Posted in: News Details On Upcoming Unauthorized, In-Depth Documentary On ECW's History
By Daniel Pena
Aug 21, 2012 - 11:55:50 AM
UNAUTHORIZED, IN-DEPTH DOCUMENTARY OF EXTREME CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING’S HISTORY, IMPACT, AND RAMIFICATIONS IS NOW IN PRODUCTION WITH DECEMBER 2012 RELEASE
Allentown, PA –BWC Films in-production, debut release is an unauthorized, in-depth documentary about the defunct pro wrestling organization, Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). This film aims to take an honest, non-bias, and critical look at the history, legacy, and impact of ECW on the professional wrestling industry, as well as tell the stories of men and women who helped build this small mom and pop promotion into a national force. The documentary examines the violence and bloodshed, marketing and fan involvement, as well as the decisions of those in charge, through the company’s triumphs, glory years, controversies, and demise. http://kck.st/QUHxwH.
Production began in March of 2000, as filmmakers Kevin Kiernan and John Philapavage were attending the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA. Several times throughout the years production resumed, but in 2012 this project was resurrected, additional footage and interviews were captured, with a production and release schedule finalized.
Kiernan and Philapavage’s concept from day one was to produce a documentary film about Extreme Championship Wrestling that would appeal to the general public beyond wrestling fans, as they found the story of ECW facinating on to anyone interested in pop culture phenomenon, or sub-cultures of any type. There have been over sixty intriguing interviews conducted, some with the same subjects twice—over a decade apart. This approach to telling the story of Extreme Championship Wrestling gives the viewer proper context and is holistic in nature. They have conducted interviews with wrestlers, referees, ring announcers, security staff, company staff, production, and journalists, all the way to fans and fan organizers.
Now Kiernan and Philapavage are turning to Kickstarter to make their labor of love a reality. They seek to produce an honest film about ECW, a group of people that came together with the goal of turning the wrestling industry on its head. The sacrifices these men and women made trying to achieve this goal were often mentally and physically brutal, as they were chasing the dream of trying to create something innovative in professional wrestling. They succeeded by playing an often unheralded role in the creation of the cultural phenomenon that was the wrestling boom of the late 90’s, but failed to fully realize their dream of getting to the top of the swell of popular acceptance that they helped create. BWC FILMS wants to tell this story, and needs your help. Visit the Kickstarter page created for this project. Watch the video, read the description, and with your donations, BWC Films will be able to complete this project and premiere it in December 2012. Each donation comes with a prize, if the project goal is met. Please view the page, video, and donate here.
