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A Kansas City native just wrapped up the filming of a documentary she is producing on the founding of the United States.
The filming of “We the People,” which began four years ago, finished up Thursday in Kansas City.
“We the People” is directed by Aimee Larrabee, a Southwest High School graduate who is the owner of Kansas City-based Inland Sea Productions, which produced the film.
The film depicts the nation’s most dramatic and decisive moments through a series of historical re-enactments.
The film has major Kansas City connections. Most of Larrabee’s film crew, including co-producer John Altman, is from Kansas City.
Partners in the production include the National Archives, the Smithsonian Institution and the Library of Congress. Singer Kenny Rogers narrates.
Filming was done in Washington, where the major memorials, such as the Washington Monument and Arlington National Cemetery, were shot. The crew also filmed in Virginia.
The final shots were done at RSVP Productions in Lee’s Summit.
The idea for a documentary on American democracy grew out of an eight-minute film Larrabee produced about eight years ago called “Kansas City Presents,” which showcased the city.
Larrabee directed a similar movie for Detroit.
At first, the idea was to do a short film on Washington.
“Now it’s grown into a feature film,” Larrabee said. “It’s not just about Washington, but about our country and the incredible concept behind the founding documents. The footage that we’ve shot on location and the re-enactments are really wonderful.”
A premiere will be held this fall in Kansas City. The film is expected to premiere in Washington the weekend of President’s Day in 2009. Soon after, the film will go nationwide.
“I’m really blown away,” Larrabee said. “There’s something neat about ending the filming process back here in Kansas City.”
Maybe that’s because Larrabee grew up in Brookside, graduating in 1978 from Southwest. She graduated in 1983 in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia and went on to work for several publications before she got into film 10 years ago.
“We really want to ignite a fire under young people,” Larrabee said. “This is meant to inspire people. We hope people are inspired enough to participate in our democracy.”
• • •
Do you know what you call it when a former member of the Los Angeles Lakers comes to town to help another former Laker?
An assist.
Clay Johnson, a former Laker from Kansas City, is host of his second annual Kansas City Magic All-Star Celebrity Basketball Game starting at 6 p.m. July 12 at Municipal Auditorium. The event will feature one of Johnson’s friends and former teammates, James Worthy. The proceeds will benefit the Clay Johnson Foundation, a youth-directed foundation.
When Johnson reached out to Worthy, he quickly agreed to participate.
“He told me that I had taught him everything he needed to know when he first got into the NBA,” Johnson said. “We’ve remained friends over the years. He said he’d come in and do whatever it is he needed to do to make this event a success.”
Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster and at the Municipal Auditorium box office. For a schedule of events and times, go to www.kansascitymagic.net.
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