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Original Building for the War Plane Museum depicts the setting of the film, "1941."
Photo of Charles Price as displayed at the War Plane Museum. Chuck, as we affectionately called him, was Rochester's first African American police officer and Captain. Chuck was also a Tuskegee Airman during WWII a year after my father served. Chuck was very instrumental in providing details for the writing of DEAR ELEANOR and BRICK BY BRICK, such as identifying the Stearman engines used in the planes (ELEANOR) and how people carrying razors and not knives, couldn’t be arrested (BRICK). Chuck passed away in May 2021, just before I discovered the National War Plane Museum in June. Seeing his photo displayed in the Museum when I arrived was a wonderful welcoming.
Day 1 Cast and Crew. Photo taken for the helicopter pilot as a thank you for agreeing to conduct flying exercises away from our filming site. So thankful.
Connie and Jim Fredericks Malone, Craft Services volunteers
Michele Quintero who played my grandmother HAZEL (1900 – 1997), wears in the film the actual coat my Grandma Hazel made.
Norma Barlow, Craft Services Manager, also filled in as Wardrobe Assistant, very grateful
Fun times on set with our leads, Jymil Littles and Nimene Wureh
Fun times on set with our leads, Jymil Littles and Nimene Wureh
Recording VO's with Jymil
Day 1 filming paused due to helicopter hoovering for over 15-minutes. With no other recourse, I got the attention of the pilot who landed and met me on the field. When I explained we were filming a movie about my dad, a Tuskegee Airman, and the noise was prohibiting our filming he replied, “I know all about the Tuskegee Airmen, I’m from Alabama!” We became fast friends, and he agreed to conduct his training elsewhere.
Day 1 filming was paused while waiting for the chinook helicopter hovering over the airfield to leave. It didn’t.
Jamieson Steele, National War Plane Museum wardrobe and exhibition designer, with director Tina Chapman DaCosta
Our production COVID Officers, Jen Connelly and Jose DaCosta
Recording VO's with Nimene
Raquel Estrada, center, Line Producer and Assistant Director, my right-hand. Final Day of Filming. Just wrapped and loading up our equipment as the Sun rose.
Donna Walker, National War Plane Museum Office Manager, with Director Tina and Line Producer Raquel, who joined us on set, even until the early morning hours. Donna was my first contact with the Museum and welcomed us in so many way.
The day after wrapping. Director Tina Chapman DaCosta with Austin Wadsworth, founder and owner of the National War Plane Museum. When I met Austin during my first visit to the Museum. He gave me a personal tour, and told me about Charles Price’s relationship with the Museum over many years. “Charlie” as he called him, would give talks to the school children and share his stories about being a Tuskegee Airman during WWII. We were both moved as we discussed Charlie/Chuck’s passing a few weeks earlier. Austin’s support and the support of the Museum community, was greatly appreciated.
Jymil Littles (BUDDY) and Michele Quintero who played my grandmother HAZEL (1900 – 1997). Michele is wearing the actual coat my Grandma Hazel made.
Sitting between Script Supervisor, Logan King and Editor, Fraaz Kahn. Their presence on set kept me on track with shooting the script dialogue I wrote, and if what we shot would work in the editing room.
Craft Services Manager, Norma Faye Barlow
David Cooper, Hair and Makeup Artist
Copyright 2023