Back in high school, Tyler Geis was a good friend. A Northern redneck if ever there was one, he was one of the few students that clashed with the urbane liberal environment at NHS as much as I did; perhaps his most famous stunt was just before his graduation, when he lugged a country-blasting boombox into the hallway and held an unofficial "hoedown". I never expected to hear more from my old friend again, but by way of my brother, I made an extraordinary discovery: Tyler Geis is making a movie, right here in Northampton. But he needs a little help before he can start filming.

Apparently, Mr. Geis wrote the screenplay for the film, The Station, a few years back. A year or so ago, he then fell in with one Matt Bianchi, and they decided that, with some work, the script could be turned into a class act motion picture. Along with Holly Lataille, the camerawoman in their pitch video, the core of the project was forged, with Mr. Geis the Director, and Mr. Bianchi and Miss Lataille as Producers; as of today, they are joined by a Mr. Seth Luciano, to be Director of Photography. As you may have guessed, their language is colorful in accordance with redneck folkways, so those averse to cursing may want to begin the film where Tyler says, "Okay, so here's the actual pitch." To be filmed at the Citgo station in the Florence section of Northamption, The Station will "deals with the change and hardships of growing up" for two best friends, Eric and Steve. When I knew Tyler in high school, either I never learned of his interest in film, or forgot it quickly, but I'll love to see what a man of such energy and moxie creates.

Mr. Geis already has some of the equipment he needs. He even has local bands lined up to provide the soundtrack. However, he and his friends are making a professional film, so they need to purchase filming and editing equipment, and don't want the cast to go hungry during the filming. Hence, they opened an account with IndieGoGo, and are aiming to raise $10,000 by June 1, so they can film over the summer. As I type, they've collected $361, including a contribution by our Pundit. Tyler is a pal I shall never forget, and a real man of character, so when I knew I could help make a dream of his come true, I knew I couldn't afford to be stingy. Not to mention that, since my brother also gave generously, I couldn't imagine letting him be the only one to get a Facebook shout out, You Tube thank you, or a place in the credits. And now, we can both wear our movie t-shirts to the grand opening, wherever that is. There are plenty of local venues hospitable to local film makers, and my hope is that my buds get shown at the Northampton's gorgeous Academy of Music, at the very least!

Please, friends and visitors, consider a donation to this good cause. Whether, like me, you are bored with the same old Hollywood films year after year and long to support homegrown alternatives (in this respect, this is a good followup to my recent praise of The Secret World of Arrietty), or you will just die if you don't figure out what becomes of Eric and Steve, this is a gift of a few dollars you won't regret. These guys are as "ordinary American" as they get, and won't see your gift as but a grain of some multi-million goal, because every dollar counts, and these fellows are going ahead whether they meet the goal or not. The main fundraising site is here, the Facebook page is here, and the You Tube channel is here. Those interested in auditioning for parts, see Mr. Geis's update video #2 here; auditions, as their Facebook says, will be held as follows:

March 28th 2011 5pm-9pm
340 Mckinstry Av. Chicopee, MA

March 31st 12pm-3pm
Apremont Studios
125 main St. #203, Springfield MA

Book your slots with an email, thestationthemovie@gmail.com

May my weblog give Mr. Geis's efforts the attention they deserve. Donors should know that they have my gratitude as well, for a friend of Tyler's is a friend indeed.