While awaiting a re-working of a trailer from "Mea Via Studios", I actually revamped an older video I created concerning Essex Park.  The script is definitely my Magnum Opus.  It is an unfinished draft at this point, but I'm preparing to put in serious time and work to put it in a polished and finished form.  An article I wrote about the history of Essex was published a number of years back by "Blood Horse" magazine, the official publication of American Thoroughbred Racing.  So here is my "amateur" version trailer.  The photos are actually of Essex and Oaklawn racetracks and the historical, real-life characters.  Photos courtesy of Hot Springs National Park and Garland County, Arkansas Historical Society.  

Caveat:  This is long at 3:25 minutes, so pop some corn and settle in for a trip back in time to the turn of the 20th century.

LOGLINE:

Intrigue and betrayal surround a young immigrant as he attempts to rebuild an exclusive horseracing track in the early twentieth century.  Inspired by the true story of Essex Park Race Track.

https://youtu.be/8yhAATVIW7A

I should have added above that my vision for the role of the villain “Umbrella Bill” is Billy Bob Thornton. He grew up just a few miles from the site of the old track. He and my husband attended the same high school and my husband’s aunt, the high school English teacher, was a strong advocate for him to pursue a career in writing and acting. She was incredibly insightful and she considered Billy Bob one of her hand-picked success stories. So, he is my fantasy choice. He definitely has skin in the game.

Ahoy Kathy -Actually, never heard the story before. Sounds intriguing with a bit of mystery. Luv the music selection. So... in your 'Magnum Opus' :D - do you explore any of the theories surrounding the fire that destroyed Essex Park? -A

Andrea, yes!  That fire and how and who started it has been a mystery for over 100 years. There were and are rumors to this day.  Hot Springs, at that time in history was the “Las Vegas” of the country. Casinos, horse racing, bookies - all of which served to attract Mafia types. Al Capone actually had a room reserved at one of the elegant hotels with a special “escape route” built just for him. This was all long before my time of course, but I heard the stories for years from family. My great uncle was actually a jockey at both the early Essex and Oaklawn, so they of course had their theories. After Essex burned, the powers at Oaklawn purchased the property to ensure that it was never rebuilt. So there’s that….Anyway, the intrigue of the story was real, the ultimate destruction of the track  is a central theme of my screenplay.  I’m going to post  the Mea Via professional trailer later today. Stay tuned!!

The new trailer is complete!  Another from “Mea Via”.  Let me know what you think.

https://youtu.be/p7-AR_z8bS4?si=tdfhzFqKJWm62HcV

Ahoy Kathy - for the record, the aesthetic of a film is a really important factor in whether I will see it or not.

A trailer that leaves you intrigued and wanting more is an effective trailer. And this one gives me a look at what is happening stylistically without me having to endure huge plot spoilers.

Technically, I 'd consider this more of a teaser than a trailer. So I guess what I'm saying is I wish more trailers were teasers and were done this well. JMHO. I'd definitely go see it. :)-A  

Quoted from ghost and_ghostie gal Ahoy Kathy - for the record, the aesthetic of a film is a really important factor in whether I will see it or not. A trailer that leaves you intrigued and wanting more is an effective trailer. And this one gives me a look at what is happening stylistically without me having to endure huge plot spoilers. Technically, I 'd consider this more of a teaser than a trailer. So I guess what I'm saying is I wish more trailers were teasers and were done this well. JMHO. I'd definitely go see it. :)-A

Thank you Andrea for the kind words. I really like this “teaser” too. I need to add that I didn’t feel the the first trailer they created correctly captured the spirit of the script. Although in their defense all they have to go on is a logline and short synopsis. Long story short, Oscar Garcia, the producer of these wasted no time in responding and assuring me he would make it right. He’s very professional and very personable and trying very hard to satisfy his customers and grow his new business. So far, I am very happy with the work they’re turning out, so a definite shout out to Oscar and Mea Via for this. I’m glad you liked it and maybe someday soon you will enjoy the entire captivating story on the screen.  Thanks again for the kind post.  :)