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Council delays film decision
Published Monday, August 4, 2008
Fergus Falls city council members on Monday opted to delay a decision on a film at the Regional Treatment Center until meeting with campus developers later this month.
The delay essentially puts the film project on hold, said Dav Kaufman, a Twin Cities-based filmmaker and author who is hoping to use the RTC as the site for his next movie. Kaufman, staff from the Minnesota Film and TV Board, and Jean Bowman of the Fergus Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau were on-hand Monday to tell council members more about the film and address any concerns.
“This is not a movie that’s going to shine any negative light on that gorgeous building,” Kaufman said, referring to the Kirkbride. “This is not a horror film. This is not a slasher film. And the last thing we want to do is show this community in a negative light.”
Kaufman first learned of the RTC from Chis Grap, a staff person with the Minnesota Film and TV Board who toured Fergus Falls and many other outstate communities last year. Inspired by the photos he saw of the Kirkbride, Kaufman proceeded to write a script to be shot at the RTC. Before that happens, however, the City of Fergus Falls must agree to lease the facility to Kaufman and his crew for 30 days of filming from mid-October to mid-November.
Though a confidentiality agreement with his distributor prohibits Kaufman from revealing many of the plot’s details, he did give council members a feel for the storyline Monday. Kaufman’s film, titled “The Psychosis of Ghosts,” follows a young college student who takes a job as a night guard at an abandoned hospital. The student later encounters spirits inhabiting the facility and uses his knowledge of psychology to help them.
Still, some council members echoed the concerns of the Campus Development Group (CDG), which is working to turn the RTC into an international business college and has expressed outright opposition to the film. In a July letter to Mayor Russ Anderson and the council, Richard Anderson said he was concerned the film would create a sense of insecurity in the community and add to the anxiety parents already feel when sending a student to college.
Developers don’t want any stigma attached to what could be a $50 million project, said Harold Stanislawski of the Economic Improvement Commission. Members of CDG have been working on the project for 16 months, Stanislawski said Monday, making multiple trips to China and hosting a Chinese delegation in Fergus Falls in late May.
“I’m real hesitant to put the CDG at risk, here, with their negotiations,” said council member Rick Wilson. Councilman Ron Burt voiced concern over the film’s content and how it would be received by another culture.
Kaufman stressed that the script is entirely fictional and does not identify the RTC or its location in Fergus Falls. Furthermore, the RTC is essentially set-ready and would require few changes; the art department would document the facility in video and photos before the arrival of cast and crew to make sure it is returned to its original likeness.
“You walk in there and you have a set,” Kaufman said. “It’s an incredible, incredible gem.”
Monday’s decision to delay approval of the film will give council members time to learn more about CDG’s negotiations before giving the movie the final go-ahead or rejection. A meeting with members of CDG is currently scheduled for Aug. 25 but may be moved to Aug. 18.
As for Kaufman, he says he will start to look more aggressively for other places to film as he waits for the council’s decision.
“We’re at a standstill,” he said. “I think we’ve said what we have to say and now it’s up to the city council to decide what’s best.”
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by theweasel (anonymous) on August 4, 2008 at 10:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This Anderson sounds like my grandma.
Posted by cheif (anonymous) on August 4, 2008 at 11:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh really, weasel? What college is your grandma trying to partner with? I don't think I've heard about your grandma in the news by trying to bring a project of this magnitude to Fergus Falls.
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on August 4, 2008 at 11:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Today I sat in on our City council meeting.
A man named Dav Kaufman explained and outlined his generous proposal to use our RTC to shoot a movie.
this movie sounds good.
The money for our community sounds good too, but perhaps what I liked most is that this movie would be shot by people from Minnesota and involve local Fergus falls people as well.
This movie would be done and cleaned-up within a reasonable amount of time for those who support selling the RTC off to foreign interests, so it should be a no-brainier.
I did hear what sounded like political trickery to delay making a decision until it would be too late for the movie to be shot here by a council member named "Wilson".
I also noticed "Shelstad" did not attend.
there was a lot of talk about concerns over how Chinese interests could feel about a film shot here.
I decided to speak and expressed that I don't understand why Chinese concerns should factor in when deciding whether to allow our own people to shoot a movie.
Members of my family have fought and died to preserve this country.
when I think of what the costs were to build this country and our community, and then hear some local residents and elected officials chose to babysit possible Chinese interests at the cost of our own people, it angers me.
certainly there are people in our community who have personal financial interests in catering to the Chinese.
I think history has shown us what could happen.
the Chinese are still in one of the largest military build ups in history as well as going after every possible oil source they can find.
I don't know what they will do with all these resources they are gathering.
I do know that I live here and my concerns are with my people.
we have an opportunity, the parties involved have explained intent and outlined how this would benefit our community, this film has the support of statewide organizations.
some of whom had representative in attendance today who spoke candidly in support of this film.
I hope as a community we do not chose to support a rumored Chinese buy-out, which there is still not even a letter of intent from the Chinese, to deprive this community of the concrete opportunity of this movie offer!
thank you!
Jamie Cooper
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 6:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
hopefully Dav Kaufman's investors will just come up with a generous financial gift for the city in addition to lease as our Mayor pointed out he didn't see in the current offer.
Mr. Kaufman did say and I quote" well, If this really just about money, we should be able come up with something for you"
be sure to watch this meeting on PEG access if you don't believe me!
Jamie Cooper
Posted by goingfishing (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 8:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
First off, I can't believe the City is even allowing a 2 minute consideration of the Chinese college coming to the RTC. Don't we have enough influence in this country by China? Now there is a fear that they might not like a movie having been made at a location where they might have a college. Good Grief. "Might" have concern, "might" have a college. That is the most ridiculous concern I've heard. If they don't like it, then that's their problem, not ours because they are the ones who would receive the biggest benefit from that college. Frankly I'd rather see the RTC torn down than have the China influence there.
Posted by cheif (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Know the facts. Half of the students would be from China and the other half would be from the States.
Posted by KATY (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I was at the city council meeting yesterday, and I heard both sides of this issue. I have lived in Fergus for 27 years, and frankly, last night was the first time that I was actually embarrassed by my community. We have all been flat out lied to by Mr. Anderson and his team. Flat out lied to. We were all under the impression that this deal with the Chinese was a done deal, and now I come to find out last night that he doesn’t even have so much as a letter of intent from the Chinese to prove that this is going to happen. He has nothing to prove the validity of his word, and that’s all we have, just his word. A $50 million deal? Don’t be fooled. Not a single person in this community but Anderson and his team will see ANY of that money. Not a penny. The film project on the other is a done deal. They have already got their hotels in town for the month they are going to be there. They have already scoped out which of our restaurants will feed the crew. They already have a contract set before the city to do what they intend to do. What enraged me the most was the city council didn’t right then and there make the distinction between one man’s empty promise, and a done deal to bring money and notoriety to our community. Furthermore, I also found out last night that the city invited the filmmakers to use the RTC last October. They were invited here, and instead of welcoming them with open arms, the city council used a cheap political maneuver to try and force the film out of town by delaying their decision. What is going on in our community? Why is the city council so easily controlled by Anderson and his team based on nothing more than a verbal intent of what MIGHT happen, not what is going to happen. I hope our elected officials find the wisdom to do what’s right and allow the film to happen here. If not, and Anderson does not come through on his promise, the city MUST hold him personally accountable because right now, giving up a sure thing because maybe something else will happen is ludicrous. Flat out ludicrous. This is something that will be talked about in our community for years to come, I hope the council makes the wise and correct choice.
Posted by olson736 (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 10:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Know the facts. It has been clearly explained that it is colleges and universities from both MN,ND and universities from China that will partner to form this campus. This also benefits the Fergus Falls Community and Technical College with students taking classes on that campus also.
Concordia, Minnesota State of Moorhead, NDSU all attended the banquet when the delegation was here in Fergus Falls and that should be a clear indication that they are all working on this project. This is a very big deal for education in our region. When schools districts all across our country are seeing declining enrollment in k-12 that means the University system will see the same. Opening up the doors to foreign students helps fill that financial gap.
Having more students in Fergus and having the faculty that will live here and have their children attend our local elementary and High school helps everybody.
Our local grocery stores and retailers will benefit also as well as the restaurants. We should be able to attract more entertainment in town because we will have thousands of college students instead of 600 that we presently have.
This isn't about Chinese influence it is about the college teaching them about our culture and them learning our language. The US students will learn about the Chinese culture and language so that these future business leaders will be better prepared. China is our number 1 trading partner and their economy and standard of living will increase to the point that they will visit the Usa as tourists just like Japan did.
Posted by KATY (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Chief and Olson, you are obviously Anderson and his team. But that’s besides the point. All you two have said here is what COULD happen, not what is GOING to happen. Simply show us a contract that you have between the CDG and the Chinese and your credibility will be won. It’s as simple as that.
Posted by Clara (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 11:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This community will NEVER move forward. I'm convinced Fergus Falls loves to be the victim. What a shame.
Posted by goingfishing (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let's not loose sight of what last night was really about. It was about a film maker wanting to make a film at the RTC. A decision was postponed because our conservative council thought it might negatively affect something that they have no clue on. Frankly, if the Chinese thing would be deterred by a simple film being made at the RTC, those involved in the college issue are not serious in their efforts. Such a small thing as a film made there would not effect any group serious about future uses of the RTC, but if it does, they are controlling our council right now and I don't think we want those types involved in our community.
I thought previous council members were an embarrasment to our city and hoped this group of members would be the progressive, forward group we need, but I was sure fooled. They are more negative than any past members.
Posted by werty (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe we can get the Chinese to participate in the movie...and change the plot a bit to a thriller about how the Chinese took over the USA by infiltrating with the cover of an international business college in a small MN town. (plot thickens) as the Chinese force the US citizens use all of their cheap plastic manufactured items, soft tin junk, and make our children watch anime and play with cheap toys. (looks around) Ahhh! it's already happened!
Posted by Generally_Misunderstood (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think the issues with the Chinese are far more complex then what is being alluded to. Impressions are very important to the Chinese and any sort of negativity surrounding the RTC project may seem to reflect back upon them. So our leadership needing a bit of time to evaluate how a short term gain might affect a long term boon is not without merit. I would hope the reasons behind the delay are that the parties involved in the CDG understand how simple perceptions can play a huge role in the overall project. I am sure that if the Chinese can get past the historical use of the RTC facility as an asylum, the simple use as a movie set of any setting is an easy obstacle to move around.
Posted by tsy86h (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
witty werty, thanks for the good laugh- very funny:)
Posted by cheif (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 12:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Me being Anderson? Now that's funny.
Posted by 1WarpdWoman (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 1:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm just visiting this town for the summer and I've heard about this film everywhere. The buzz I hear is that the citizens are excited! Too bad the local ruling party are killing it.
This topic runs along the same lines as censorship of the Internet, which we are hearing a lot about these days because of our media presence in China for the Olympics.
One of the many problems with censorship in China is that there is no definitive list of rules. The Chinese government treats everyone the same and they are so accustomed to not providing explanations for the decisions they make that everybody is left in the dark as to why things work the way they do.
While it's written in the constitution that Chinese citizens enjoy freedom of speech and expression, there is an abundance of evidence that that is not the case. For the Internet, there is no list of what sites are blocked and what sites are acceptable. Websites are blocked and unblocked on an almost ad-hoc basis. As for movies Enchanted, Bee Movie, Stardust and Beowulf have all been locked out of Chinese theaters. It's true enough that other countries do censor films. The United Kingdom has one of the oldest and most controversial movie censoring bodies in the world. Countries where religion and politics intermingle also stringently scrub media before the masses are allowed anywhere near it.
China's Film Bureau, SARFT (State Administration of Radio, Film and Television) requires every filmmaker who wants to shoot a movie submit a script for approval, follow changes that are requested and screen the finished product to officials before the film can be shown publicly. If the finished product doesn’t meet with the approval of SARFT; the film is revised as they demand or scrapped. No deviation from this path is ordinarily allowed, and if an unauthorized film attracts attention, it will probably incur Government wrath. This strategy generates self-censorship in mainland China. Occasionally, people are reminded that censorship is in place, but it's not always enforced. By making examples of individuals who do get caught, a reminder is sent that the government is watching.
Many Chinese directors have made films underground. Yet distributing such a film within China is virtually impossible, so filmmakers who have shot without permission often negotiate a solution with the Film Bureau that involves a rigorous measure of groveling.
Sounds like Fergus Falls officials will fit right in with any Chinese contingent you allow to take over your beautiful town.
Posted by olson736 (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 10:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Chief! I think we need to consider that a compliment.
Because we don't rant and rave we obviously are part of the establishment.
It is my understanding that the council did not read the synopsis about the movie. So do we really know what it is all about? If you google Kaufman's latest project called "13 hours in a warehouse" you will see the type of work he produces. If the movie is anything like that one then I can see why the CGD group is concerned about how the campus is portrayed. No university wants a negative stigma attached to it. With the kind of investment that will be made in the property I am sure they just want to protect all parties involved.
Posted by lifterpuller (anonymous) on August 11, 2008 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
but olson, there's a couple of things that need to be brought up... how many people in our community had actually heard of "13 hours in a warehouse" before Dav and crew decided they wanted to make a movie here? and my biggest point... which I'm still waiting for a response from someone that's against this movie... if the movie is set at a kirkbride building in MN, and that's what the script says... and it has no actual mention to fergus in the script... does it matter if they film at our kirkbride or not in relation to negative stigma recieved from this film... say they film at the kirkbride in traverse city michigan, but the script still has references to Minnesota... who is to say that "the chinese" won't make the leap to just assuming that the movie was filmed at our kirkbride and just stop dealing with the CDG anyway. if you guys are that worried that the movie is going to create negative stigma over our kirkbride, it will provide the same negative stigma if filmed at ours or any other (there's only one kirkbride building in MN = FFRTC)... at least if they film at ours, we're getting SOMETHING out of the deal. and the filmmakers brought contracts... which is a lot more than we've seen out of this hunan delagation from china.
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