How a small community came together to create one of the most successful high school football programs in America.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Mason Flick

Watch Ithaca: The Climb here:

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I made the film to highlight the success of one of the most successful high school football programs in the country in the last 10 years. Their story had never been told in long form, so I decided to dive deep and find out as much as I could about how they got to where they are now. I also made the film to test my limits as a documentary filmmaker. This is my first feature length documentary.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

You should watch this film because it is a good story. If you like feel-good sports stories, this film is for you. This films introduces you to a number of characters and gives you a full-circle inside look at the Ithaca High School football program before, during, and after their successes.

The Ithaca Yellowjackets sway back and forth with each other before each football game as a way to demonstrate unity and togetherness.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

In terms of themes, this film really focuses on determination and getting groups of people to work in the same direction to achieve a common goal.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

I started shooting this film sort of haphazardly, not knowing what direction I wanted it to go. But as I started to learn the story, the people, and the team, it became clear to me that I needed to give an in-depth explanation of the history of the program and the important characters, as well as showcasing their current team in order to show the audience what it's really like to be around the Ithaca High School Football program.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The feedback and support from the Ithaca community has been incredible. They supported me 100 percent during the production of the film--and by the time it was ready to show, the entire community came and supported the film as it was shown for the first time. I'm pretty sure every person in that town owns a copy of the film.

Ithaca Head Coach Terry Hessbrook tells his team that they just made the playoffs for the 7th straight year.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I mostly just want more people to know about the story of Ithaca football. The more people that watch the film, the bigger impact it will have on the community.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

I want producers to see this film to inspire them to make more films like this. People love a good success story, why not tell it about small high school athletic programs that have certain character?

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I want people to watch this film and think "if a small school in the middle of Michigan can have the sustained success that this school has been able to have--why can't I?" I want people to feel inspired with the opportunity to believe in themselves that they can accomplish any goal they want--as long as they work hard to attain it.

Senior Brock Hardman looks out the window as his team travels to Saginaw to play for the conference championship.

Would you like to add anything else?

I put every creative bone in my body into this film. When you watch this film, keep a couple things in mind. I did the majority of the shooting, editing, directing, producing, and marketing. If just one person can do all of that, imagine what's possible when you put a team of professionals together. This film has me excited to work with more professionals as I navigate my career in the world of documentary film.

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I now work for Texas A&M Athletics creating a weekly documentary show called "The Pulse: Texas A&M Football"...that follows the Texas A&M football program on a weekly basis showing the program from the inside and providing an inside look at what it's like to be an Aggie.

Interview: July 2017

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

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Ithaca: The Climb

How a small community came together to create one of the most successful high school football programs in America.

Length: 1 hour, 47 minutes

Director: Mason Flick

Producer: Mason Flick

Writer: Mason Flick

Composer: Tim Barrett

Assistant Editor & Colorist: Chent Steinbrink

Key cast: Terry Hessbrook

Facebook: facebook.com/ithacathedocumentary

Funders: Kickstarter

Made in association with: Central Michigan University School of Broadcast & Cinematic Arts

Where can I see it in the next month? https://vimeo.com/ondemand/ithacatheclimb