ANN ARBOR--The upcoming Detroit-based film
Solomon
achieved its crowdfunding campaign goals and received its "green light" to start production. Launched by a filmmaking duo who first met in the University of Michigan's Marching Band, Solomon will be filmed in Detroit and Ann Arbor. To thank their supporters, the filmmakers are hosting an appreciation event at Pizza House on
Sunday, August 13, 2017 from 3-4:30 p.m. at Pizza House in Ann Arbor.
During an intensive two-month process over the summer, local filmmaking duo J.B. Armstrong and David Hines, Jr. launched a campaign for their passion project Solomon via Seed&Spark, a crowdfunding and distribution platform that assists emerging filmmakers. The production team, known as "Team Solomon," not only successfully completed the campaign, but did so days ahead of schedule.
Set in Detroit, a city with a long and complicated history of racial issues, Solomon tells the story of a young, white writer struggling after the death of his child and subsequent failed marriage, who stumbles across Solomon, a retired, black psychiatrist who sees his potential, but must uncover the darkness that lies buried inside of Dominic's past and crumbling present. The film explores this relationship using Detroit as a backdrop, but the city also plays a character role in this redemption story.
"Speaking to the spirit and growth of Detroit, it just felt right to make the film here [in Detroit]," said Hines. "Solomon and Detroit are one and the same."
Raising roughly $11,000 (a micro-film budget), the success of their campaign not only enables Armstrong and Hines to begin production, it is an exemplar for filmmakers wishing to beat the odds. Working in a cash-strapped filmmaking climate where Michigan film incentives have virtually disappeared, Solomon inspired countless supporters to contribute in record-setting fashion. Production is slated to begin this September.
"We were awe-inspired by the love and support from the community," said Heidi Philipsen, Executive Producer of Solomon. "We want to show our thanks and talk about our exciting plans for the future."
Hines and Armstrong are holding a promotional and networking event to build interest in the film back at the same place where they first met to talk about making movies - Pizza House on Church Street - on Sunday, August 13th, from 3 - 4:30pm. Actors, crew and indie film supporters interested in getting involved are invited to attend. Please RSVP by August 9th to [email protected]
