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Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Nanette Burstein wanted to make a documentary about the American teen for years.
She already has pre-sold the film to cable channel A&E.
Now, with the Warsaw School Board's approval Monday night, Burstein will film the documentary at Warsaw Community High School beginning in September. Unanimously, the school board approved the location agreement contingent upon the film company, Firehouse Films Inc., having the proper certificate of insurance, which Burstein said wasn't a problem.
Burstein, who was at the school board meeting Monday, told the board about her past filming experiences, including making the Oscar-nominated "On the Ropes." She also produced and directed the five-part series, "Say It Loud: A Celebration of Black Music In America," in collaboration with Quincy Jones. It aired on VH-1 in October 2001. She co-produced and directed the 2002 film "The Kid Stays in the Picture" about legendary Hollywood producer Robert Evans. It premiered at Sundance and Cannes, was released in movie theaters worldwide and received many critics' awards. It aired on HBO and was released on DVD. She also was involved in the 10-part documentary series "Film School."
"As a filmmaker," said Burstein, "I feel very good that I can sleep at night." Her projects are not like the reality shows on television. She said she likes to make films of people she admires, who triumph over adversity. "This film is one I wanted to make for a very long time."
High school is a very important time in a person's life, she said, because they are becoming more aware of themselves and they care what their peers think and that can be a lot to overcome. She really admires the underdog.
Asked how she chose Warsaw, Burstein said she looked at many communities and fell in love with Warsaw. It's a unique community with economic and racial diversity. It's a really nice town - small but not too small that it is economically disadvantaged. Warsaw has great academic and athletic programs.
Ultimately, she said the film will be shown on A&E, but she also hopes it will get a theatrical release and will be released on DVD. A&E is creating a new branch of the channel called A&E Indie. "This is sort of a new plan of theirs and they want to start it off with this program," said Burstein. Filming will take place from September to the end of the school year if all goes well. At the start, she will film with more students, but eventually focus in once storylines begin developing. Ultimately, she said there will be three storylines interwoven.
Anyone who doesn't want to appear in it, won't be shown.
"I have a legal commitment I can't show anyone on screen that doesn't want it," Burstein said.
Board member Tammy Dalton told Burstein she loved "On the Ropes" and found herself yelling at the television.
Dan Robinson, board member, asked about the part of the contract that mentions a "good and valuable consideration." Burstein said she likes to give back, so she will make a donation to the school. She also teaches a film class at NYU Film School and said she would love to offer to teach a class at the high school in the spring. "I think it would be really fun," she said.
