From Inspirational to "Wonderful"

The lovely and talented Jessica Webb continues to play iconic American moms.

After recently completing her scenes as Claire's mom Jennifer in Inspiration, Jessica has transitioned into the role of Mary Bailey, the wife of beloved everyman George Bailey in the Stoneham Theatre production of It's a Wonderful Life. The stage adaptation of Frank Capra's classic holiday film has been getting rave reviews... and our Jessica lights up the stage as she lit up the Inspiration set.

"Jessica Webb, in her Stoneham Theatre debut, offers a solid performance as George’s wife, Mary; hers is among the toughest roles to play in the show, as Donna Reed so encapsulated and defined the character in the 1946 film."

-North Shore Sunday review

The entire team at Inspiration and IS Films congratulates Jessica... and wishes a very Happy Holidays to all the friends and supporters who helped our film get its wings! And watch for updates as we move into post-production in 2009.

That's a Wrap!

Inspiration reached a major milestone last weekend as the team completed principal photography. The grueling three-day shoot included many of the key dramatic scenes, with numerous set-ups.

Thanks again to Grace, our talented lead whose star is quickly ascending, and to Jessica and Jonathan for their hard work and dedication in creating this special family. Major props to our tireless crew, who helped make the creative vision happen and who deserve some rest and serious fun. Sincere thanks to Jacob for allowing us to build the world of Inspiration within his own world. And to Hiroki Sugiyama for the beautiful photos.

A star-spangled clapboard slates a kitchen scene.

Grace Brakeman (Claire), Director Jackie Carr, and Jonathan Thomson (Jack) discuss the opening breakfast scene.

Jessica Webb (Jennifer) and Grace Brakeman (Claire) during the dinner table scene.

Director of Photography Jess Dunlap sets up a shot.

A view of Claire's bedroom scene through the monitor.

Jennifer discovers Claire's secret.

Next stop... the editing suite!

More Ink for Inspiration and IS Films

The Angels Behind a Student Project
Industry largesse plays a vital role in 'Inspiration'

Martin Zaharinov majors in directing narrative fiction at Emerson College, but don't underestimate the importance of his minor in leadership and management. Lately he's demonstrating plenty of that important filmmaking skill known as getting it made.

Zaharinov is founder and president of IS Films Inc., a nonprofit intended to help fund student films beyond the normal thesis projects. And he and the IS (Independent Student) team, which includes treasurer Elizabeth Daly and non-student board members Paul Turano and Glen Livolsi, have reeled in some serious bounty for their first production.

Inspiration, filming in and around the city this month, is a roughly 25-minute film with a cast of four, written by Michael Gray Beckett (Emerson '84) and directed by Jackie Carr (an Emerson senior). It's the kind of indie often shot on the most threadbare of shoestrings.

But Zaharinov and company have scored a ton of film-industry largesse to get Inspiration done right: the loan of a complete 35mm camera and equipment package from Panavision (worth low six figures to rent for a few weeks), a film stock grant from Kodak (worth perhaps $3,500), and processing from the FotoKem post-production company that Zaharinov said will probably be worth $30,000 or more.

All this is just the beginning, says Zaharinov, who is credited as executive producer and assistant director. He hopes IS Films will become a producing umbrella that will help many more students realize their filmmaking dreams.

Click here for complete story.

First Weekend Shoot... In the Can

The tireless Inspiration cast and crew wrapped up the first weekend of shooting this past Sunday. As usual, the film gods were watching over us and managed to limit the rain to Saturday night... so both outdoor shoot days were classic autumn in New England. (Whew!)

Thanks to Grace, Abi, Jonathan and Jessica for their patience, professionalism and high spirits doing take after take. And to the crew for an epic amount of work. And to Julie Haberstick for the photos.

And it all happens again next week! The magic of Inspiration continues...

Eat, Drink... and Support Inspiration!

On Wednesday, October 22, the California Pizza Kitchen in Boston's Theater District will donate 20% of sales to Inspiration! All you need to do is print the flyer below and show it to your server or cashier when you place your order. It's a deliciously easy way to help raise funds for an exciting film project.

If you've never tried CPK's outstanding pizzas, salads and sandwiches, October 22 is the perfect time. And if you already know how good CPK's food is, we know you'll be there with a fork in one hand and the Inspiration flyer in the other!

So print the flyer above and take it to the CPK in the CityPlace building at 127 Stuart Street this Wednesday for lunch, dinner, or take-out. Your taste buds will thank you... and we will too!

And a big thanks to California Pizza Kitchen for supporting Inspiration and independent film!!

An Inspirational Cast

After months of outreach, auditions and callbacks, we are excited and proud to introduce the stellar cast of Inspiration. They bring a broad range of acting experience to the project, including some iconic roles in American film and theater.




The cast includes (clockwise from top) Jonathan Thomson (Jack), Jessica Webb (Jennifer), Grace Brakeman (Claire) and Abi Jean-Baptiste (Audrey). They are fast becoming a little family and are busy with rehearsals as we prepare for the first day of shooting on October 24.

Check back for detailed profiles of our shining stars... and more exciting Inspiration news!

Inspiration Highlighted in Emerson Magazine

The October issue of Emerson College Today includes a feature article on Inspiration, IS Films and the student and alumni working to bring the film to life.



Students find 'Inspiration' in film and win major grants
by Christopher Hennessy

A film produced and directed by current Emerson students, with a screenplay penned by an alumnus, has won three major grants, including an equipment grant from Panavision's New Filmmaker Program with an estimated value of $500,000. The filmmakers have also fundraised more than $17,000 to support the production of the film.

The 35mm film, entitled Inspiration, is scheduled to begin shooting late this month and into November. The other grants the film has secured include a Kodak 35mm film stock grant and a Fotokem grant for post-production processing, dailies printing and answer printing.

Click for full article...