TFHS Softball Documentary

The best story in town. The TFHS Girls Softball documentary began with an interest in the leadership and coaching of Gary Mullins. Over 600 victories, nine state titles, what is the secret of his softball coaching success?

What are Coach Mullins' core principles, coaching philosophy and teaching methods? What has he learned about this game? What does it take to win? Why does he give so much of his life to sport and community? Will this year’s team have the talent, grit and good fortune to bring home another state title? Working collaboratively with players, coaches, families, teachers and school, the film-making process is engaging all stakeholders in an examination of sport, school and community. 

The season is now over. But the project is only half complete. Three months of editing remain.

Filming every practice and game of the entire 2018 TFHS Girls Softball season, following the team’s quest for a 10th championship, learning about pitching, hitting, fielding, team-building and leadership, goal-setting, friendship, loyalty and trust, no one wanted the last game in the state finals to end with a loss. The lessons of the season, the strength of the girls, their talent, dedication and skill, the commitment of the coaches, their caring, the leadership of Gary, expectations held high, giving everything, the meaning of this team to the girls and our community, the question of the measure of a man's lifetime - this story remains to be told. 

For project funding, I am currently seeking to raise an additional $3,000 to support three months of editing, to prepare the film for its Thursday, September 27th local screening at the Shea Theater, and film festival submission. At the time of writing this note, the project has received $2,100 in funding support, including a grant from the Montague Culture Council, support from family, friends and the TFHS softball community. NCTV and MCTV are generously providing production equipment for the project. 

In a happy coincidence, the film's musical score will be composed and recorded by Turners Falls-based Blue Dot Sessions.

Project Funders will receive film credit, tickets to  the local premier event this fall at the Shea Theater, including food and beverage, and first-release DVD.

$5000 CONTRIBUTION= co-production credit

$1000 CONTRIBUTION = co-sponsor credit, 20 tickets to Shea Theater Premier event + 20 DVD

$500 CONTRIBUTION= 10 tickets to Shea Theater Premier screening event + 5 DVD

$100 CONTRIBUTION = 2 tickets to Shea Theater premier + 1 DVD

$50 CONTRIBUTION = 1 ticket to Shea Theater premier

I hope this film will benefit our community in many ways. I see this film as a testament to a truly great coach, and also a community portrait. Who are we? For what do we strive, sacrifice and cheer?

OUTCOMES:

Learn about coaching legacy of Gary Mullins
Learn about TFHS softball program legacy
Learn about Turners/Montague community
Experience softball
Professionally-made, independently produced, documentary
Local film screenings
Film festival submission
Community good will

I am deeply appreciative of the players, coaches , teachers and families who have allowed me to be part of this season's championship quest.

I am optimistic that longtime supporters of the TFHS softball program, local businesses and community members, together with family and friends, will pitch in to help me make this film. 

Thank you!