Menu
Jess Berry overwhelmed by local support for ‘Fairground’ film
To the Editor:
As the end of the year comes to a close, and I’m writing Christmas cards to loved ones, I feel compelled to write the biggest ‘thank you’ to my hometown and the people of Putnam County. This community gave me one of the greatest gifts of my year (and arguably my career) – unwavering generosity and support in shooting my short film, “Fairground.”
As some recall, my newest short film, “Fairground,” swept through Putnam County’s 4-H Fair this past summer. Set in the late 1990s, “Fairground” is a coming-of-age story about a young swine showman who must confront her dreams and goals when she is met with her beloved family’s expectation to be a three-time grand champ. The film brought loads of cameras, lighting gear, rental trucks, a crew from Los Angeles, Portland, Nashville, Chicago and Michigan – and actors from Los Angeles, Chicago and Putnam County. Not to mention the many local volunteers, friends, family, and businesses.
The generosity, enthusiasm and dedication exhibited by 4-H’ers and Putnam County residents were nothing short of extraordinary. You played a crucial role in bringing the movie magic of “Fairground” to life. It was a massive, independently-funded endeavor, and the production was only successful because of the incredible support from our Putnam County community. Without you, this film would not have been possible. With a full heart and an outpouring of gratitude, I will do my best to thank those involved...
From the onset, the warmth and encouragement we received in pre-production was overwhelming. Neysa Meyer, Dean Gambill, Jenny Neureiter, Julie Thompson and their team at the Putnam County Community Foundation and Madi Hanna at the Chamber of Commerce offered introductions, creative support and guidance on fundraising. Mark Evans and his team at the 4-H Purdue Extension Office were a wealth of knowledge, historical context and creative support when working to secure period-appropriate props and art for the authentic world of our film. Beth Benedix, Jim Ensley and The Castle supported our production by generously connecting us with local filmmakers, visionary community leaders and DePauw arts organization directors (including the fantastic JP Olsen and Suzanne Hassler).
Once we got closer to our shooting dates, the extraordinary Putnam County 4-H Fair Board was truly our film’s champion. Led by President Adam Hochstedler, he made our entire shoot possible. Working with Adam, Brandon Miller, Jim Smith and Brad Grable was an absolute joy. They are incredible guys, always willing to lend a hand or give a Gator ride. They welcomed our team with open arms, introduced us to the 4-H swine participants and families, and helped us secure the perfect filming locations. Colby Ensor and his family were also instrumental to our film and generously (not to mention patiently) allowed us to film with their Grand Champion Gilt, Reba – she’s a star, and we all knew it!
Also, thank you to Sheridan Wilson, the Ames family and all of the 4-H’ers and their families who were in the Swine Barn during our filming days. Your patience and support were monumental in capturing beautiful and authentic scenes for our film.
Other pivotal fairgrounds location support was provided by Bob Taylor and Jeff (Legion Burger), Jay (Jessup Amusements) and everyone in the 4-H Community Building, allowing us to eat our lunches in the AC, escaping the sweltering summer heat. Shelly McFadden and Vickie Parker of the Putnam County Playhouse also played a tremendous role in organizing our actor open casting call so we could include many local actors and young talent to bring real Putnam County people into our “Fairground” film world. Even the infamous Jerry Wood “Woody” made his on-screen debut.
Russell Harvey (Main Street) and Zach Stewart (Not So Flyover Hospitality) helped spearhead meal donations from local restaurants (Almost Home and Gail Smith and Joe Buser, Myers’ Market, the Putnam Inn and Rhonda Brotherton, McDonald’s and the Jedele family, Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Jimmy John’s) kept our cast and crew fed and fueled with three meals a day. Support from local Airbnb owners (Vickie Black, Namaste Lofts and Rashell Harcourt, Erica and Brian Carrington, Justin and Katie Hall), hotel establishments (Doc’s Inn, The Inn at DePauw) and generous individuals (Jeff and Denise Sigworth, Gwen and Thom Morris, Jana and Kaitlyn Kissell) kept our team housed and rested. Tina Dismukes of the Elks Club even pulled off a last-minute welcome dinner, catering to our entire cast and crew with less than 24 hours notice – she’s an all-star! Moreover, the financial contributions from community members through our Seed and Spark crowdfunding campaign were invaluable, helping finance our production.
The experience of filming in my hometown was nothing short of magical. Our out-of-town crew felt at home in Putnam County and repeatedly mentioned the kindness and welcoming spirit of everyone they met. Our costume department “hired” youngster Molly Carrington to help with costuming our actors because she was intrigued with helping make a movie. Some of our local actors asked to stick around after filming their acting scenes to help PA for us – moving chairs, loading trucks, and handing out water to the crew. When our day’s filming wrapped, you could count on our crew grabbing a drink at Moore’s Bar or Lost Hollow Brewing Co. Our team loved being in Putnam County and felt the community’s kindness at every turn.
The collaborative spirit of local businesses, volunteers, organizations and individuals showcased the unity and pride of Putnam County. Seeing this community rally together to help make my film possible was humbling and inspiring. The small-town, get-it-done, help-your-neighbor attitude was not lost on me; it gave me hope that anything is possible when you ask for help and rely on your community for support.
I am so proud to be from Putnam County. I couldn’t be more overwhelmed by the help from so many and the outpouring of young people who came to be a part of our production. We look forward to sharing the finished film magic of “Fairground” with all of you in 2024. Currently, we are in the post-production phase, where we tediously make editorial choices through audio, music and performance to create the best story possible. Aiming to be finished by the spring of 2024, we will submit the film to film festivals worldwide and pitch “Fairground,” the feature-length film, to studios and streamers for a larger-scale production. I plan to bring “Fairground” back to Indiana in the summer of 2024 to celebrate everyone’s contributions and performances. To me, “Fairground” will stand as a tribute to the resilient and vibrant spirit of Putnam County and its remarkable residents.
Thank you for being so supportive in helping this former Greencastle High School student’s dreams come true and make a movie in my hometown.
Sincerely,
Jess Berry
Writer-Director-Producer, “Fairground”
Additional thanks: Pershing & Co., Ashley Neir, Amy Kleppe, Taylor Made, Janice Fry, Phil Huestis, Abby Prather, Banner Graphic, Anisha Tisher, Ethan Gill, Ha Chu, Kyungmin Lee and the countless others who donated their time and supplies to help. “Fairground”’s movie credits will include the complete list of credits, including all actors and donors.