Remember when Chatter and Chitter couldn't believe they were gonna be in a movie?
Well since seeing the almost finished movie back in October they are now in danger of getting the big head about the whole thing!
Actually-the girls and I still can't believe we ended up in a movie. The version we saw back in the fall was the almost finished version-with the story and most of the scenes the way they would be in the final movie-but with additional sound editing yet to be done.
Before viewing the almost completed movie-I thought it would be good-I mean how could it not be-it had my children in it? But when I thought back to the days we spent shooting our scenes at the old house-I was slightly nervous. Not that we didn't have a ball of fun-cause we did. I guess it was more that the filming process/directing process wasn't as precise as what I imagined it would be. Bruno and Harrison (Directors and Producers) kinda told us the gist of the scene we were about to film and let us come up with our lines on our own.
Turns out-the movie wasn't just good it was great! There were parts of it that were so real so perfect I felt like weeping-while other parts had the entire audience laughing. It is truly a movie everyone can relate to-a tale about a boy finding his way with the story of old time music woven along the road he finds himself traveling on.
My part was cut down to one line-I was so glad-with only one line-I don't sound silly at all. And my one line is a phrase I've had lots of practice saying since I had the girls. Chatter and Chitter have bigger parts-but still play only a minor roll in the story of the movie.
One of the main characters in the movie is Tim Ryan from right here in Brasstown. After the show was over and we were all discussing how good it was Tim said "it's like they got us together, let us act like ourselves and somehow made a movie of it." Tim is right-Bruno, Harrison, and Forrest had the story in their heads-and its like they magically got us to tell it even though we didn't even know the story!
Another friend from Brasstown told me she enjoyed the movie as much as I did-but she was anxious to see how folks who weren't familiar with western NC-who didn't have a connection to the film would feel about it. Well we're about to find out.
The movie is finished-it now has a real name: If I Had Wings To Fly-and its first showing in a film festival is right around the corner. The movie will be part of the Appalachian Film Festival in Huntington, West Virginia. If I Had Wings To Fly will start the festival on Thursday February 23 at the Black Sheep venue.
If you live in the Huntington WV area-I hope you'll check out the movie. I'm hearing-it won't be too long till If I Had Wings To Fly will be shown in Asheville, NC-I'll be sure to keep you updated on the details of future showings. Till then-Chatter and Chitter will be taking it easy-keeping their sunglasses handy just in case anyone recognizes them on the street.
Tipper
p.s. If you want more info about the movie check out their website Kazoo Films-and you can go here: Chitter & Chatter Are Headed To Hollywood to read my first post about the movie-which includes an interview with Bruno Seraphin and Harrison Topp.
What a grand old house. I bet it was beautiful in its day. I hate to see grand homes like this go to wrack and ruin...especially with so many homeless people wandering the streets. Seems like such a shameful waste to me to let a house that could be a home to someone just rot away.
God bless.
RB
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Posted by: RB | January 30, 2012 at 10:02 PM
CONGRATULATIONS!! I know ya'll are so excited & I'm excited for you. Hope you're going to WV for the festival-while Huntingdon is farther west(& more citified) than the places we go, I have no doubt that wonderful WV hospitality will be the same!
Posted by: Suzi Phillips | January 29, 2012 at 09:46 PM
This is the first I've heard about it.. please keep us updated..would love to see it..congrats...Susie
Posted by: susie swanson | January 29, 2012 at 11:54 AM
I would love to see it! I hope it comes to my area, too.
Posted by: Becky | January 29, 2012 at 09:36 AM
OMW to know real life actors uhum actresses. i'm so excited for you'll. of course i'll need everyone's autograph. i'm sure you'll have already been overwhelmed by the autograph hounds but don't forget your "friends" LOL. i'm so proud
love love love
Posted by: kay | January 28, 2012 at 04:29 PM
Hey now, this IS exciting! Congrats to all of you on your newfound stardom!
What a talented family you are!
Posted by: Ethel | January 28, 2012 at 11:53 AM
Well Chitter and Chatter I say go for it, get the big head, and Tipper you too even if it's just a one line part. Very happy for all of you and do keep us updated as to when the film will be shown in Asheville, I will definitely be there to see it.
Posted by: Glynda | January 28, 2012 at 11:09 AM
I can just imagine the girls excitement! How fun for all of you! I can't imagine that movie's going to come all the way to Oregon but I so want to see it! Congrats to you all~
Posted by: Paula | January 28, 2012 at 11:08 AM
Lawsy mercy--I'll soon be able to say, why I knew them back when they were just ordinary mountain folks.
Jim Casada
www.jimcasadaoutdoors.com
Posted by: Jim Casada | January 28, 2012 at 10:47 AM
That old house looks spooky. Wouldn't be surprised if Norman Bates was upstairs changing into that old lady costume and becoming confused again!
Posted by: Bradley | January 28, 2012 at 10:40 AM
Tipper,
I was delighted to be there with
you and the girls in Murphy to see
the opening. Those guys captured
the mood of life in Appalachia and
I was so proud of you, Chitter,
and Chatter acting naturally. Best
wishes and after getting to know
you all, I'm not surprised you
made the cut. Thanks for this news
and I can't wait for the finished
product on DVD...Ken
Posted by: Ken | January 28, 2012 at 10:33 AM
Tipper,
Someone asked The actor Jack Lemmon how to get in the movies. He said that he didn't know really. He said one would need to be talented, nice looking, and photogenic, and most of all, being in the right place at the right time. You folks have pretty well covered all these requirements.
Posted by: Bradley | January 28, 2012 at 10:22 AM
Tipper
and girls....I guess this means you will get fru frued up and go on the red carpet at the film festival in WV.....won't that be fun!
My goodness all the interviews, suppers,(uhh,dinners)..autograph signin's, wardrobe fittin's, boot scootin' (err, dances)...etc. etc.
but remember this....Quote the B. Ruth..."No matter how far the vine rambles, twists and turns, grows and blooms...the roots are always home, where they are kept warm, nurished and watered with love."
Hope the movie will come to Knoxville...if not I will just order the DVD from their website...
Thanks Tipper for the update and congratulations to all....
Posted by: B. Ruth | January 28, 2012 at 10:19 AM
Look forward to seeing it!!
Posted by: Patty Hall | January 28, 2012 at 10:18 AM
I love the title! Congratulations to you all again on being in the movie. You should come to Huntington to watch it. Huntington is nothing like the eastern part of the state, though, where most of the hills and mountains are.
Posted by: Janet Smart | January 28, 2012 at 09:53 AM
I live in Huntington and I'm putting the date in my planner right now so hopefully I'll be able to see it at the film fest! Congrats on the movie, it sounded so fun!
Posted by: Susan L | January 28, 2012 at 09:37 AM
How exciting, congratulations to all! I hope we get to see it somehow.
Posted by: Osagebluffquilter | January 28, 2012 at 09:27 AM
Do you suppose I could get an autograph?
Blog, movies, books, newspaper articles, singing, dancing, teaching cooking and twisting wrought iron. Have I left anything out?
I really can't help but wonder what you three will get into next. It's a good thing the Deer Hunter can cook!
Posted by: Miss Cindy | January 28, 2012 at 09:17 AM
How exciting for all of you--it shall probably prove to be a wonderful life-time memory!!!
Posted by: LINDA L. KERLIN | January 28, 2012 at 08:50 AM
Well Ma'am you shore do got a couple fine lookin' daughters and you ain't lookin' half bad yurself. Y'all look like yuh jist fell outta one of them Hollywood movin pitures. When yew'ens make it to the big time ah hope yew don't fergit all us nobidys back here in the hills n hollers. Whassa DVD anyhow?
Posted by: Special Ed | January 28, 2012 at 08:45 AM
That's great! What an experience! I've got to see that movie. And tell them to keep their autograph pens handy!
Posted by: Lonnie L. Dockery | January 28, 2012 at 08:41 AM
That is so cool and I bet it was fun for them a well. If there signing autographed pictures I'll take one.
Posted by: Rick Kratzke | January 28, 2012 at 08:33 AM
i feel like i know movie stars! wish i could see it. maybe after it is out for a while it will show up a trailer on you tube. would love to see the part with the 3 of you in it.
Posted by: sandra | January 28, 2012 at 08:23 AM
Well this is just wonderful news!! I know y'all had a high time filming it! My Daddy and I were in a movie once as extras of course but it is a great memory! I will be on the look out for this one! I can't wait to see all of you on the big screen!!!
Ruthie
Posted by: Ruthie | January 28, 2012 at 08:21 AM
I remember your earlier post about the movie. This is all just too exciting for you young ladies, oops er uh, movie stars! I hope to be able to watch it someday. Congratulations are certainly in order!
Posted by: Uncle Al | January 28, 2012 at 08:17 AM
How exciting! Wish I could see the movie. Ya'll are so talented. Loved the old house. Know it must have been a beauty in it's heyday.
Posted by: kat | January 28, 2012 at 08:17 AM
Sheryl-yes I'm positive it will be available on DVD-I'll keep you updated on that part too : )
Blind Pig The Acorn
Celebrating and Preserving the
Culture of Appalachia
www.blindpigandtheacorn.com
Posted by: Tipper | January 28, 2012 at 08:13 AM
Congratulations, Chatter, Chitter and Mama Tipper! How wonderful! I read the previous blog about the "stars". (I would say your achievements are enough to get that "big head" you mention! Best wishes for the film festival and for subsequent journeys and showings of the film. It sounds like a wonderful story, and one that will encourage any who watch it. I had a little "stardom" myself and in 2011 "Voices...Finding Byron Herbert Reece" won an Emmy for best documentary/historical films. It's been shown on Georgia Public Television and will be the introductory film for visitors when we open the Reece Farm and Heritage Center near Vogel State Park in Union County, Blairsville, GA. If I did have a part in it, and helped Karen Deem, producer, with research for it, I think it's a wonderful film. I hope I can see "your" film!
Posted by: Ethelene Dyer Jones | January 28, 2012 at 08:02 AM
Miz Tipper,
I couldn't read this without thinking of the lines from Buck Owens song "Act Naturally" (revised for the plural):
"Well we hope you'll come and see us in the movies
Then we'll know that you will plainly see
The biggest fools that ever hit the big time
And all we gootta do is act naturally."
Seriously, way to go, gals!
Posted by: Don Casada | January 28, 2012 at 08:02 AM
This is so exciting! My homestate, my birthstate, is West Virginia!
And Asheville isn't but about 40 minutes from me . . .
Can't wait to see the movie! it sounds wonderful.
Posted by: kathryn magendie | January 28, 2012 at 07:55 AM
Love the old house.....I wonder how I'll ever be able to see it way down here in FL??? Will they put it on a DVD do you think?
Posted by: Sheryl Paul | January 28, 2012 at 07:54 AM
What fun for all of you!!
Posted by: Alica | January 28, 2012 at 07:50 AM
This all sounds so exciting ... congrats to you all! Do keep us updated on the Asheville showing.
Posted by: Pat in east TN | January 28, 2012 at 07:33 AM
How great. A few years back, a movie was made locally, one of the grandsons and I were 'extras' in it.
We both made it through the 'cutting' andon to the finished product.
Sadly ours ended up being R rated and not one I would recommend to anyone, so I will not mention the title.
Posted by: Mary Shipman | January 28, 2012 at 07:32 AM
Congratulations to Tipper, Chatter and Chitter. It's wonderful, joyous news.
Posted by: Nancy Simpson | January 28, 2012 at 07:21 AM