Melbourne Documentary Film Festival - Jewel's Catch One
JEWEL'S CATCH ONE celebrates the legacy of a legendary Los Angeles nightclub, Catch One, and the life-changing impact its owner, Jewel Thais-Williams, had on her community breaking down racial and cultural barriers and building the oldest black-owned disco in America. Jewel’s story celebrates music, fashion, celebrities and activism that helped changed the course of our country.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer C. Fitz
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made the film because - simply - the story needed to be told to educate and preserve our history. Jewel's story and the experiences so many had at her club, Catch One, over four decades, was an unwritten history lesson. From the club, the thousands of lives she helped, to the multiple organizations she created in the building during the day...and of course all the exciting music and fashion that flowed through the Catch -- I had to do it for our future and Jewel deserves it.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
It will take you on a ride, initially as a recording of a legendary nightclub with celebrity and patron stories, music and dancing. Then, about 20 minutes into the film you realize this is much more than a simple documentary, it’s a unique recording of history, music and standing up to discrimination. There is incredible talent in the film but also a large lesson for everyone from Jewel.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Personal and Universal theme: One person can make a difference and through Jewel's story viewers will be inspired to get up themselves and do more in their own corner of the world. She is a model for our world. She did it over and over again and helped change laws, create a safe space for thousands and faced racism and adversity over and over. She overcame obstacles and shows us by "doing" that we can too.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Our film went from a 10 hour rough cut that we were excited about to 84 minutes. There were many ways we could have covered Jewel's story. I think the way it turned out is also a reflection of what Jewel stands for, in that the ending leaves you inspired and grateful.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
We have had amazing audiences, standing ovations for Jewel and incredibly moving Q&As all over the US and UK/Canada. For me as a director, I have really been moved and honored to watch Jewel at some of the screenings get choked up with the accolades (she deserves!).
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I took the responsibility of doing this story very seriously. It took me 6 years to make it and the feedback has been an incredible gift back to me and to Jewel for all her work.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Exposure for the film and to inspire people to stand up to discrimination and hate by learning/ listening/hearing Jewel's life story. We are starting the distribution work needed to get this film seen by a larger number of people. And we are starting our first educational tour in the fall. We are asking for help to spread the word. We have a crowd-sourcing link (https://www.gofundme.com/jewelscatchone) as well to help us manage the last set of distribution costs in order to distribute the film and help us with costs for the educational tour.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Composers and Musical Artists wanting to be a part of the film, Producers (always), Journalists (always), fundraisers and any one that wants to be a part of Team Jewel and help our wonderful team as we navigate towards distribution for this amazing historical film.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
To touch individuals and leave an impression on viewers so that they get involved to make a difference like Jewel did.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
How did Jewel do what she did for 42 years? What made her stand-up to police, fire and city authorities and the haters over four decades?
How has Jewel's story inspired any audience member individually?
Would you like to add anything else?
Thank you for shining a light on this important historical film. Have fun and enjoy the music and story!
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Director Fitz and writer Pat Branch have written a pilot based on the documentary, Jewel's Catch One. And we have been approached to make it a musical.
Fitz, in her day job, works in marketing and social media. Her most recently produced work was with Johnny Depp for his new movie "Pirates of the Caribbean" - it was wonderfully received and has over 16mil views on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/Disneyland/videos/10155177841163830/?pnref=story
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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Jewel's Catch One
JEWEL'S CATCH ONE celebrates the legacy of a legendary Los Angeles nightclub, Catch One, and the life-changing impact its owner, Jewel Thais-Williams, had on her community breaking down racial and cultural barriers and building the oldest black-owned disco in America. Jewel’s story celebrates music, fashion, celebrities and activism that helped changed the course of our country.
Length: 84 minutes
Director: C. Fitz
Producer: C. Fitz, Tracy Mercer (Consulting) Carmen Quiros (Supervising) Stephanie Lincoln (Co-Producer)
Writer: C. Fitz, Tracy Mercer, Pat Branch
About the writer, director and producer:
Director | Writer | Producer
C. Fitz is an advertising, marketing and filmmaker veteran who recently produced several award-winning social media branding campaigns garnering millions of hits and (2) Webby awards. With an extensive background in developing original content, strategizing and shooting high-end marketing campaigns, she has become an innovative pioneer in the entertainment, social media and advertising industries. Simultaneously, Fitz manages social media platforms for an exclusive list of high profile celebrities and brands. And as a filmmaker, her award-winning films often celebrate the real heroes in our world to educate viewers on history, activism and bring awareness to the marginalized groups in our world. Fitz is writing and working on a scripted version of Jewel's life story based on her documentary, Jewel's Catch One, as well as, some new future documentaries in various stages.
Consulting Producer, Writer :Tracy Mercer recently was named SVP of TV development at Amasia Entertainment. Her incredible career covers producing the CBS TV hit drama, MADAM SECRETARY starring Tea Leoni and Executive Producer on Discovery Science Channel’s Emmy Award Nominated science show, THROUGH THE WORMHOLE WITH MORGAN FREEMAN for Revelations Entertainment.
Pat Branch: Writer, Comedian and semi-finalist at Sundance (Screenwriter's Lab). She writes screenplays, teaches amazing kids, and is funny.
Key cast: Sharon Stone, Rep. Maxine Waters, Thelma Houston, Sandra Bernhard, Thea Austin, Bonnie Pointer, Evelyn Champagne King
Social media handles:
Facebook:@JewelsCatchOneDocumentary
Twitter:@JewelsCatch1Doc
Instagram: @JewelsCatchOneDocumentary
Other:
Director's social media
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cfitzfitz
Twitter: @CFitz_
Instagram:@CFitz_