And ... ACTION - Act I - Tuesday 4/10

Bringing the Past to Life
"American General: Benedict Arnold"
with Filmmaker Tom Mercer

6:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Networking Reception

7:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Presentation and Discussion

American General: Benedict Arnold is a documentary film about one of the most controversial and influential men in American history. Few Americans truly understand the complexity behind his story and the immense sacrifices Arnold made for the cause of American Independence.  Some of the most compelling parts of his story are set right in our region of Upstate New York.  The program uses noted historians, state-of-the-art visual effects, dramatic recreations, exciting battle sequences, and startling realism to immerse viewers in the American Revolution. 

In his presentation at the University Club, Tom will show some clips from the film and talk about the journey he and his partners have embarked upon as they strive to bring history to to life.

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Throughout the Spring Filmmakers Forum, actors, screenwriters, producers, and independent filmmakers will share their insights, their experiences, and their thoughts on what makes a great film at the University Club of Albany, 141 Washington Avenue at Dove Street.

The Spring Filmmakers Forum is presented by the University Club of Albany Foundation, and all sessions will be open to the public. The series is co-sponsored by the Lark Street BID and the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau/Albany Film Commission.

Each session in the series will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., with a networking reception from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. (cash bar) and the presentation commencing at 7:00 p.m.

The cost is $10 per session, a subscription to all 3 is available for $25, and light fare will be provided at each event. Reservations are suggested and may be made by calling the University Club at 518-463-1151.

The University Club Foundation, a 501c3 corporation, was formed to recognize and maintain the unique historic and architectural significance of the University Club building and property, its historic neighborhood and the city of Albany, where it has been located since its inception in 1901.

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Save the dates! 

ACT II - Tuesday, April 24

Filmmaking as an Economic Engine

With Mike Camoin and Larry Jackson

ACT III

Tuesday, May 1

A Sense of Place: Challenges, Opportunities in a Small Market

With Rich Lounello

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Thomas Mercer holds a Masters Degree from Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and he studied film at Ithaca College while pursuing a degree in Politics. Tom has garnered substantial experience as a producer director and writer.  His recent works include:

• American General: Benedict Arnold.  Co-producer and Writer.   This two hour cinematic documentary is currently in post-production and intended for national television broadcast.
• The Peacemaker's Journey.  Director and Co-writer.  This feature length documentary film, currently in pre-production, uses the oral traditions of the great Peacemaker who founded the Iroquois Confederacy over on thousand years ago to teach peace in our time.
• UnCivil Liberties.  Writer and Director of independent narrative feature film with national distribution by Ariztical Entertainment (2007).
• Face of the Enemy. Writer and Producer of independent digital short film. Shown at the Claremont - Ferrand Film Festival in France (2004) and currently in European distribution by BritShorts of London.
• 225th Anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga.  Co-producer and co-writer of the official commemorative video of the large scale re-enactment of the Battle of Saratoga. (2003)
• Saratoga National Historic Park Visitor Center Orientation Film.  Associate Producer for Piranha Films.  (2002)