Local Catholic grads launch local film company with movie about Toledo |
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Written by ANGELA KESSLER, Chronicle Editor
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Wednesday, 16 April 2008 16:59 |
TOLEDO—Launching their young film careers, two Catholic high school graduates are releasing their first film under the name Glass City Films.
The duo — John Klein, a 2002 graduate of Toledo Central Catholic High School, and Cole Simon, a member of the St. Francis de Sales High School class of 2003 — presented their first project, “Glass City” at a screening for the media and others who were involved in the making of the movie.
Mr. Klein is the producer and Mr. Simon is the director and cinematographer.
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| Cole Simon, left, and John Klein have completed their first film together, "Glass City." Mr. Simon, director and cinematographer is a 2003 graduate of Toledo St. Francis de Sales High School and Mr. Klein, producer, is a 2002 graduate of Toledo Central Catholic High School. (Chronicle photo by Angela Kessler) |
Set in Toledo, the story follows a 30-year-old single man living life in a melancholy rut. Urged by his sister, he joins her in a community theater group’s production of “Death of a Salesman.”
The story follows the main character through his transformation to finding his place and wanting to again live life to its fullest — all in Toledo.
Proud of their hometown, Mr. Klein and Mr. Simon have captured many of the highlights of the city both in its script and in scenes shot throughout Toledo. From the High Level Bridge and Toledo Metroparks to Tony Packo’s and the Collingwood Arts Center, the film shows Toledo in a good light.
While the references are not as overt, the film also cameos Catholicism in the city. A full frame shot of Toledo Rosary Cathedral is included during a driving scene and clothing worn by actors include a St. Francis de Sales High School baseball cap and a St. Charles T-shirt. Special thanks in the closing credits are given to Central Catholic High School and Notre Dame University.
After the screening, both men talked with the audience to gauge reaction and asked for input on what people like and dislike about the 117-minute story.
While admitting the film is not overly religious in nature, Mr. Klein acknowledges a higher power at work.
“What’s great for me, is the themes are universal,” Mr. Klein said. “There is an order to things.” He added that fate plays an important role in the film as characters end up doing what they are destined to do.
Mr. Simon said he does not consider himself a Catholic, but has a very profound respect for the faith. In fact, he said, the first text he really studied for its meaning was the Bible.
He points out that no character in “Glass City” is evil, but each one makes decisions based on circumstances.
The men have been working on the film since June 2006 and are to submit it to the Sundance Film Festival, which showcases independent movies.
To help make final tweaks to “Glass City” before sending it for judging, two public screenings are planned. The first screening is at 7:30 p.m. April 19 at the Collingwood Arts Center in Toledo and the second is at 8:30 p.m. April 26 at the Maumee Indoor Theatre. Each screening is followed by a one-hour question and answer session with Mr. Klein and Mr. Simon.
Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students, seniors and children. Reservations may be made by contacting Mr. Klein at 419-261-6154 or glasscityfilms@gmail.com.
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Last Updated on Monday, 28 July 2008 08:46 |
