Filmmaker David Bettencourt and Producer G. Wayne Miller collaborate to bring viewers into Newport Aristocracy in their 2010 documentary ‘Behind the Hedgerow: Eileen Slocum and the Meaning of Newport Society.’ This enlightening documentary elegantly premiered on August 10, 2010, at the famed Veterans Memorial Auditorium. We have the pleasure to enjoy a screening once again as it airs tonight on RI PBS (CH.8) @ 8pm. Future dates on CH. 8 include: April 8 @ 12:30 am, April 9 @ 7:00pm, and April 10 @ 11:00pm.
Bettencourt and Miller tell the story of Newport High Society through the eyes of Eileen Gillespie Slocum, as she recants the history and splendor of Rhode Island’s social classes. The filmmakers’ passion for storytelling bleeds through every scene as the historical narrative unfolds. Through a series of vintage still photography, perfectly restored stock footage and live interviews, they masterfully capture every detail of this revered local culture. The filmmakers’ artful transitions, skilled scene framing and mindful scoring make for a heart felt telling of local history.
With such budding talent, in 2008, Bettencourt and Miller started their production company Eagle Peak Media. They have since produced an Emmy Award winning documentary ‘On the Lake: Life and Love in a Distant Place.’ This riveting piece follows the country’s early struggle with tuberculosis and guides us through a path for developmental research. The vastly talented staff of EPM seeks powerful stories that recreate a sentimental yearning for unlocking historical truths. Their productions culminate with a host of talents including: scrupulous researchers, classically trained musicians, make up and wardrobe artists, post production technicians and prominent graphic designers. Under the writing and cinematography guise of Bettencourt and Miller, EPM houses significant opportunity for expansive film productions.
Bettencourt’s premiere production company ‘Midway Pictures’, has produced an array of locally charged documentaries. His 2007 ‘You Must Be This Tall: The Story of Rocky Point Park’, takes us on an epic ride of the rise and fall of the Warwick landmark. His award-winning documentary chronicles the joyous pastimes through the accounts of park employees, historians, local personalities and most importantly, the park goers. This acclaimed piece of local history can proudly be viewed instantly through Netflix, so cue it up. Bettencourt’s follow up documentary ‘ It’s A Bash’, takes us into the grungy underworld of the local punk scene behind legends Neutral Nation. His upcoming ‘What We Hate’ continues to develop the punk rock scene of Chicago, following the symbolic Screeching Weasel.
Join us tonight as we celebrate the talents of our local artists and embrace the indelible mark of our local history. As Bettencourt and Miller altruistically explore their passion for storytelling, they continue to carefully document the treasures of our rich culture. We as viewers can enjoy the benefits of an affluent and colorful genealogy, while stimulating our artistic senses.
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