Imagine the tourism promotion possibilities that could come from the documentary "American Teen".
"Come Visit Warsaw - Where 'American Teen' Was Filmed," or "Warsaw: Home of the 'American Teen'".
But could the documentary about the senior year of five Warsaw Community High School students really help promote Warsaw and boost tourism? It's a possibility, local officials speculate.Mary Kittrell, Kosciusko County Convention & Visitors Bureau Inc., said, "I think it's a great opportunity to get our name out nationally, in theory."
When the documentary was being filmed, Kittrell said no one thought it would be as big as it is now. She said she hopes it draws people to the Warsaw area.
"I think it's wonderful they chose this community to film in," she said.
"American Teen" is one more thing about Warsaw that the CVB can promote about the city, Kittrell said. It's a fun fact they can use on the Web site and in brochures.
She's looking forward to seeing the film, and plans to buy tickets to the premiere Tuesday.
Also, Kittrell said, Indiana is pushing for more films to be shot in the state. "Lonesome Jim" was shot a couple years ago in Goshen, and a John Dillinger film starring Johnny Depp was filmed near Crown Point this year. The classic basketball film "Hoosiers" was shot at Hinkle Fieldhouse on the Butler University campus, Indianapolis, in 1986. Warsaw's own Dr. Steve Hollar appeared in "Hoosiers" as Rade Butcher.
"American Teen" is the documentary filmed in Warsaw and Warsaw Community High School during the 2005-06 school year. It follows five seniors during their last year of high school - Megan Krizmanich, Colin Clemens, Hannah Bailey, Mitch Reinholt and Jake Tusing.
The PG-13 film was shot by Nanette Burstein. In January, Burstein won the director award for a documentary at the Sundance Film Festival for "American Teen". It's getting its own premiere in Warsaw Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the WCHS Performing Arts Center.
Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins said he wasn't sure what kind of tourism impact the documentary could have.
"I don't know a whole lot about that. It's got good press," he said.
He said it probably would be good publicity for the city, and not be harmful to Warsaw.
"I'd be surprised if you had people come to Warsaw just to see where it was filmed," Wiggins said.
Joy McCarthy-Sessing, Kosciusko/Warsaw Chamber of Commerce, said, "I think it's wonderful our community is getting national, and international, exposure."
Through the film and press about it, McCarthy-Sessing said, people will at least hear the name of Warsaw. They will learn that Warsaw is a smaller, rural community with younger people who are ambitious. Discussion among people about the film could generate them talking about the city.
"I'm hoping excerpts from it can be used in a useful sort of way" to promote Warsaw, McCarthy-Sessing said.
Wiggins, Kittrell and McCarthy-Sessing, have not seen the film as of Friday. But, McCarthy-Sessing said, she hopes the film will show parts of the high school. It's a nice-sized, modern, up-to-date school that could provide a good image for the city.
Ron Yeiter, Warsaw School Board president, has seen the film. He said it doesn't reflect too much on the school or city. It's more about the teenagers.
"Unless you know it's Warsaw, you don't know it's Warsaw," Yeiter said.
There are many shots, however, of people wearing "Warsaw Tigers" t-shirts in the film. "I think someone is going to sell a lot of t-shirts," said Yeiter.
Tickets for the "American Teen" premiere are on sale now at the WCHS Performing Arts Center box office, or by calling 574-371-5040. They are $10 each, with all proceeds from the ticket sales benefitting WCHS students. VISA and Mastercard are accepted. Seating is general admission.
Following the movie premiere, a post-screening dessert reception will be held in the Tiger Den. A disc jockey will provide music. The reception is included in the price of the ticket.
The box office is open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.
"American Teen" opens in Warsaw and Indianapolis Aug. 15.
