Behind the Curtain at Arclight Theaters
The Gilded Age is back on HBO for Season 2 and any series from Julian Fellowes makes me think of my work with Arclight Theaters.
Arclight Theaters, once a beacon of exceptional cinematic experiences, now exists only in our cherished memories. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about unprecedented challenges, and sadly, Arclight could not withstand the storm. In this blog post, we'll take a nostalgic journey through a documentary project that aimed to uncover the magic that once happened behind the curtain at Arclight Theaters, celebrating the joy it brought to countless moviegoers. Here’s a wrap-up of the great people who collaborated to make this project a success.
The Main Idea - An Upstairs/Downstairs Approach
Imagine yourself as an "upstairs" client at Arclight Theaters, where every detail was meticulously curated to enhance your movie-watching experience. This was the central theme of our documentary project, a tribute to the dedication and passion that Arclight Theaters poured into making our movie nights unforgettable.
The Cinematography Mastermind: Marc Ritzema
To capture the essence of Arclight's dedication, we enlisted the talents of the incredible cinematographer Marc Ritzema. With a portfolio that included notable shows like "Mayans," "Chicago Fire," and "FBI," Ritzema knew precisely how to strike the right tone for our documentary. His expertise in storytelling through visuals left an indelible mark on this project.
The Enchanting Soundtrack by Josh Myers
Music has the power to evoke memories, and our documentary-style piece aimed to recapture the grandeur of a bygone era akin to the enchanting "Downton Abbey." Josh Myers, known for his work with artists like Mandy Moore, Jeremy Enigk, and Rosie Thomas, delivered a soundtrack that perfectly complemented the elegance and charm of Arclight Theaters, leaving us with a lasting melody.
Editing Wizardry by Justin Dial
Editing is the art of weaving together a narrative, and Justin Dial's sorcery was evident in every frame of our documentary. This project marked one of many collaborations with him, and his expertise ensured that the documentary flowed seamlessly, engaging the audience until the end.
A Symphony of Sound by Austin Storms
Sound is often an unsung hero in filmmaking, and Austin Storms, with credits including "Foo Fighters: Back and Forth" and the "2023 MTV Movie Awards," brought depth and authenticity to our behind-the-scenes journey. Run and gun shooting can be incredibly tough to capture, but Austin's contributions are a testament to the power of sound in storytelling.
The Artistry of Colorist Michael Mintz
Color grading is an art, and we were fortunate to have Michael Mintz, known for his work on shows like "Life Below Zero," "Speechless," and "Resident Evil: Extinction," leave his mark on our project. Whenever I get in the booth with him, I think, "This project looks fantastic. He won't have that much to do." But I AM ALWAYS WRONG. His artistry added a visual richness that will forever be associated with our tribute.
The Dedicated Production Team: Sonja Kolstad and Michael Moore
Over the two days of run-and-gun shooting, all around the theater were made enjoyable and efficient thanks to the tireless efforts of our dedicated production team, Sonja Kolstad and Michael Moore. Their skills and coordination captured the essence of Arclight Theaters, ensuring unforgettable memories.
Recognition and Accolades - A Final Tribute
The hard work and dedication that went into creating this documentary project did not go unnoticed. In 2013, our project was honored with a Telly Award in the documentary category. This recognition affirmed the value of our efforts in shedding light on the exceptional work Arclight Theaters and its staff, including the beloved greeter, Frank Lozano, put into making our cinematic experiences unforgettable.
As part of the project, we came up with a tagline for the promotion “We love movies as much as you do”, multiple short films, and how it would be presented in their lobby and on the web. I personally loved that it played before movies.
In conclusion, our documentary project was a labor of love, a tribute to the passion and dedication of the Arclight Theaters team. As we celebrate the joy that Arclight brought into our lives, we also acknowledge its closure with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude. It may be closed, but its legacy lives on. check out the final product below, a gallery of behind-the-scenes photos, and some promotion in the lobbies of Arclight Theaters.
Frank at IMDB
