By Patra Sevastiades

 

The sun was shining, and happy conversations filled the room as President Elizabeth Simonson rang the bell. She led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Rotary 4-Way Pledge. Rotarians celebrating May birthdays were singled out. John Baumgarten, Jim Landwehr, and Jerry Thoreson heard us sing “Happy Birthday” in their honor.

 

President Elizabeth Simonson welcomes all to the lunch.

 

Rotarians saying the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Jerry Thoreson delivered the Reflection, observing that people in the film and television industry are increasingly aware of Duluth’s appeal as a filming site. Additionally, Jerry Thoreson noted that his recent birthday prompted him to revisit Psalm 90, verse 12, which reads, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.”

 

President Elizabeth Simonson with Jerry Thoreson, whose birthday prompted reflection on the brevity and meaning of life.

 

Patra Sevastiades paid a work zone fine: her and her co-author’s photos and the cover of their new book appeared on the front page of the Duluth News Tribune. (The talented Jeff Fifield took Patra’s photo.)

 

Patra Sevastiades gratefully pays a work zone fine.

 

Jim Landwehr kicked the Golden Can twice: once to celebrate his birthday, and once to honor the organ donor whose lungs are now in Jim’s chest.

 

Jim Landwehr celebrates his birthday and expresses gratitude to his organ donor.

 

Past President Bob Bennett celebrated his niece-in-law, Megan Bennett, a first-grade Spanish teacher at Lowell School, who was just honored as the 2025 Goldfine Gold Star Teacher!

 

 

Past President Bob Bennett honored Megan Bennett, his niece-in-law, the 2025 Goldfine Gold Star Teacher.

 

President Elizabeth Simonson introduced our guests: Char Kerelko, guest of Jack Seiler; Judy Sage, guest of husband Allen Anway; Greek Orthodox Bishop Demetrios, guest of Patra Sevastiades (and her co-author); and Riki McManus, Chief Production Officer of Upper Midwest Film Office, guest of Rob Hofmann.

 

Patra Sevastiades and her guest (and co-author) Bishop Demetrios C. Kantzavelos.

 

Jack Seiler, Grants Committee chair, welcomed Char Kerelko to the podium. Kids Closet started in 1982. Soon after it was established, Club 25 began to support its work of providing clothing to families of children referred by the school district. Parents “shop” at Kids Closet, then take the new items to their children.

 

Jack Seiler, Grants Committee chair, presents Char Kerelko with a $2,000 check for Kids Closet.

 

District Governor-Elect Elaine Hansen invited all to the Passing of the Gavel (District 5580’s Changing of the District Governor) on June 10 at 5:30pm. Please RSVP Elaine at ehansen906@gmail.com by June 2. Tickets are $40 per person.

 

District Governor-Elect Elaine Hansen invites all to the June 10 Passing of the Gavel.

 

Past President Al Makynen, co-chair of the Rotary Gala & Auction, reported OUTSTANDING financial results:

Pledge Fund (supports grants, Jr. Rotarian program, etc.)

Goal: $20,000     Actual: exceeded $21,000!

Two causes (Neighborhood Youth Services and Polio Plus)

Goal: $16,000     Actual: $32,000!

These results were roundly applauded.

 

Past President Al Makynen shared good news from the Gala & Auction.

 

Rob Hofmann puts on his film producer’s hat to relate what attracts filmmakers to Duluth.

 

Chair of the Day, Past President Al Makynen, introduced Rob Hofmann, President and CEO of Dunbar/Hofmann Productions. Rob—playwright, published author, theatre actor, screen actor, and co-producer of the London play A Brief Crack of Light is a co-executive producer of the upcoming independent film, The 7^th. He shared what it takes to produce a movie in Duluth. He works on “The 7^th” with veteran filmmaker Anne Marie Gillen, producer of Fried Green Tomatoes (1991). As co-executive producer, he works with the entire production to raise the $10 to 12 million for the film.

 

Rob shared examples to demonstrate that movies and television shows are considered “content” and are as much a product as are traditional manufactured goods such as shoes or Cirrus planes. They require infrastructure (e.g., studio space for film /manufacturing plant for Cirrus), skilled workers (e.g., actors, electricians), and sound financials. A producer considering filming in the Northland will discover a number of “stackable” financial incentives in the form of tax credits = 25% from the state; 20% from the Iron Range; and 25% from St. Louis County. A 2023 study by the University of Minnesota Bureau of Business and Economic Impact concluded that every $1 in tax incentives yields a whopping $6 in local economic impact.

 

 

Unique location and excellent local talent. A growing number of regional financial incentives. Low production costs compared to major cities. (To produce an independent film cost around $10-$12 million. The same film in Hollywood would run you around $60-$70 million.)

 

An exceptional screenplay; a marketable genre; known director/lead actors; an appropriate budget; experienced producers and heads of departments; already having distributors lined up for presales; and a solid business plan with compelling financial projections.

 

A plan that mitigates risk! The Specifically, a good budget and tight production schedule; a completion bond (that is, an outside entity holds a bond to guarantee that the project will be finished or, failing that, that the bondholders will be paid back); excellent talent, marketing, and a great distribution plan; and “soft money” such as in-kind or sponsorship/product placement. An experienced producer will make every effort to ensure the investors’ money is managed in the most effective way.  The investors receive their full investment back (plus a 10% bonus) before any profits are distributed. Profits are then split 50-50 between the investors and the producers’ production company. An investor benefit:  having your uncle appear in the film or having your product/logo appear on the screen.  Other perks motivate investors, too: being able to be on set, or being part of something, or being an extra in a film. Knowing that if the film doesn’t materialize, one can write off the loss on one’s taxes.

 

Rob concluded to applause.

 

Bob Reichert won the 50/50. With that, President Elizabeth Simonson rang the bell.

 

 

In the Northland, 200-300 people are training to become skilled workers in the film and television industry.

 

Above the line vs. Below the line:

• In filmmaking, the "line" refers to the budget and separates the creative visionaries from the logistical maestros.

• "Above the line" roles are typically associated with creative development and include director, producer, screenwriter, casting director, and principal cast.

"Below the line" refers to the crew members who execute the vision, including cinematographers, sound technicians, editors, and grips. The distinction is largely based on budget allocation, as "above the line" roles are typically paid a fixed rate, while "below the line" positions are often paid hourly. 

Grips:

• Grips are technicians who specialize in the setup, adjustment, and maintenance of equipment, including camera support and lighting.

• While grips work closely with the electrical department (led by the gaffer), they are not electricians.

• Grips are responsible for rigging and securing equipment to ensure the safety of the cast and crew.

• They are skilled at building and adjusting camera rigs, dollies, cranes, and other equipment for smooth camera movements. 

Best Boy:

• The "best boy" is an assistant to either the gaffer (head of the electrical department) or the key grip (head of the grip department).

• There are two types of best boys: best boy electric and best boy grip.

• The best boy electrical assists the gaffer in managing the lighting and electrical equipment.

• The best boy grip assists the key grip in managing the camera grip crew and equipment.

• The best boy is not necessarily the most senior person in a department, but rather the chief assistant to the department head.