Nostalgic Documentary Project

"The Persistence of Poe" [A documentary]

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Are you obsessed with Poe? His life? His works? Well, even die-hard fans don't always know that Mr. Edgar Allan Poe lived in Richmond, VA for years. It was the one place he called home. You can learn more about Poe and Richmond in Quail Bell Press and Productions' first documentary film, "The Persistence of Poe in Richmond," scheduled for release in 2012. 

Here are some production stills from one of the filming days. Here, the cast and crew prepare for an interpretative dance to accompany the poem, "The Raven":

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• Director/Actress: Christine Stoddard
• Actress/Choreographer: Erica Breig
• Actress: Helen Georgia Stoddard
• Actress: Emily Dalton
• Voice Actor: Thomas Cunningham
• Director of Photography/Camera Operator #1: D.J. Granger
• Camera Operator #2: David Fuchs
• Make-up Artist: Nina Starfish

The film's abstract:

"Though Poe lived in Boston, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York during various times in his life, he identified himself foremost as "a Virginian." In the words of the Richmond Edgar Allen Poe Museum's essay, Poe in Richmond, 'It was in Richmond that Poe grew up, married, and first gained a national literary reputation.' Yet most literature and films concerning Poe uphold Baltimore as his "true" home city, often paying little (or no) homage to Richmond. "The Persistence of Poe in Richmond, VA" would document what Poe accomplished during his time in the city and how his presence is still felt by Richmonders today. The whole style of the film is done with a "collage" feel because Poe led such a patchwork existence. Through its use of live action, animation, writing, narration, music, dance, and theatre, the film demonstrates the range, power, and ability of interdisciplinary art. Cut-out animation is superimposed over photographs of present-day locations concerning Poe; animation sequences break up some of the live-action scenes. Interpretative readings of select Poe works that allude to or were written in Richmond break up the film's biographical elements. Combined animation and live action recordings of dancing to his poetry accompany these readings. Coverage on how Poe still affects Richmond in the modern day would be essential, as well."