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Calling all extras! Movie shoot heads to town
Published Tuesday, November 3, 2009
This story started with a little girl that brought three strangers together and may culminate with bringing an entire community together to remember a fallen hero of their own.
Two-Meter Films, a production company from Washington, D.C., will be in Ironton on Dec. 5 to shoot the opening and ending scenes of a movie script and is hoping to have active participation from the community.
The movie is an adaptation of a true story based on three complete strangers who combine their talents on a songwriting Web site to pen a song in honor of a cancer-stricken little girl none of them will ever meet.
Ironton-area resident Billy Bruce knows the story well — because he was one of those three strangers.
In October 2002, 13-year-old Shane Jones took Ironton to its knees. His struggle and ultimate death at the hands of leukemia was well-documented and known to most everyone in our community.
Prior to his passing, his mother, Patty, was able to keep the community posted about Shane’s condition at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital via a Web site: Caringbridge.org. Through that very same Web site, she met a family from Florida with a sick 2-year-old little girl named Meghan Mack.
Patty asked those who were following Shane to offer prayers and encouragement to the Mack family.
“Personally, I fell in love with Meghan. Her story, written so eloquently by her mother, Carol, further endeared the gorgeous young child to my heart,” Bruce said. “She was only two years younger than my youngest daughter, Holly, which forced me to take inventory of what was really important in life.”
A few months later, this little girl joined Shane by earning her angel wings in Heaven, Bruce recounted.
“I remember the day vividly; Friday, Feb. 7th, 2003. Holly, who was four at the time, came to my side as I sat bawling in front of my computer screen, staring at a picture of Meghan. She took her thumb out of her mouth and asked, ‘What’s wrong, daddy?,’” Bruce said. “I hugged my little angel as though I would never see her again. I’ll never forget that day.”
Later that evening, Bruce remembered an e-mail he had seen about a little girl who wrapped a large empty box with expensive gift paper for her father. After he opened his present, the father yelled at her for wasting the paper on an empty box. She replied, “It’s not empty. I filled it up with kisses.”
So, using that premise, Bruce wrote a song lyric, posted it on a Yahoo! songwriting Web site and begged somebody, anybody, to help him put it to music.
Two members of a writing group fell in love with the lyric, as well as the entire story leading up to it, and pitched in to make an actual song. One member, Bob “KJack” Gustafson, lived in Washington, D.C. The other, Alan Hamilton, lives across the map in the state of Washington.
The trio obtained the copyright to this song, entitled “The Shoebox,” and signed all rights over to Meghan’s family, who continue to play it every year in Florida at a cancer fundraiser called Light the Night.
Years later, in early 2008, “KJack” sent Bruce a screenplay he had written. Bruce thought it was fabulous. Shortly after reading it, Bruce e-mailed him an idea: Let’s write a screenplay about three strangers doing something special for a family none have ever met … The Shoebox Story.
And, with “KJack” guiding the ship, that’s what they did.
Soon, that story will be told on film but the directors will need the community’s help.
Since this story began with Shane Jones, the opening scene starts with him. Two-Meter Films will be re-creating Shane’s massive funeral scene in the Ironton High School gymnasium and will need many people in the bleachers for the shoot.
Also, at least a thousand volunteers will be needed to film a Light the Night scene for the film’s finale.
More reminders about the filming will be printed in future editions of The Tribune.
Since Bruce has spent the past few months telling the group how close-knit the community is, he says he shares their hope for a good turnout.
For now, mark your calendar for Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Ironton High School gymnasium. Tentatively, the hours will be from 4-8 pm.
“There’s no way to tell where this film will go or who it will touch,” Bruce said. “But let’s make certain that, wherever it ends up, it has Ironton pride stamped all over it.”
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Comments
Posted by RabidTiger (anonymous) on November 3, 2009 at 12:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is a 'GOOD THING' for the Ironton & Lawrence County Community as a whole. I got to see 2 other crews in Florida back in the early days of around 2003 & 2005 as they shot scenes for periods of up to a week to 2 weeks.
Not to mention the locals... got to make a few bucks from supporting and supplying the crews... shooting the movie scenes. Ususally there is no money envolved but your 3 seconds of fame (if they dont end up on the cutting room floor)... can end up on celuloid forever...
Posted by itownlover (anonymous) on November 3, 2009 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't agree one bit with using Shane's funeral as a scene in this movie! If you were'nt there, you have no idea how hard it was to get through this the first time...and how long it took family and friends to get back to normal every day life. Alot of people still haven't or can't move on after this tragedy in their lives. It will just cause everyone to relive all the pain and sorrow as if it were yesterday!
Some have said they are only out to exploit Shane's memory so that a small town can make a little bit of money.
I don't think Shane would have wanted everyone to do this if he were here today..he was a private person..and im sure he's up in heaven looking down on everyone saying not to do it. You all need to rethink this..Everyone wanted the best for him when he was alive, and I dont see this as being what's best for his memory. He's been laid to rest and he needs to remain at rest.
Posted by Fromthelookout45638 (anonymous) on November 3, 2009 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm willing to help if extra cast and crew is needed
Posted by TeacherinOhio (anonymous) on November 3, 2009 at 5:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I know his parents well. If they are behind it, then there shouldn't be a problem with it. I also know that Billy Bruce would not do anything to exploit his memory or harm his parents. Billy loved Shane and had enormous respect for him. He was honored to have known Shane. If Billy reads this, I hope he will respond.
Posted by randw (anonymous) on November 3, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This has nothing to do with money. It has everything to do with celebrating a life that meant so much to so many people. Anyone who knows Billy, knows that he would never do anything to dishonor the memory of Shane.
Posted by Ali (anonymous) on November 3, 2009 at 7:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm writing this with a heavy heart to know what Shane's family & friends must have experienced through his journey w/ Leukemia&losing him to this horrible battle. I realize it's difficult to relive all the pain&sorrow you endured. I'm just asking those of u who disagree, such as~itownlover~to look at this w/open minds on behalf of people like myself who personally have been on his journey through the diagnosis of a very aggressive form of leukemia. Initially,I never wanted my family&friends to worry,so I sugar coated everything&made them think everything was fine,even when I knew it was far from fine! I did well for awhile,but ended up relapsing 2 more times.After the 1st diagnosis, I met so many amazing people through my journey suffering with this horrible disease&I've lost most of them. When diagnosed again for 2nd time, I realized it'd be an injustice to those newly diagnosed,those continuing to suffer & those of whom we've lost along the way,if I didn't come out&tell the reality of what we endure through our treatments,amongst so many issues the average person just couldn't comprehend! I met Meghan's mom through my journey,which actually led me to this article.I know only a tiny bit of what she endured through the process of losing Meghan because we were both enduring the effects of the diagnosis on different sides of the spectrum,I prefer my shoes than to have been dealing with heartache of seeing my child endure all of what she did&lose her battle too. Meghan's mom is truly an Angel here! I'm sure more than anything she'd rather put the past away&never rehash it since the pain is so inconceivable,but she doesn't.She puts her grief&selfishness aside to build awareness 4 others on so many levels u just can't imagine~so others we've lost along our way can help patients& find future cures! Although I don't know this 1st hand, parents I know who lost children deal with their loss everyday of their lives! There's no day better than the next! Please don't ever forget that! These children & adults must not be forgotten!Let their memories live on, even in a movie! I'll continue to build awareness&make the difference in the lives of others the best way I know how.I'll do it in the memories of amazing people I have lost along the way&now Shane being another one. I've realized through my journey that no one likes to hear the negative part,they only want to hear positive.In my world,Meghan's and Shane's world, there is just no such thing as all positive!So please, keep an open mind because although I didn't know Shane, I can relate to his experience through his diagnosis.Even though he was a "private" person, I think looking down as our Angel, he'd want to make a difference! For all we know, he might be the reason why this is moving forward!Well,I wish u all happiness&health always!I hope u have a bit more insight from a patient's prospective&maybe u can rethink the way u feel!God bless you all!
Posted by BillyBruce (anonymous) on November 3, 2009 at 8:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I understand the feelings some may have about recreating such a painful event. Believe me, if it were not for having the blessing of Shane's parents, Shawn and Patty, to continue with this project, it WOULD NOT happen.
This entire story is a true story about how a little girl from Florida impacted lives all the way to the state of Washington. If not for Shane, this story would never have happened. So, it is essential to begin the movie with this scene.
Shane Jones made a difference in my life that, although I've tried for years to do, I cannot fully express. This movie is really only a small part of what his life has done to mine.
Meghan picked up where Shane left off. The two of them together, along with many other angels I've met along the way, have shown me how extremely blessed my life has been.
I hope everyone will support this project knowing that Shane would indeed love the fact that we are attempting to reach out to many other people based on the integrity his life instilled in us.
Also, nobody is doing any of this to make money. In fact, the production company probably won't even recoup it's expenses. They are doing the screenplay because Shane and Meghan also impacted their lives.
Again, I apologize if anyone takes offense to the sensitive nature of the funeral scene. Shane's body might be gone, but his spirit is still very much alive.
And I refuse to let that spirit die.
Posted by TeacherinOhio (anonymous) on November 3, 2009 at 9 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks for the response, Billy.
Now, let's make sure the I.H.S. gym is filled on December 5!
Posted by tmarie (anonymous) on November 3, 2009 at 10:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As long as Shawn and Patty are ok with this then why not let this happen, this would be an awesome way to carry on shane memory. Every graduation i have been to since Shane passed away i have cried when they give away his scholoraship. I know the hurt of losing a child. Please let get behind Shawn and Patty and everyone else involed and rally behind them for this cause.
Posted by dontsaythat (anonymous) on November 3, 2009 at 10:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Shane was a good friend to my son. My son still talks about shane and how he wonders what shane would be doing now and his comments are: He would probably be out there helping someone , standing beside someone, and giving that someone the shirt off his back. even though we lost Shane at such a young tender age, his legacy, friendship, kindness and caring ways for everyone will always remain with us. I say let's fill that gym, with pride and respect for Shane, " HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN"
Posted by irntngrrl (anonymous) on November 3, 2009 at 10:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Billy, I wish you the best of luck with this. As I have said to you before, you have taken Shane's spirit of never giving up and continued to pay it forward. Itownlover, you are right, getting through Shane's funeral was the hardest thing I have ever done. Our lives will never be "normal" again. I don't for one second feel like Billy would ever try to exploit Shane, I know he wouldn't. If you were that close to my family you would know just how touched we have all been by Billy's continued efforts to show everyone just how much Shane touch not only his life but the lives of so many.
Billy has written many articles in honor of Shane and even saved a man's life because of Shane's spirit. I don't think that constitutes exploitation. Itownlover please don't feel I am attacking you b/c I am not, I just felt that I needed to comment on your apparent outrage. If you know me you'll know I speak my mind.
When my mom called to tell me about this, I never once felt upset, only flattered that someone would be that inspired by my nephew. He was an amazing kid and I will never forget that and obviously never will Billy.
I have every intention of coming home and being a part of this filming. I don't know if I could re-live the funeral but being a part of the Light the Night ceremony sounds amazing. Please don't let that be a discouragement to anyone who does want to participate, I just think it would be to tough for me to do, which I'm sure is a given. I get what Billy's saying, Shane's death sparked new life into him and he wants to show that. It was through Shane's site that Billy met Meghan and her mom...he's just showing the connection. Through Shane's site Billy came to know and care about a family he would have never known about otherwise. How many people did the same with Shane? It's amazing, just amazing. So many came to care about a young boy they would never meet. The Caringbridge sites are just that, bridges....to family, to friends, to well-wishers, to others fighting the same battles. It's a place of comfort, encouragement, and support. I don't know what Shane would think of all of this attention, and I never will. I think he would be slighty embarrassed...that was just him, but mostly flattered by the thought he touched so many not just in Ironton but all over the U.S. I spent the other day looking at his site again and seeing all the people from everwhere in the U.S. touched by his fight. I am so lucky and blessed to have ever had Shane in my life.
Aunt Joilee
Posted by Mom2Angelz (anonymous) on November 4, 2009 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I wanted to take a minute and respond to itownlover. My heart sank when I read your post and I immediately called a couple of friends to ask what they thought about it. I am sorry that you feel the way you do about this movie and that you think Shane's funeral should not be portrayed or re-enacted for the film. You say "you have no idea how hard it was to get through this the first time and how long it took family and friends to get back to normal everyday life". Trust me when I tell you, after the loss of your child, there is no "normal, everyday life". From my perspective and many, many others, keeping these children's memories in the forefront of everyone's minds is of utmost importance. Will it be hard? Absolutely. Will it be worthwhile? Absolutely. You also say it will "cause everyone to relive all the pain and sorrow as if it were yesterday". I know for a fact, as much as we would like to, the pain and sorrow cannot be swept under a rug and forgotten and we relive every single second of our grief and pain every single day. This movie is simply one small effort to honor Shane and the great things he made happen because of his spirit and attitude. We hope this movie will honor not only his legacy, but the legacies of many others battling the disease or who have earned their wings. We would love you to come out and share in a moment that may never happen again for us, however, if you find it too painful that is understandable, but for those of us who live the pain every day, let us have our moment. I know..... I'm that little girl from Florida's mother.
Posted by I_town_resident (anonymous) on November 4, 2009 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To Mom2Angelz: Perfectly said
Posted by KJack (anonymous) on November 4, 2009 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I never had the honor of meeting Shane Jones. I never had the honor of meeting young Meghan Mack. Nor can I imagine the pain that their parents, families and friends will always feel.
itownlover's letter is a testimony to that pain, and how it will never heal.
Which is why, when Billy Bruce asked me to try to tell the story of how one little Angel's Journey could affect total strangers, I was reluctant. I felt that I had no right. But Meghan's mother, the Mom2Angelz of the previous response, gave me her blessing to go ahead and try.
When Billy said that since Shane was our original Angel, we needed to pay him homage, I told him that I was hesitant to include him because I didn't want to cause the Jones' family any added sorrow.
It was only after Patty and Shawn also gave their blessing that Shane's part of the Journey was added.
As each draft of the script was being written, both families, the Joneses and the Macks were given copies and encouraged to help us to tell the story with the care and respect that it deserved.
We also gave a copy of the script to CaringBridge's Media Specialist, who has also helped to guide us in our efforts to treat this most painful of subjects with the care that it deserves.
I am writing this, in a humble effort, to simply try to give some background into the heart and spirit that has been a part of this Project from the very beginning.
It has become more than an honor, and a privilege beyond words, to be given the chance to share in the pain, the joy, and the sheer gut-wrenching determination of the families involved to help keep their Angels' Journeys alive...Not in the hope that it will help anyone to heal, that is beyond anyone's power, but that by telling their story, and sharing it with others through the only means that we, as film makers, have at our disposal, that we can do our small part in keeping their Spirits and Memory alive.
So, it is with great humility that Two Meters will be coming to Shane's hometown...And yeah, there will be some frantic activity during the actual filming...But we hope, and some of us pray, that the end result will be a film that will not just be a "Family Friendly Flick"...With no sex, violence, profanity or drugs, all the film has going for it is Heart.
From what Billy Bruce has told us, no community has more Heart than Ironton...And if Billy is an example of how they grow 'em in Ironton, then I have no reason to doubt him...
And since the same community also gave us Shane Jones, then honestly, where else could we go to try to capture that Heart so that the whole world can see what Love truly is?
So it is with the deepest respect and humility, that we look forward to visiting Ironton, and with your help, to perhaps do a bit of justice in our telling of the story of Young Heroes and Angels, and the continued affect on the lives that their Journeys have touched.
KJack
Posted by oneproudmom (anonymous) on November 4, 2009 at 6:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
From the mother of two young heroes who have battled pediatric cancer (yes two) one of them becoming an angel in 2007, I thank you ALL from the very bottom of my heart, asking everyone to remember:
"What We Do In Life Echoes In Eternity".
Posted by Ali (anonymous) on November 5, 2009 at 8:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
KJack and Bruce, you just wanting to impact the lives of others through this movie is just amazing and I would like to personally thank you on behalf of all of us who have endured this journey! God bless you on your mission to make a difference! I too have been impacted by Meghan's journey and enabled me to meet an incredible and determined Mom who never stops trying to help others in need and make a difference for future patients!
"oneproudmom", my heart aches for your pain, my prayers are sent your way to get you through the difficulties that you continually endure everyday!
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