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With news that another Los Angeles film crew will be filming in Granite Falls for the second time in six months this week, Yellow Medicine County Veterans Service Officer Michelle Gatz can’t help but say it...
“The question begs to be asked,” she remarks with a laugh. “Is Granite Falls the new Aspen, Colorado?”
According to Gatz, film crews will gather footage of the area and eight Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans for a video vignette that will be used to promote the veterans job program, “America Wants You.”
Produced by AMP Communications, the purpose of the project is to connect unemployed veterans with individuals, non-governmental organizations and businesses willing to provide jobs and job-assistance. It will kick-off in mid-2012 with a “star studded” ABC News telecast, according to company information.
A mix of employed and unemployed local veterans will be interviewed on camera at the Legion and in their homes, according Gatz. And at a later, they will return for a follow-up to the initial conversation, she said.
While the an abundance of unemployed veterans is a nationwide issue, it is particularly acute in Minnesota. According to an article published in the September 21 edition of the Star Tribune “Veterans fill ranks of Minnesota’s unemployed,” almost 23 percent of the state’s estimated 23,000 post-Sept. 11 veterans are unemployed––a rate that nearly doubles the 11.5 percent national average.
As President of Paramount Network Television and International Production for 13 years, AMP Communications’ John Pike knows how to create successful program and it is his hope that “America Wants You” will accomplish what the government has been unable to.
“We wanted to take government out of the equation since they can’t seem to get it done,” he said. “It really is an initiative of American businesses taking care of American people.”
According to company document, AMP plans to facilitate a series of multi-media events that establish a “private sector employment and educational platform” offering “real, long term solutions to this pressing issue.”
Following the telecast, the promotional vignettes will air on news programs and potentially other television shows that intend to follow the campaign’s impact and individual success stories.
A website and active social media presence will serve as both a marketing and practical tool linking employers to veterans.
And finally, the company hopes to incorporate the effort into the launch of an inspiring reality-based television program in the same vein as “Extreme Makeover.” Only with people.
With news that another Los Angeles film crew will be filming in Granite Falls for the second time in six months this week, Yellow Medicine County Veterans Service Officer Michelle Gatz can’t help but say it...
“The question begs to be asked,” she remarks with a laugh. “Is Granite Falls the new Aspen, Colorado?”
According to Gatz, film crews will gather footage of the area and eight Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans for a video vignette that will be used to promote the veterans job program, “America Wants You.”
Produced by AMP Communications, the purpose of the project is to connect unemployed veterans with individuals, non-governmental organizations and businesses willing to provide jobs and job-assistance. It will kick-off in mid-2012 with a “star studded” ABC News telecast, according to company information.
A mix of employed and unemployed local veterans will be interviewed on camera at the Legion and in their homes, according Gatz. And at a later, they will return for a follow-up to the initial conversation, she said.
While the an abundance of unemployed veterans is a nationwide issue, it is particularly acute in Minnesota. According to an article published in the September 21 edition of the Star Tribune “Veterans fill ranks of Minnesota’s unemployed,” almost 23 percent of the state’s estimated 23,000 post-Sept. 11 veterans are unemployed––a rate that nearly doubles the 11.5 percent national average.
As President of Paramount Network Television and International Production for 13 years, AMP Communications’ John Pike knows how to create successful program and it is his hope that “America Wants You” will accomplish what the government has been unable to.
“We wanted to take government out of the equation since they can’t seem to get it done,” he said. “It really is an initiative of American businesses taking care of American people.”
According to company document, AMP plans to facilitate a series of multi-media events that establish a “private sector employment and educational platform” offering “real, long term solutions to this pressing issue.”
Following the telecast, the promotional vignettes will air on news programs and potentially other television shows that intend to follow the campaign’s impact and individual success stories.
A website and active social media presence will serve as both a marketing and practical tool linking employers to veterans.
And finally, the company hopes to incorporate the effort into the launch of an inspiring reality-based television program in the same vein as “Extreme Makeover.” Only with people.
The new Aspen
Of the only eight worldwide locations where footage will be gathered for the vignettes, Granite Falls is one. As to why the riverside city has come to be such a “hotbed” for filming this past year, the credit deservedly goes to Gatz.
Back in September, three actors and a videographer spent a weekend in town performing research for a film about three American soldiers returning home from active duty in Afghanistan, titled “Thunder Road.” The research involved interviews with local veterans whose stories, it was hoped, would bring authenticity to the production.
Going out of her way to make the stay of Steven Grayhm, Charlie Bewley, Matt Dallas and videographer Brad Baudot a memorable visit, Gatz arranged karaoke at the Legion, a tour of the Fagen Warbird collection and a guided kayak trip down the Minnesota River, amongst other activities.
The community’s charm seemed to do the rest.
“They stayed the longest in Granite Falls, fell in love in with Granite Falls and still cannot get over how wonderful kind and generous the people are here,” she said.
As evidence of the lasting impression, Gatz said that when Grayhm was recently asked about an ideal location for the “America Wants You” AMP Communications production crew to film, the actor/writer/producer didn’t hesitate to finger Granite Falls.
Given the brevity of the visit, the itinerary of the visitors won’t be quite so jam packed with activities, noted Gatz. But the crew is still planning to turn out for a night of karaoke at the Legion following a full day of interviews on Friday.
“Anybody that would like to meet and to talk to them are welcome to come to the Legion,” Gatz said.
One familiar face from the previous visit will be along when Baudot arrives in town Thursday evening. Gatz said that the others couldn’t make it this time but that she has been told they would like to return for an extended stay.
The way Gatz tells it, it does make one wonder...
Is Granite Falls the new hot Hollywood hang-out?
Is it officially the Aspen, Colorado of the prairie?
It at least will be this Friday.
