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April 20, 2024, The Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution at James Madison’s Montpelier in Virginia hosted a private screening of THE AMERICAN CONSTITUTION: 1787 for members. Historian in the film, David O. Stewart and director David Garrigus paneled a discussion with the audience after the screening. Feedback from the audience was overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Thank you Montpelier for hosting a wonderful event—especially Patrick Campbell, Katie Crawford-Lackey and Katherine Kuper.

Here's what the audience said:

Makes me want to reread the Constitution. Appreciation of our blessings!
-Linda Nevins Copeland of Stanardsville, Virginia

A comprehensive overview of the making of the Constitution
-Liz Ragosta of Charlottesville, Virginia

A powerful reminder and explanation of the creation and evolution of the Constitution
-Jack of Alexandria, Virginia

Engaging, detailed and informative
Does not avoid difficult issues or indulge in hagiology
-Marion Wildenean of Charlottesville, Virginia

Excellent portrayal of the ebbs and flows of creating the Constitution
-John Olsson of Charlottesville, Virginia

Fascinating - Riveting material - Enjoyable - Intriguing characterizations - Good pacing
-Linda C Williams of Rapidan, Virginia

A story all Americans need to know
-Thomas Walmer of Orleans, Virginia

Historically accurate
-Colonel (ret.) Gray Heppner of Crozet, Virginia

Inspirational
-Roger Williams of Culpeper, Virginia

Illustrates both the conflict and compromise in creating the Constitution
-Ellen Reishert of St Louis, Missouri

A great story of the principles and the compromises that formed the Constitution
-Mary Bohan of Arlington, Virginia

Very good documentary - Very informative
-Margo Simmons of Williamsburg, Virginia

I loved it!!
-James S Todd of Charlottesville, Virginia

Useful reminder of the conflict and compromise that led to the Constitution
-K. R. Copeland of Stewartsville, Virginia

Excellent, very informative and entertaining
-Anonymous

Very complete, relatable and enjoyed the “humanness”
-Anonymous

Conflicted, passionate, patriotic scholar delegates
who reached compromise and agreement
-Anonymous

Shows importance of history and how ordinary men can think beyond themselves
-Anonymous

Detailed, informative, eye-opening and humorous
-Anonymous

Excellent story of the creation of the Constitution
-Anonymous

Informative, detailed, inspiring, revelatory
The concept of compromise on hard issues was a takeaway we could all use today
-Anonymous

September 17, 2023, we are wrapping up our project's movie version called "1787." It is the story of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, which ended on this day 236 years ago. I have included a link to a special clip from the film below and will update you regarding the movie's release soon.

On this day in 1787 and after nearly four months of contentious debate, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention finally signed the parchment that is now displayed in the Rotunda of the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC.

As other delegates were signing, Benjamin Franklin summed up that monumental moment quite elegantly. Watch this short excerpt from our movie "1787" as actor James France recreates that moment: https://vimeo.com/davidgarrigus/risingsun

September 17, 1787, Join us for a special in-person event! Celebrate Constitution Day (when the Constitution was signed in 1787) at our Constitution Day event in downtown Wilmington, NC. Filmmaker David Garrigus will be showing sneak peek segments from his upcoming historical documentary movie "1787: The American Constitution" at the historic Burgwin-Wright House (224 Market St.) beginning at 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Also on display will be an accurate replica of the signed Constitution and other interesting props used while making the movie. Burgwin-Wright will be offering tours of this landmark historic house for half price. Constitution Day Wilmington Celebration is part of the big American Craft Walk. Front Street will be packed with arts and crafts exhibits with more than 6,000 attendees expected. There will be a Constitution Day Proclamation Ceremony at 11:30 at 2 South Water Street, which will include music, skits, etc. Stop by Burgwin-Wright House to watch movie scenes and chat with the filmmaker! Thanks Katie Gates and her entire Constitution Day Wilmington team.

We are in the final stretch of putting together our movie "1787"—years in the making. Stay tuned for upcoming theatrical screening announcements only months away.

Why wait for the film's release? You can watch the movie now and offer your feedback and suggestions. We now have a very easy-to-use feedback process. You can see the movie now, be in the credits, and be a part of the movie's success! Simply email me at davidgarrigus@gmail.com and we will send you the first segment of the movie quickly.

July 12, 2022, marks the official creation of The Preamble Foundation 501(c)(3). A separate non-profit organization that business leaders and I have started in order to improve civic education and engagement. I sort of buried this "lead story" here but I will provide more info about this exciting new organization in a more detailed announcement soon. Until then, a special thanks to Barry Buzogany, Barry Bernstein, Justine Crowell, and Paula Kohut.

May 19, 2022, we successfully held our second Classroom Screening Event! Students and teachers in three states were able to see sneak peek segments from our upcoming feature film and asked questions of our celebrated author M ichael Meyerson—one of many top historians in our documentary. Actor from our film Hannibal Hills and I were also on the panel to field questions from the students. Our moderator, Lawrence Staten, is a DC teacher and Chair of the History Department at Washington Latin Public Charter School. Special thanks to Outreach Manager Justine Crowell, Technical Director Nathan Asken, New Hanover County School District's Travis Matthews, Murray Middle School's Bradley Hodges, and Hopedale High School's Maureen Hodgens for advising us on our way to success. More info about our classroom program.

March 19, 2022, our production team filmed two more talented Wilmington actors—Dick Bunting and Atwood Boyd as New York delegates to the 1787 Convention, Robert Yates and John Lansing.

September 24, 2022, we will be filming Wilmington actor Woody Stefl as Pennsylvania delegate Robert Morris. By the way, there are only a few of roles left to film in our movie. Attention actors, it's an opportunity for national exposure that promises an audience in the millions.

March 16, 2022, we successfully held our first Classroom Screening Event! A game-changer for our project. Students and teachers in three states were able to see sneak peek segments from our upcoming feature film and asked questions of our celebrated author David O. Stewart—one of fourteen top historians in our documentary. The star of our movie, Toronto film actor Michael Lake and I were also on the panel to field questions from the students. Our moderator, Lawrence Staten, is a DC teacher and Chair of the History Department at Washington Latin Public Charter School. All teachers amaze me but Lawrence was able to engage his classroom full of six graders while masterfully moderating our event! Special thanks to New Hanover County School District's Travis Matthews, Murray Middle School's Bradley Hodges, and Hopedale High School's Maureen Hodgens for advising us on our way to success. We can have an event in your child's classroom too. (more)

December 2021, we filmed our very talented lead actor Michael Lake as James Madison (pictured above in a scene from our movie.) A Toronto film actor, Michael flew into Wilmington, NC on December 9th and filmed with us for more than a week. Michael is a true movie star who has been the lead in several feature films. He has been working steadily in the film industry for years with more than one hundred onscreen credits. He recently starred in the film Edwin, from Hollow Ground Pictures, which has been featured in festivals and garnered Michael Best Actor award from the Alternative Film Festival, as well as numerous other nominations and recognitions.

We have two new additions to our team. Justine Crowell is our talented new Outreach Manager. Justine heads up our Classroom Screening initiative and our growing lists of outreach activities. Welcome Justine. (more)

Nathan Asken joins our teams and wears several hats for us. He is our IT guru, on our production team, post-production team, and our virtual events team. Welcome Nathan.

February 26, 2022, We filmed several more beautifully-dressed reenactors at Moores Creek National Battlefield during its 246th Anniversary celebration of the battle. Thank you National Park Service. We filmed on green screen and inserted the reenactors' performances into our 1787 Philadelphia story. Pictured below are Gary Barefoot as the sentry who guarded the door to the Constitutional Convention and Paul Lopes as an unscrupulous rake attempting to talk his way in.

WILMINGTON, NC, September 17, 2021 - Happy Independence Day. The independent feature film 1787 the American Constitution is on target for completion in the first half of next year, Director David Garrigus announced. “We have completed approximately 70% of the feature film with only a handful of the fifty-member cast left to film. Over the coming months, we will be looking to best position the indie film and optimize its release schedule. We anticipate a release during the Independence Day celebrations in 2022. The Fourth of July seems like the perfect opportunity when everyone is focused with pride on the birth of our nation.”

1787 the American Constitution wrapped filming award-winning actor, David Whalen as George Washington on August 22nd. Whalen has appeared in dozens of film and TV projects including: Showtime's THE LOUDEST VOICE, AMERICAN PASTORAL, THE FAULT IN OUR STARS, JACK REACHER, SOUTH PAW among many others. He recently finished filming the independent films: CYRIL, & CHILD WARFARE, which are currently in the festival circuits. On stage, he has performed in over 100 AEA productions at some of the nation's finest theaters from New York to Los Angeles, including: The Guthrie Theater, Roundabout Theater Company, South Coast Repertory Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, The Laguna Playhouse, The Alley Theatre, Philadelphia Theatre Company, Syracuse Stage, The Folger Theatre, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, The Arden Theatre, The McCarter Theater, The Pittsburgh Public Theater, The Bienalle Festival in Venice, Italy, Baltimore's Center Stage, City Theatre Company, Gulfshore Playhouse, among many others. Whalen said of 1787 the American Constitution film project, “I am honored and humbled to be portraying such an iconic figure in our country's history. It was such an exciting challenge to bring our first president, the “indispensable American,” to life using George Washington's actual words from his writings! I can't wait for people to see this and understand what our forefathers went through to get our Constitution established. It is such an important project and very timely."

The production also filmed Wilmington actor Josiah Bennetone as Washington's valet and trusted companion, Billy Lee. Lee, a slave, is often depicted at Washington’s side in many paintings and portraits. Lee was later freed by Washington in his will. Lee was one of the most famous African-Americans of his time.
In 1787 the American Constitution film, historian and author Stuart Leibiger describes, “Billy Lee spent more time with George Washington than anybody else including Martha. George Washington was known as the finest horseman of the age according to Thomas Jefferson so Billy Lee would have to have been the second finest horseman of the age just to keep up with him. He was right there in the thick of it whenever Washington rode into danger, which was frequent in battle. Billy Lee would have been with him at his side.”

The production crew filmed New York actor David Beck as Constitution Framer Edmund Randolph on September 11-12. Beck is an actor, screenwriter, and composer. For the screen, David wrote and starred in the award-winning short films For Francis (executive produced by Project Runway’s Tim Gunn) and Backup Plan, the latter which is currently being developed into a feature film called Regarding Veronica, starring Alexandra Grey, executive produced by Martine Rothblatt. The movie focuses on the relationship between a transgender Catholic school teacher and a seven year old girl with two fathers. You can also catch David on YouTube starring in the Streamy-award nominated and International Online WebFest nominated series Spring Street. He is at home in the theatre, appearing in nearly 40 productions in New York as well as throughout the country, ranging from Shakespeare and Brecht to daring new works by playwrights such as Neil LaBute and Rajiv Joseph. He has worked with Emmy winner Brian Cox, Tony winners Jack Hofsiss and Randy Graff, and Tony nominee Marla Schaffel. Beck said of 1787 the American Constitution film project, “I am happy to be working with David Garrigus and his crew on such a meaningful project and hope that it will be an educational (and enjoyable) tool for Americans during a time when we need it the most.”

My experience working remotely on the set of 1787 the American Constitution by Taylor Mackenzie

"It was a wonderful experience working with the crew virtually as Script Coordinator when David Garrigus and cameraman Johnny Dougherty filmed David Beck in the role of Edmund Randolph. The actor created a much more personal experience than I was expecting, which gives the film a special touch.”

“That was the first time we tried having the Script Coordinator work with us virtually,” Director David Garrigus recalls. “It was a good experience. Taylor was excellent at keeping us on track and moving swiftly through the script. She was perfect at helping us out when we needed it. She spoke only when it was essential until one moment when her voice suddenly boomed over the speakers pleading for our help. ‘I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!’ Someone had accidentally bumped the webcam on set and all Taylor could see was the ceiling.”

Leading Academic Scholars, Historians, Authors Join Historical Documentary 1787 the American Constitution

Add Constitutional expertise to engrossing fact-based story of U.S. government origin and design produced to entertain, educate

LOS ANGELES, Calif. & WILMINGTON, N.C. -- David Garrigus Productions recently filmed USC Law Professor and author Franita Tolson for the innovative, sweeping historical documentary 1787 te American Constitution.

Professor Tolson is the latest in a long list of noted authors, academic scholars, and historians joining the film project to help tell the compelling story of important events in the summer of 1787 as the Framers struggled to save their country in a battle of words and ideology on topics that are still hotly debated today.

“The people who stormed the Capitol on January sixth don't have a real understanding of how government works. Unfortunately, a lot of people have lost touch with what the Constitution actually says,” Professor Tolson explained, adding, “This is why civic education is so important—because it fills the gap. There is a gap between how the system works and how people understand the system to work. That gap can be filled in all sorts of misinformation."

Taking COVID-19 protocols into account, the production team utilized a custom 4K remote studio package to minimize person-to-person contact in filming Professor Tolson remotely.

According to 1787 the American Constitution Producer/Director David Garrigus -- the award-winning filmmaker behind the critically-acclaimed Kitty Hawk: The Wright Brother's Journey of Invention featuring Neil Armstrong and John Glenn as the voices of Orville and Wilbur -- his lofty goal is for this film to be for the Constitution what Ken Burns’ The Civil War was for that formational part of our nation’s DNA—to create a national dialogue.

“This film stands on the shoulders of these leading scholars who help make the complexities of the Constitution understandable for ordinary citizens like myself. It’s a fascinating story that answers a lot of questions about why our government is what it is today,” Garrigus added.

In addition to scholars, authors, and historians, 1787 the American Constitution incorporates the performances of noted actors portraying the Framers’ actual words, bringing to life the drama, conflicts, and desires of Washington, Madison, and Hamilton in their struggle to save their fledgling United States from ruin.

The expanding list of constitutional experts includes (in alphabetical order):

• Akhil Reed Amar, author of the acclaimed America’s Constitution: A Biography, expert on constitutional law and criminal procedure, Sterling Professor of Law at Yale Law School

• Carol Berkin, author, expert on women's history in colonial America, Presidential Professor of History, Emerita, of Baruch College and The Graduate Center, CUNY

• Mary S. Bilder, author of the ground-breaking Madison’s Hand: Revising the Constitutional Convention. American legal and constitutional history professor at Boston College Law School

• Jeff Broadwater, author, Professor Emeritus of History at Barton College in Wilson, North Carolina

• Christopher Collier, author, Professor of History Emeritus of the University of Connecticut

• Ralph Ketcham (1927-2017), author of the definitive single-volume James Madison: A Biography, former Professor of History at Syracuse University and editor of The Papers of James Madison

• Michael J. Klarman, author of the first comprehensive single volume on the Constitution’s creation and ratification, The Framers’ Coup, Kirkland & Ellis Professor at Harvard Law School

• Stuart Leibiger, author, Professor and Chair of History at LaSalle University

• Sanford Levinson, author, expert on constitutional law, W. St. John Garwood and W. St. John Garwood, Jr. Centennial Chair in Law at The University of Texas Law School

• Pauline Maier (1938-2013), author of the definitive Ratification: The People Debate the Constitution, 1787-1788, 2011 winner of the George Washington Book Prize, former William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of American History at MIT

• Michael Meyerson, author, professor of law and Piper & Marbury Faculty Fellow at the University of Baltimore

• David O. Stewart, author, whose book The Summer of 1787 was on the Washington Post bestseller list for several weeks

• Franita Tolson, author, Vice Dean for Faculty and Academic Affairs and Professor of Law at University of Southern California Gould School of Law, nationally recognized expert in election law

• Gordon Wood, awarded the 2010 National Humanities Medal, author of The Radicalism of the American Revolution which won the Pulitzer Prize and the Ralph Waldo Emerson Prize

This feature film is in production and projected for completion in 2022. More than 50 historical figures are portrayed with the majority of the actors already filmed. Post-production is more than half complete. Interested individuals, actors, corporations, educational institutions, and organizations wishing to participate or learn more can visit the film’s website constitutionmovie.com. To sign up for 1787 the American Constitution updates, behind-the-scenes and sneak peeks visit eepurl.com/heEdYr.

About 1787 the American Constitution

1787 the American Constitution historical documentary and education initiative is an independent entertainment property designed as a powerful part of the solution to the public’s lack of fundamental understanding of U.S. Civics. Set to premier in 2022, the film is currently in production by David Garrigus Productions, winner of Telly Awards, Cindy Awards, and New York Festival’s Gold Medal. For more information visit constitutionmovie.com.

International Cast Portrays the Framers of the Constitution

WILMINGTON, NC. February 1, 2021. In December and January, David Garrigus Productions conducted a nation-wide talent search to cast the leading roles for the feature film 1787 THE AMERICAN CONSTITUTION.

Prior to the national search, the production team filmed more than two dozen Wilmington hometown actors as many of the Framers of the Constitution. The film is a unique opportunity for Wilmington actors to gain national exposure in a film that will be seen by millions.

“We’ve tried to cast the best actors that Wilmington has to offer. But there came a time when we had to search nationally,” says director David Garrigus. “We have attracted five incredible actors to the project hailing from South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Canada, and two from New York. These artists will blow you away. We’ll be making announcements soon.”

James Madison at 34 - CAST
George Washington at 54 - CAST
Alexander Hamilton at 33 - CAST
Edmund Randolph at 34 - CAST
George Mason at 60 - CAST
Benjamin Franklin at 82 - Role still open
Mercy Otis Warren at 59 - Role still open

Mercy Otis Warren was a historian and political writer hundreds of years before her time. A keen judge of politics and outspoken critic. Advised many political leaders of the era. She wrote from her Plymouth, Massachusetts home.

What really happened at the Constitutional Convention?

Professor Mary Bilder sheds new light on the historical records.

December 15, 2020, in NEEDHAM, MA and WILMINGTON, NC - David Garrigus Productions remotely filmed an in-depth interview with Constitutional Historian and Boston College Law School Professor Mary Bilder for the upcoming documentary feature film 1787 the American Constitution. Her book, Madison's Hand: Revising the Constitutional Convention, uncovers how much of the Convention's "authoritative record" was contemporaneous and reliable and what parts are likely to be 18th-century political spin. Her book was awarded the 2016 Bancroft Prize in American History and Diplomacy, the James C. Bradford Prize for Biography from the Society for Historians of the Early Republic, and was named a finalist for the George Washington Book Prize. She is also the author of The Transatlantic Constitution: Colonial Legal Culture and the Empire (Harvard University Press, 2004), awarded the Littleton-Griswold Award from the American Historical Association.

Our interview coup with "The Framers' Coup" author Michael Klarman

November 20-21, 2020, TRENTON, MAINE and WILMINGTON, NC - David Garrigus Productions remotely filmed an in-depth interview with Constitutional Historian and Harvard Law Professor Michael Klarman for the upcoming documentary feature film 1787 the American Constitution. The interview took place over two days and resulted in more than four hours of filmed commentary about the Framing. Professor Klarman is one the premiere authorities on the Founding Era and is the author of The Framers' Coup—the first comprehensive account told in a single volume of the entire struggle for the United States Constitution—from inception through ratification.

Professor Klarman is our latest addition to the leading experts who have lent their voices to 1787 the American Constitution film with more interviews scheduled in the coming months. Our cast of experts includes constitutional scholars Akhil Reed Amar and Sanford Levinson in addition to leading historians Gordon Wood, Pauline Maier, David O. Stewart, Carol Berkin, Stuart Leibiger, Christopher Collier, Ralph Ketcham, Michael Meyerson, and Jeff Broadwater.

Watch PREAMBLE TO THE CONSTITUTION Sneak Peek

November 1, 2020, WILMINGTON, NC - David Garrigus Productions completes Preamble to the Constitution—a new 4-minute short that reveals the magic behind the opening words to the US Constitution. Features constitutional scholars Akhil Reed Amar and Sanford Levinson in addition to leading historians Carol Berkin and Christopher Collier. Contact us to preview the complete short.

Watch Origins of the Electoral College Sneak Peek

October 1, 2020, WILMINGTON, NC - David Garrigus Productions completed the new short film entitled ORIGINS OF THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE. The five-minute film explores why the framers of the Constitution designed this unusual method for electing presidents and takes an unvarnished look at long-term consequences of the Electoral College over the subsequent presidential elections. Features renowned constitutional scholars Sanford Levinson of The University of Texas Law School; Akhil Reed Amar of Yale Law School; and historian and author Stuart Leibiger of LaSalle University. And dozens of actors appear in the short film portraying framers of the Constitution. For more information contact.

On the Cutting Edge of Safe Filming Practices During COVID-19 Pandemic

AUSTIN, TX and WILMINGTON, NC - August 23rd, 2020, David Garrigus Productions filmed renowned constitutional law professor Sanford Levinson remotely for the upcoming historical documentary 1787 THE AMERICAN CONSTITUTION. The production was especially noteworthy because the film team created and shipped a "foolproof" remote production camera kit including the famed Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K that Dr. Levinson and his wife, author Cynthia Levinson, were able to set up and run without the need of a film crew entering their home during the COVID-19 crisis. Dr. Levinson is Professor of Government at The University of Texas School of Law in Austin. David Garrigus conducted the interview from Wilmington, North Carolina with technical assistance by team member Johnny Dougherty.

Filmmaker Begins Production on Historical Documentary 1787 the American Constitution

David Garrigus Productions Making Feature-Film Documentary to Address National Security Issue of Civics Illiteracy

WILMINGTON, N.C. -- David Garrigus, the award-winning filmmaker behind the critically-acclaimed Kitty Hawk: The Wright Brother's Journey of Invention—featuring Neil Armstrong and John Glenn as the voices of Orville and Wilbur—has begun filming the historical documentary 1787 the American Constitution.

This timely independent film is being developed as a powerful part of the solution to the public’s lack of fundamental understanding of the U.S. Constitution.

“Less than a third of Americans can name the three branches of government. This should be considered a national security issue,” Garrigus, said, adding, “This level of civics illiteracy is an existential threat to our nation and was one of the Founders’ greatest fears when they designed the U.S. system of government.”

“A people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives.” —James Madison, 8/4/1822

1787 the American Constitution will tell the story of the U.S. Constitution's creation—a gripping tale told through the actual words of the founders performed by acclaimed actors, with many of the world’s leading scholars and historians providing compelling commentary. It will capture the drama, conflicts, and desires of Washington, Madison, and Hamilton in their struggle to save their fledgling United States from ruin. The film promises to bring millions to this essential American story.

“Right now, our nation is in turmoil politically. There may be political divides over interpreting parts of the Constitution. But when it comes to the actual creation story of the Constitution, about what happened in Philadelphia in 1787, virtually all historians and constitutional scholars are in agreement regardless of their political affiliation,” Garrigus explained. "This is a film about the Constitution that everyone can agree on."

1787 the American Constitution comes on the heels of Garrigus’ Kitty Hawk: The Wright Brother's Journey of Invention which premiered PBS and internationally during the 100th anniversary of flight. Kitty Hawk has reached nearly 10 million viewers. It won Best Documentary at the International Family Film Festival.

Set to premiere in 2022, 1787 the American Constitution production is more than 50% complete but continues to cast actors to portray the dozens of historical figures—Framers of the Constitution and the production is signing partners for the project over the coming year. Interested individuals, corporations, educational institutions, and organizations wishing to participate or learn more can visit the film’s website www.constitu.com.

About 1787 the American Constitution

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