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A group of local filmmakers want Boonslick residents to dream on. And that's not a bad thing.
"Dream On," the brainchild of New Franklin native Jet Ainsworth — along with Joel Shettlesworth and Benjamin Hedrick — is a movie created by and starring mid-Missouri residents. Simply put, the movie is about a handful of mid-Missourians aspiring to become rockstars, athletes and other outstanding characters.
Or, as Ainsworth puts it, it's about people "trying to do things that a parent would probably steer their child away from doing." That is, aiming for higher than what's expected.
Ainsworth, 32, has "always been someone who has thought outside of the box a bit," he explains. He enjoys his New Franklin roots, but found the area a bit trying for someone looking to expand artistically.
"You play ball, you go to school, then you go to college or you work back on the farm. It's pretty cut and dry," he explains. "When you're from a small town, it can be a bit harder to get support."
That's how "Dream On" came about — "it's a movie about dreams, about where I grew up," Ainsworth said.
The vibrant localism of the movie is obvious, said Ainsworth. Much of the film was shot in New Franklin and Howard County, with a day of shooting in Glasgow and Fayette. Lunar Mansion, a band prominently featured in "Dream On," hails from New Franklin as well. And the movie's finale is a concert the Isle of Capri's Flamingo Bay Ballroom.
"There's at least 10 or 11 different places or people or songs you'll recognize," Ainsworth said.
As a musician and aspiring filmmaker, Ainsworth has his own dreams to follow. He performs regularly around mid-Missouri as Jet!, and started playing piano at 10 years old, drums at 16 and guitar at 18. His music and film exist to inspire others to follow their dreams, however they might get there.
"Everyone has their own philosophy on life," Ainsworth said. Some people rely wholly on luck, some people bank on hard work. Some think living day-to-day is the best, while others think a sturdy work ethic is best. Whatever their method, "Dream On" examines their rise and, sometimes, fall.
The movie profiles some recognizable names and faces, including KOMU-TV's Sarah Hill, Mizzou Basketball whiz Kim English, NASCAR star Carl Edwards and former NFL kicker Tom Whelihan. It's all local talent, from musicians to athletes.
A group of local filmmakers want Boonslick residents to dream on. And that's not a bad thing.
"Dream On," the brainchild of New Franklin native Jet Ainsworth — along with Joel Shettlesworth and Benjamin Hedrick — is a movie created by and starring mid-Missouri residents. Simply put, the movie is about a handful of mid-Missourians aspiring to become rockstars, athletes and other outstanding characters.
Or, as Ainsworth puts it, it's about people "trying to do things that a parent would probably steer their child away from doing." That is, aiming for higher than what's expected.
Ainsworth, 32, has "always been someone who has thought outside of the box a bit," he explains. He enjoys his New Franklin roots, but found the area a bit trying for someone looking to expand artistically.
"You play ball, you go to school, then you go to college or you work back on the farm. It's pretty cut and dry," he explains. "When you're from a small town, it can be a bit harder to get support."
That's how "Dream On" came about — "it's a movie about dreams, about where I grew up," Ainsworth said.
The vibrant localism of the movie is obvious, said Ainsworth. Much of the film was shot in New Franklin and Howard County, with a day of shooting in Glasgow and Fayette. Lunar Mansion, a band prominently featured in "Dream On," hails from New Franklin as well. And the movie's finale is a concert the Isle of Capri's Flamingo Bay Ballroom.
"There's at least 10 or 11 different places or people or songs you'll recognize," Ainsworth said.
As a musician and aspiring filmmaker, Ainsworth has his own dreams to follow. He performs regularly around mid-Missouri as Jet!, and started playing piano at 10 years old, drums at 16 and guitar at 18. His music and film exist to inspire others to follow their dreams, however they might get there.
"Everyone has their own philosophy on life," Ainsworth said. Some people rely wholly on luck, some people bank on hard work. Some think living day-to-day is the best, while others think a sturdy work ethic is best. Whatever their method, "Dream On" examines their rise and, sometimes, fall.
The movie profiles some recognizable names and faces, including KOMU-TV's Sarah Hill, Mizzou Basketball whiz Kim English, NASCAR star Carl Edwards and former NFL kicker Tom Whelihan. It's all local talent, from musicians to athletes.
Finding the right Missourians to star in the movie wasn't the difficult part, Ainsworth said, but rather the 80 hours of footage he needed to whittle down to an hour and a half. He's even considering releasing a Blu-ray of additional footage, including an interview with English.
"What we want is for people to leave the film emotionally affected," Ainsworth said.
And as for shooting for stardom, Ainsworth encouraged everyone to follow their dream.
"It could happen to anyone," he said.
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"Dream On" will make its premiere at the Blue Note, 17 N. 9th St. in Columbia, on Feb. 25 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Also performing with the film are Lunar Mansion and Jet!.
For a chance to win tickets to the premiere, stop by A&W, 320 W. Ashley Rd. in Boonville, and enter to win. The drawing will take place on Feb. 23.
