A Katharine Hepburn Wesleyan Thesis Documentary
Donation protected
ABOUT THE FILM:
Hello! My name is Hannah Carroll, and I am a senior in the film major at Wesleyan University. I am beyond excited to share that I will be directing a documentary short film–THE LADY FENWICK: CONNECTICUT’S KATHARINE HEPBURN–as my thesis undertaking this year. As a lifelong fan of studio-era films and theater history, I wanted to tell a story that spoke to those passions while also engaging with my Connecticut surroundings. The answer? Something that had long been on my radar and, having lived in Middletown, CT, for the past three years, was right under my nose: the fascinating story of Katharine Hepburn’s lifelong love for Connecticut.
Hepburn, a self-proclaimed “Yankee”, adored Connecticut, particularly her hometown of Old Saybrook. It was a haven from an otherwise quite public life and a place to get away from the demands of her stage and screen image. In Fenwick, her quiet borough of Old Saybrook, she felt she could just be “Kathy” and was regarded as a beloved neighbor. In her own words, “To me it is–well, as I said–paradise. I was and am nothing special here… Life paints its pattern here as everywhere.”
My goal for The Lady Fenwick: first, to help tell the story of the lesser-known side of Katharine Hepburn–of the person who adored tennis and golf, painting and sculpting, loved her large family, and was, at the end of the day, as human as the rest of us. And, second, as someone who cares deeply about preserving the history of performing arts and film, to be a part of introducing Katharine Hepburn’s remarkable legacy to a new generation of moviegoers.
On behalf of myself and my wonderful crew, to everyone who donates, thank you so very much for making this project a reality and for helping a new generation of young filmmakers get their start. As always, every little bit counts. This film would not be possible without your support and generosity!
Curious? Stay up-to-date on our production journey @theladyfenwick on Instagram :)
DONOR INCENTIVES:
- Distinguished Donors ($50-$200) will receive a “Special Thanks” credit in the film and a handwritten note from the director
- Associate Producers ($200-$400) will be credited as such in the film, receive a handwritten note from the director, as well as stills from the final documentary
- Executive Producers ($400+) will be credited as such in the film, receive a handwritten note from the director, stills from the film, and a personal copy of the final documentary
WHY WE’RE FUNDRAISING:
- Rights Acquisition → Because Ms. Hepburn was so famous, most media bearing her likeness is owned by large corporations that have heavy copyright and usage fees. In order to have her appear in our film, we will need adequate funding to clear these significant usage charges.
- Equipment → Ie. Lenses, camera stabilizers, and other gear that will make the film look as professional as possible
- Transportation to and from Old Saybrook
- Meals for the crew during long shooting days
- Post-Production Expenses → Ie. Professional color correction and sound mixing (necessary for making this film as profound a portrait of Hepburn’s lasting presence in Old Saybrook as possible).
OUR CREW:
Hannah Carroll – Director
Danny Dacosta – Producer
Sloane Stone – Producer
Angelina Reddy – Producer
Sydney Panzier – Assistant Director
Sulan Bailey – 2nd AD
Sophie Gilmour – Director of Photography
Tim Caudell – 1st AC
Max Levy – 2nd AC
Cyrus Berger – Sound Recordist
Chloe Sears – Sound Recordist
Shane Kleber – Gaffer
Pamela Shattock – Gaffer
Paley Adelson-Grodberg – Production Assistant
Lippo Dacco – Production Assistant
Mika Foguel – Production Assistant
Beto Valdez – Production Assistant
Isabelle Krugman – Fundraising
Audrey Mills – Score
Fundraising team (4)
Hannah Carroll
Organizer
Middletown, CT
Isabelle Krugman
Team member
Angelina Reddy
Team member
Sloane Dzhitenov
Team member