Posted by jeepman (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's disappointing to see even the Friends of the RTC opposed to this opportunity. I understand that there are benefits to larger development, but I would think that you would want to explore all and any options for saving/preserving the building. A movie would be a great advertisement opportunity, and I don't see how it could be detrimental to other development. At this point shouldn't this be taken? Hopefully the CDG will figure this one out.

Posted by JL (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

while nothing has been set in stone as to the RTC becoming an educational standing why not let the film makers do the movie and then maybe the bids will start coming in for the building. These people are passing up a great opportunity and I hope it doesn't come back to bite them in the butt when the RTC is empty and nobody is interested in it anymore.

Posted by prowler (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The stance that the Friends of the Kirkbride has is going to make it very difficult for me to support their 25 bike motorcycle ride in the future. Maybe they could open their minds just a little.

Posted by farmguy39 (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think its time to start protesting the council
let em know how many people in town support this movie idea.
as for the 3600 signitures I wonder how many of them support the movie ???
just cause the person handing em in doesn't
does not mean the majority might not support it

Posted by goingfishing (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Friends of the Kirkbride? Really? Their stance on the movie seems more to be "enemy's" of the Kirkbride. Shouldn't they stand behind anything that could give recognition to it? I even gave thought to joining them and giving some support a few months ago, and now I'm so glad I didn't do that.

Posted by Generally_Misunderstood (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 2:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Very closed minded. A film with the building as a setting could help to increase it's exposure. Could the reputation of a movie have a negative effect? Possibly, but that's granting a film quite a bit of power. The film's success is being judged before it's even been produced. Sure media can have an effect on many things, but we're assuming this will be the next big Summer/Fall Blockbuster with an National theater audience. With no disrespect to the movie production, I'm not so convinced that this won't be a direct to DVD release with minimal impact on anything other then a few film noir buffs. If it isn't this, then our community needs to do whatever it can to attract this and other movies like it!

Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

this movie could be a blockbuster, however there is no reason to make those kind of assumptions.
is this really just about money?
This film would bring a good amount to our community, not the kind of money the CDG claims to have in the works, but the Movie money is for sure.
I support the idea of the RTC becoming a campus but with out any letter of intent from any interested parties?

our city council first asked if waiting to vote would cut the time frame too short for the film to be shot?, the Director/writer Dav Kaufman said it would, and Thats when councilman "Wilson" moved to delay making a decision.
our mayor pointed out he didn't see any sort of payment to the city if they approved the proposal also.
I don't understand why the city council should be paid simply for allowing Minnesotans to make a movie in a location in which they would also be paying for a lease as well as a million dollar insurance policy.
so, in the end there's a good chance that we will not have the movie shot here, and after however many months of pandering to the Chinese without any solid indications toward any agreement, "no letter of intent", we may not have them either.
personally I feel it's just plain right to give preference here to our own people first.
I sure don't want to see what would happen if a wealthy Chinese man told the city council he might want my house.
I think we should remind these people who elected them and who they are supposed to be working for!
this is yet another reason I am running for city council Ward one this November!
thank you.
Jamie Cooper

Posted by cheif (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There is _no_ way that a movie not backed by a major company will ever be a blockbuster. The movie companies have major resources & contracts with cinemas nationwide - and this guy most likely doesn't.

Posted by TomS (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 4:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If Hollywood can film weekly TV episodes on the streets of New York or LA, then we can film a movie at the Kirkbride even after the property has been converted.

Being flexible has always been the bane of Fergus Falls' existence. I think it's time to open our minds and realize that we can get 'two for the price of one' if we get together and decide how to get it done.

Let's stop being narrow minded and start being progressive with what's possible with the Kirkbride property. I think we can have both a Chinese learning centere AND film a movie.

I'd rather have our City known for being creative rather than restrictive in our thinking. Let's give it a try before saying "No".

Posted by richan (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 4:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It would seem that once again Fergus Falls is all atwitter over the improbable. first a low budget movie as has been already said, without a major studio backing it will likely go directly to the cheap pay per view channels on Your satellite tv device. but even the people who watch the movie aren't likely to watch the end credits which would spell out the location of the movie. so not much positive or negative will likely come from its production. regarding the Chinese project I believe it would be appropriate to look deeply into all of our prejudices before venturing into something which I believe to be a fine idea. perhaps a sort of 'pre entry poll'. Enjoy the Day, Ned Jimmerson, Underwood.

Posted by Generally_Misunderstood (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 4:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Cheif, "Blair Witch Project" was an Indie film that cost about $22K to make and made over $200 Million. But it was a completely original concept funded by just a individuals that eventually found a major studio to back it after film festival viewings. So to say that it's not possible to be a blockbuster at the time of filming is a bit premature without the film bing screened.

I'm all for the movie and the potential University, just need to ask the right questions to all those involved. I just hope that the time is being taken to actually ask the Chinese if they have a problem with it or not. Since that is the basis for most disapproving it would seem. If they do, they need to initiate a more sincere gesture of going forward. If they don't, great. Those that believe a film will cast the RTC and future development in a negative impact are giving way to much credit to the power of media that just a few places that have been impacted, i.e. Amityville, NY. If there's more to the disapproval of the film then I need to hear from the "Friends" and such as to exactly why.

Posted by MyFurryFriend56537 (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 6:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In general, Asians are easily susceptible to superstitions and irrational beliefs. Anyone with experience in an Asian country can back me up on this one. I firmly believe that potential Chinese students would be turned off by a university where a horror film took place, even though the film is fictional.

Honestly, how often is it that a film with a budget of 22k can gross over $200m? Hmm, last time I checked it has only happened once. This university will bring much more revenue to the city than any low-budget indy film.

Posted by Ebrown (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 6:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As a former resident of Fergus Falls, I was disappointed to read about the council's decision to delay the shooting of this film. Dav Kaufman is an incredibly talented writer and film maker who is considered a rapidly rising star on the indy film scene. Whether a film turns out to be a blockbuster or not, having your community selected as a backdrop for a film brings in substantial dollars and increased exposure to the community. Here in the northland (Duluth) we're strapped for cash. Maybe that's why more often than not we welcome these opportunities-especially when the revenue is a sure bet. I had the pleasure of working with Dav for 4 years while living in the Twin Cities and he remains a great friend of mine. He's worked in the movie industry a long time and is a total pro. Hopefully the council will reconsider and act fast to move this project forward. This is a great opportunity for everyone.

Posted by Mel (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 6:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't live in Fergus, but this is unbelievable. Film the movie. What could be the objection??????? Good grief!! You would be ahead if you let them film it for free!

Posted by mccain08 (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 8:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Asians aren't any more superstitions and irrational than White Christians. thats pure racism. so remember not to break any mirrors or eat meat on friday, or the devil will eat you.

Posted by fergusforever (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 11:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Once again, billboards around Fergus should say "Fergus Falls, resisting change since 1957". Let the movie happen.

Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 4:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I honestly have to wonder if these people who appose the movie are prone to paranoid delusions.
I don't know if any contract would be legal with a person with such a condition.
I do know that in China the govt. restricts what they are allowed to find on the internet, and restricts all forms of knowledge.
so I really wouldn't worry about anyone in China knowing anything about Us here.
in fact I would hope the CDG have researched to find out if these investors have any ties to the Chinese Triad gangs throughout our country buying up America.
I don't want to stereotype anyone but, I feel this is a valid point.
where is the $20 million supposed to be coming from?
we are talking about the country where it is common to kill your child based on gender.
the country who is guilty of the greatest genocide in history and committed it during most of our lifetimes.
anyone remember Free TiBet?, or has the false promise of money blinded you?
WE should not be so optimistic about the Chinese buying off our land!
I would rather they lease it!
I want to know where their money is coming from?
it is common in China to sell women and children into sex slavery.
there are countlesswork camps in which the workers can never leave.
lets not forget the child sweat shops.
high seas piracy is still alive an well there.
do you really want to do business with people who still practice slavery and high seas piracy?
what is cost of your soul?
our people died fighting against these kind of ideas, or I should say "crimes against humanity", and now I'm supposed to side with the Chinese, over my own people because of rumored money?

these are the kinds of horrors that keep me up at night!

Posted by angeln (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 7:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For crying out loud! It is a movie. It will bring money into the area. Fergus needs to wise up. They can run around gossiping about people but not allow something like this to take place. What a waste of everyone's time.

Posted by MyFurryFriend56537 (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey McCain - I'd like to know what you know about Asian culture... just curious. Why don't you watch what you say before pointing the "racist" finger?

On a different note, I wholeheartedly agree with metasonics - it will be hard for me to stomach anything to do with Olympics 2008 because of what China does.

Posted by ottergrad (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No university or college would want a negative stigma created about their campus or dormitories.

Why would any business risk having anything negative about their location.

Most reasonable folks would not want their home known as a crack house, porn movie studio or having someone murdered or committed suicide.
This has nothing to do with the Chinese but is common sense.

The premise of the movie is the doctor mistreated his patients and that is not something we should be promoting about our rtc.

Posted by watermelon (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Metasonic (Jamie): Nowhere in you long, incoherent rant did you make any sense whatsoever. Your uninformed and inherently racist comments are nothing but chest-beating rural propaganda. Why don't you sit down and consider what American government does to their OWN people.

Just because you are a fan of crappy gore films, doesn't mean it should be filmed here. I recommend you just wait until a copy of the movie ends up on the dusty shelves of golden lakes pawn. Stick to playing music, not dishing out logic...you do the forementioned a bit better than the latter.

This low budget indie SLASHER film is never going to "make it big," it is not going to put FF "on the map," nor is it going to bring money and extra business into FF. There will be no movie stars or big hollywood production companies involved. No hordes of people coming from all over the world to see the abandoned mental hospital where the great Dav Kaufman shot his epic masterpiece.

Instead, there will be a busload of failed theatre and art majors from the twin cities eating at perkins for a month, scoffing at your rural sensibilities. Sorry to burst everyones bubble, but no one seems to have their logic steeped in reality. The only money made would be to the city for leasing out the building for a month.

Would it jeopardize the city in getting Chinese tenants? Probably not. Those in power with the city ultimately just want to tear down the building and sell the lots for townhome development, since they have federal funds available for a limited time. The longer they sit on their thumbs, the more it deteriorates and becomes unusable, which can be used as an excuse in the end.

Posted by Generally_Misunderstood (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Watermelon, is it about tearing the place down to build these townhomes you speak of or an attempt to erase a part of history with some negative attributes of many decades ago? If the place is to be torn down, what is to happen to the potential of hundreds of marked and unmarked graves located behind the facility? Those bumps and divots aren't all gopher mounds. I suppose we really shouldn't talk about that.

Posted by lifterpuller (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If the movie is set at a kirkbride building, and is going to be filmed in a kirkbride, regardless of whether it's ours our not, would there not be the negative stigma already attached? maybe the city of fergus falls should sue dav kauffman for defamation and potential damages when the CDG thing doesn't come through, because even if the movie isn't shot here, the negative thoughts brought by the idea that a horror movie COULD HAVE been shot here is probably enough to make it hard for the mothers of college students to send them to school here. because the script is set in a kirkbride... any kirkbride, dav just likes ours.

Posted by ottergrad (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Has anybody considered how the former employees feel about the years of caring they provided in Fergus Falls. Now that a film that portrays them as mistreating the patients at this location in Fergus Falls is released.

Kaufman misled Fergus Falls and the city council in his comments at the council meeting. This will portray the regional treatment center in a negative light. Yes,, he didn't use anybody's name but that does not exclude the thousand former employees who worked there.

Fictional yes, but it was a state hospital and is written and based on this location.

Why would Fergus want a film that is negative about this facility filmed. The city is not receiving any money and they have not offered.

Why would a college want a Psychological Thriller filmed on their future campus.

Posted by lifterpuller (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

but if the movie is going to be made anyway, and feature a kirkbride building, does it really matter if it is ours or not when considering negative connotations attached to a project like this?

Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well My mother worked there for many years, although she recently died from cancer, I am confident she would have been in favor of this film.

watermelon, How can you compare the Unites States Government to China?
You need a reality check!
In China We would not be allowed to even have a discussion like this, much less publicly post it.
if you doubt any of the facts I listed about the current state of China, I suggest you do a minimal amount of research.
I don't see any negative connections to this project other than from those who are in a hurry to sell off part of our city to a foreign interest.
and for the record I a not a fan of crappy gore films!
in fact I'm not a fan of horror.
I think there is enough horror in the real world!

I am aware of a crappy gore film called "session 9" which was filmed in a kirkbride building.

if there was at least anything concrete from the rumored Chinese buyers, I guess I would take this concern a bit more seriously.
but for now, there is just a solid movie offer, and a imagined buy out from the Communist,Slave-owning region.

thanks
Jamie Cooper

Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

oh yeah, I and other Friends of the Kirkbride, are not against this movie!
I support preserving the kirkbride also, just to clear that up for some of you!
I don't think we should be selling our historical monuments to slave owners and think any kind of respect would be given to our concerns after the sale!
I don't like my name as well as a large portion of those signatures to preserve the kirkbride being used for Maxine Schmidt's personal agenda!
Jamie Cooper

Posted by olson736 (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

At no time has there ever been any discussion about selling the rtc to the chinese. I believe it has been stated that there is a group of investors and a consortium of colleges involved in this project.

Jamie Cooper I would be concerned if you had signed my petition for anything. You seem rather unbalanced and unfit to serve in any office. You rant and rave about anything that pops into your head and cannot seem to keep a coherent thought within one post.

Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 6:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

if stating my opinion, which by the way seems to be shared by other community members is now to be called "ranting and raving", then so be it.
it doesn't change the facts!

please explain to us exactly who this "group of investors and a consortium of colleges involved" are.
I would also want to know why your arguments against the movie have anything to do with the Chinese, if they are not involved?

Perhaps you should have mentioned to us that we were giving you unlimited usage of our signatures when you were going around collecting them!

I read in an article that the investors are from the Hunan part of china.
the same Hunan part that gave the world Chairman Mao as well as the largest genocide in human history.
these are facts!

perhaps if you read the other posts, you may have noticed that I am answering questions that were raised, not just raving about anything that pops into my head.

olson736, I challenge you right here right now. to prove your claims!
I want to know the facts.
if this is just an issue of lack of information, then please share the facts.
if you have anything to show after all these months and trips on the taxpayers dime, let us know!

if elected, you can be sure, I will be a bit different from the council members you have had.
I'm not out to make radical changes, unless keeping our word and making good on our promises, is now radical.
I will keep my word and never forget where I come from!

I helped with fund raiser events at the Army reserve center, to open the Fergus falls senior center as a teen.

I personally raised over $3,000 via raffle tickets, to save Dawson Rudes life.

and most recently donated an entire song and profits to the "keep a breast foundation" that fights breast cancer worldwide.

I have made the world a better place!
perhaps I don't bother with speechwriters or hide secret agendas as much as you would like.

no, instead I go out and talk to our people, and honestly give my opinion based on the facts.

I do wonder how much you personally stand to gain financially from this deal?

Jamie Cooper

Posted by olson736 (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 11:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sure sounds like you are screaming when you write. Why not put it on paper and make a song.

I don't know where you think I am involved with anybody's signitures. I believe that is the friends of the kirkbride that have people sign to save the building and not have it torn down.

The group of investors and consortium of colleges was talked about at the banquet and on the radio interviews. It has been reported in the Fargo Forum, the Grand Forks Harold, Dickinson Newspaper. I have heard it as various service clubs so it has never been a secret what there plan has been.

I work just like most folks and have not had the opportunity to travel. I just read the entire articles and listen carefully to what is said by the group not selective hearing to hear what does not fit your personal prejudices.

I don't communicate with the council and share your frustrations with their lack of action on all kinds of issues. Just like I am sure I won't support your effort to become a council member. I still feel you are unbalanced and not fit to represent anybody.

I do applaud your generosity to help people who are in need and your sincerity to make the world a better place. I absolutely cannot understand how you think I will gain anything financially from any deal. We just don't agree on a movie project at this location with this genre. It is inappropriate for the city to consider a movie project that could negatively impact the progress on a large economic project for your region.

All these comments about speech writers, hidden agendas seem rather silly compared to common sense. I will continue to add my two sense and continue to follow the progress of the rtc hoping we can someday save the building and have a college

This is what is important for the long run and this is what the most people are hoping for in this region.

Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on August 7, 2008 at 1:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I certainly don't mean to come across as screaming and apologize if that's the impression you got.
what are these personal prejudices you speak of?
the reason I thought you may be affiliated with "friends of the kirkbride" would be because you wrote " I would be concerned if you had signed my petition "
while at the last city council meeting, I heard the council refer to selling the RTC.
this is where I got the idea that they are planning to sell it.
they made reference to when the Chinese would take possession.
this is why I refer to the Chinese taking possession.

When I refer to the Chinese, I am referring to the country and it's populace, not so much as a racial issue, but I am referring to the Communist nation itself.
I think it would be in our best interest as well as the best interest of all humanity if we were to inquire more as to where these funds are to come from.
in Communism all resources are shared by all members of that society.
So I feel it is important to know where these millions are coming from.
How would we feel if we found out these millions are soaked in the blood of innocents?
Given today's protest in China, and it's horrific recent events, these are important ethical questions.

Posted by classof76 (anonymous) on August 7, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

WOULDN'T IT BE JUST LIKE THE "FATHERS OF FERGUS" TO TURN AWAY HUNDREDS OF BUSSINESSES, MAUFACTURING PLANTS, ETC. OVER THE PAST 50 YEARS; (AMONG THOSE TURNED AWAY WAS THE 3M COMPANY-ONCE WHEN 3M BULT IN WAHPETON AND ONCE WHEN 3M BUILT IN ALEXANDRIA) AND NOW THE "FATHERS OF FERGUS" ARE "COURTING" THE BLOOD SOAKED MONEY OF COMMUNIST CHINA TO COME TO FERGUS???? GO FIGURE!!!!! AT LEAST IT APPEARS THAT THE "FATHERS" ARE GOING TO HAVE COMMON SENSE AND TURN AWAY THE GHOST FILM. LET'S HAVE SOME RESPECT, FOR THOSE WHO WERE RESIDENTS OF STATE HOSPITALS EVERYWHERE, WHETHER THEY WERE MISTREATED OR NOT. THE ONLY WAY A MOVIE HAS A POSITIVE EFFECT ON THE TOWN IT WAS FILMED IN, IS IF IT IS A POSITIVE, SUCCESSFUL FILM...AND THIS IS NOT GOING TO BE ONE OF THOSE FILMS WITH A POSITIVE EFFECT. SO GLAD THAT I GOT OUT OF TOWN IN '76.....NOTHING EVER CHANGES.

Posted by Nyrad (anonymous) on August 8, 2008 at 9:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Holy smokes people. You'd think we were talking about whether or not to let the American Nazi Party hold their meetings there. How did politics, education, foreign business and negativity find it's way into all this discussion? Are you people aware of the what's happening in the world today? Worrying about the effects of one small movie will have on our community is ridiculous. We've got a whole lot more to worry about than this. Do you really think a low budget, no name film like this is going to damage our community? Please people, what are you thinking? Stop ranting and let them make their little movie for cry out load.

Posted by lifterpuller (anonymous) on August 11, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

exactly Nyrad. We're talking about a movie that will be lucky to get distribution in CANADA, let alone a country with a history of censorship like China. and like I've said earlier, if the movie is set at a Kirkbride in MN in the script, and they film at a Kirkbride in Michigan or any other Kirkbride, the layouts are similar enough that it will appear to be set at, who would have guessed, a Kirkbride in MN, which happens to be here. We're getting these percieved "Negative connotations" regardless of whether we let them film the movie here or not... so why don't we at least do ourselves a favor as a community, and take these guys' money while they're still offering it.

Posted by lifterpuller (anonymous) on August 11, 2008 at 10:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Really, how many people had heard of Dav Kauffman or his 13 hours in a warehouse movie until he came to town? well the same number in other communities are going to hear about this one... pretty close to none. you have to be a pretty big movie dork to be into independent horror movies, and if the movie does gain recognition at one of the independent film festivals, then we can tout it as having been filmed here, and it will actually have a certain amount of tourist draw, which, I'm no economist here, but I would think would be a positive for the community... what with the bringing more money into our town and the like.

Posted by nellybelly (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 8:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't understand where you are coming from with the petions that have been turned into the city counsel. They are signed by people who have taken the time to visit the Kirkbride on the regular Friday tours. They just ask the city to realize what a loss it would be to have the Kirkbride tore down, and support it being reused. Maxine Schmidt has been turning those into the city counsel for a long time. It doesn't have anything to do with this Movie thing at all. As I have seen stated in other comments, no one had ever heard of Dave Kofman until the meeting at City Hall, and I bet there isn't anyone who can claim to have seen any movie that he has produced or directed.