There's An Ambitious And Interesting AIRWOLF Documentary Looking For A Kickstart!!
Published at: Aug. 21, 2012, 8:22 a.m. CST by merrick
I was crazy about AIRWOLF. Sylvester Levay's theme music...
...that helicopter....
...the unique character names: Stringfellow Hawke, Michael Coldsmith Briggs III ("Archangel"), Dominic Santini. And, really, at the end of the day, any show which featured Ernest Borgnine every week could never go entirely wrong...
AIRWOLF ran on CBS from 1984-86, followed by a subsequent and brief stint on USA. Its final years were more a tad strained - realized with a heinously stripped-down budget, and replacing the lion's share of the series' cast - landing Barry Van Dyke as a lead (which didn't work well in GALACTICA 1980, and didn't shake out successfully here, either).
Nonetheless, memories of the show have not faded - thanks in no small part to its iconic title aircraft, and the Cold War sensibilities its adventures often explored. AIRWOLF currently streaming on Netflix, its launch movie (TV) was recently issued by Shout Factory, and reconstructions of show's distinctive score has been painstakingly prepared and released HERE.
As such, it could come as no surprise that an ambitious documentary is now underway, examining AIRWOLF's fascinating production (many ups and downs), and shedding light on the show as never before. The 3 hour project is underway now, but looking for some Kickstart love. Given this series' indelible position in Geek culture, I thought I might call it to your attention.
A few details:
Beginning in September 2010, an ambitious and unprecedented documentary has been in production; chronicling in full, the fascinating story behind one of the most complicated and troubled television productions produced in history - the classic U.S. action thriller series "AIRWOLF". The memorable airborne drama, which is also one of the most expensive and cinematic shows attempted, starred the infamous Hollywood actor JAN-MICHAEL VINCENT and the late, Oscar-winning legend ERNEST BORGNINE, as the renegade pilots in possession of the world's most deadliest and fierce air weapon. A tactical stealth helicopter that could travel faster than a jet, and carry an unbeatable arsenal of firepower - codename: "AIRWOLF."
The programme, created by one of America's distinguished television producers, DONALD P. BELLISARIO (the man behind "Quantum Leap", "Magnum, p.i." and "NCIS") was a worldwide success during its original broadcast run in the 1980’s. The No. 1 imported show in Japan and South Africa, it has benefited greatly from several re-runs internationally, in particular its most prevalent territories of the United Kingdom and Europe. Today, it continues to do enjoy success in the digital era, proving immensely popular on the Hulu and Netflix online platforms.
[EDIT]
The documentary, produced and directed professionally by long-time fan Martin Grant, was self-financed entirely up until the end of last year, following the wrap of an extensive and demanding 5-week shoot across the United States. Grant and his lighting cameraman, Eric Shepherd, were able to reach 40 CAST & CREW, including 10 guest stars in California, Oregon, Texas and Massachusetts (coast-to-coast). 2 further interviews were shot before and after in Southern England, bringing the total number of interviewed persons to 42.
[EDIT]
For the first time, thousands of fans of the series across the globe, both casual and diehard, will be given a thorough & profound look into the triumphs, challenges and problems faced by two sets of casts, crews, studios and networks during the divided 3 years plus one that "AIRWOLF" had in production.
Those unprecedented trials and tribulations will be explored in intimate detail, gaining insight into its history and legacy. It's the intention and ultimate goal of producer/director Martin Grant, to make this documentary the most comprehensive and meticulous of its kind on a television series, and of the highest professional standard.
Secondarily, it will document a show that, single-handedly, changed and advanced the genre of action/adventure in television to a much higher and exclusive league in quality and production values, influencing subsequent hits in the 90’s such as Don Bellisario's Navy legal drama,"J.A.G
Also, due to the unfortunate and sad passing of the show's Oscar-winning performer, ERNEST BORGNINE, the film will now be a major, poignant and fitting tribute to the one and only "Dominic Santini".
You can find much more information about the undertaking HERE, including details on how to become a part of this extraordinary endeavor.
I'm a huge, huge believer in projects like these (I very much look forward to bringing you news of one or two unrelated undertakings which could be of tremendous interest to Aint It Cool readers in the very near future). Stuff like this is important, even necessary, to our understanding of television and film as a medium, to our appreciation of specifci eras in which then subject shows are generated, and...perhaps above all...as exaltations of Geek history.
Consider checking this out. Hopefully we'll have more on the AIRWOLF documentary as matter progress....
