Alice Marks

The sometimes unwelcome influence only “Mombies” (the maternal cousin of zombies) can have over two single 30-somethings; a Jewish/non-Jewish romance set to music and dance; a homeless man who demonstrates his own worth; a mysterious letter from the past and the moral battle it provokes; and the unlikely appeal of the Pittsburgh bus system’s crazy offspring.

This is just a smattering of what the ‘burgh can expect from Pittsburgh Neighborhood Narratives, set to debut this fall.

When Andrew Halasz and Kristen Shaeffer called on Pittsburgh filmmakers to help them craft their cinematic salutation to Pittsburgh – officially titled “Greetings from Pittsburgh Neighborhood Narratives” – they couldn’t have asked for a more eclectic lineup of stories. A bizarre mix of funny, sad, farcical, romantic, musical, sentimental tales – all set frighteningly close to home. Together, these short films will tell the story of Pittsburgh.

“We had a tough time choosing,” Shaeffer (photo below) told the selected filmmakers and writers gathered for the March 6 kickoff meeting of Pittsburgh Neighborhood Narratives, held at the Sprout Fund in Garfield. “But we were looking for personal stories that speak to the experience and character of a given neighborhood, and we felt that your treatments really resonated with that.”

Of the approximately 30 story treatments that were submitted, 12 made it to the final cut. The following are the neighborhoods and individuals chosen to give a voice to Pittsburgh:

• Squirrel Hill -- Todd Schachter
• Regent Square -- Nelson Chipman / Jeremy Braverman
• Strip District -- Ray Werner
• South Side -- John Rice
• Bluff -- Julie Mink / Alexa Casciato
• Homestead -- Matthew J. Fridg / Jenn Golling
• Downtown -- Justin Crimone
• Bloomfield -- Jason Georgiades / Sean Carroll / Russell Brandom / Chet Vincent
• Lawrenceville -- Sam Turich / Gabrielle Reznek
• Oakland -- Justin Francart
• Hill District -- Tim Hall
• Mt. Oliver – Matt Stidle

As introductions made their way around the room, Pittsburgh Neighborhood Narratives began to take shape, progressing from a very cool idea to a viable, realistic project. The filmmakers hailed from all different backgrounds, ranging in age, experience and ethnicity. Their stories were a reflection of that diversity.

“We were looking for people stories – stories that focused more on characters in their environment rather than the environment itself,” explained Halasz.

Jenn Golling whose fictional narrative is set in Homestead, is excited for the opportunity to showcase a neighborhood that was once such a booming part of Pittsburgh’s industry, a neighborhood that is now largely defined by the Waterfront.

“It’s interesting because when I was in high school, Homestead was this scary place to go to,” she said. “And then Sandcastle came in, and it became a little more open. And then of course the Waterfront came …”

Visually, Golling hopes to capture all the disparities of Homestead in her film – from the stark remnants of a once-thriving Main Street to the bright and vibrant oasis that is the Waterfront to lesser known historical landmarks such as the museum and library.

While Golling will handle all the writing, Matt Fridg, her collaborator on the project, brings an extensive film background. For both of them, the opportunity to get involved with Pittsburgh Neighborhood Narratives was too good to pass up.

“Two roads diverged in a wood and I took the one more traveled by,” laughs Golling, who majored in technical theater at Slippery Rock University and ended up on a different career path. “This came along and it really speaks to that other road I never took.”

Ray Werner also looks forward to reconnecting with his artistic side through the project. His story unfolds in the Strip District where he used to run an advertising agency.

“It’s a story of friendship,” said Werner, whose main character is a homeless man that panhandles in the Strip.

Werner hopes the film will not only provide some insight into a lonely, often misperceived lifestyle, but also allow viewers to “get a sense of the Strip” as they follow the main character around.

After having spent a considerable amount of time in the advertising business, producing commercials and exercising his creative talents, Werner is eager to make a contribution to Pittsburgh Neighborhood Narratives and “represent the Strip.”

“You take things as they come along,” he said, referring to the project. “There’s a rhythm in your life, and there are moments and they keep happening. I believe in the pursuit of these things.”

And apparently so did the other 18 filmmakers/writers gathered at the Sprout Fund. Excitement was high as each divulged a teaser of their film’s plot and why they chose that particular setting to bring their story to life.

John Rice’s narrative takes place in the South Side, calling attention to generational differences as two neighbors, who couldn’t be any less alike, battle over a coveted parking spot. When Rice joked about the challenge of casting these roles, a fellow filmmaker jokingly countered with “I’d be more worried about finding an empty parking spot in the South Side.”

For a first time meeting, there was a natural chemistry in the room that spoke highly of Halasz’s and Shaeffer’s instinct for talent. And it was rewarding for them to watch their project grow from coffee shop material to a true work in progress.

“It’s cool,” said Halasz, commenting on the excitement and passion everyone brought to the meeting. “We’re psyched by the enthusiasm of the filmmakers.”

While the meeting allowed everyone the chance to get to know each other, it was also an opportunity to go over some of what Halasz referred to as the “nitty-gritties.” Filmmakers left the Sprout Fund armed with all the necessary information, paperwork and contacts for producing their films. They also bounced ideas off one another, anticipating what Halasz expects will be the biggest challenge of all … obtaining funding.

While Pittsburgh Neighborhood Narratives has already received a grant through the Pittsburgh 250 Grassroots Community Connections project, Halasz and Shaeffer will do their best to secure additional funding for the filmmakers. They felt very strongly that participants not only have the opportunity to make a quality film for the benefit of the ‘burgh, but also for their own personal growth.

“This isn’t our [Halasz’s and Shaeffer’s] project,” Halasz emphasized, indicating that individual films will belong to the filmmakers. “We want everyone to have ownership in this.”

Photos by Timothy Hall