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(For
immediate release)
WNED-TV’S “ELBERT HUBBARD: AN AMERICAN ORIGINAL”
PREMIERES NATIONWIDE NOVEMBER 23
The one-hour
documentary presents the fascinating life story of Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915),
the flamboyant founder of the Roycroft artisan community in
Narrated
by actor Liev Schreiber, the film was produced,
directed and written by WNED Senior Producer Paul Lamont. The musical
score was written by Michael Bacon and
the voice of Hubbard is provided by Adam Arkin.
Lamont,
who also produced WNED’s Frank Lloyd Wright’s Buffalo for
PBS, describes his latest film as “a story of love, art, passion and
controversy set against the backdrop of the Arts and Crafts Movement.”
Hubbard, an influential author, publisher, lecturer
and entrepreneur, attracted master craftspeople as well as numerous dignitaries
to his campus. At the turn of the 20th century, his Roycroft community was at
the forefront of a movement that rejected mechanized industrialism and
emphasized hand-crafting simple designs for everyday objects. But the colorful,
independent Hubbard was also a controversial national figure.
“You may not approve of everything Hubbard did,”
said Lamont, “but I think people will be able to relate to the contradictions
that were part of his personality as well as his personal and professional
struggles during a very turbulent and transitional time in
“I tried
to create an artistic film that mirrored the artistic qualities of Arts and
Crafts and tell the best possible story,” he added. “By virtue of that, I think
people will want to experience Roycroft for themselves.”
The
nonprofit Roycroft Campus Corporation (RCC) is
now restoring the original multi-building complex ― a National Historic
Landmark and the nation’s only authentic Arts and Crafts community ― located
20 minutes from
“This thoughtful and insightful documentary is a
powerful portrayal of Elbert Hubbard and his work,” said Christine Peters,
Executive Director of the Roycroft Campus Corporation (RCC). “The creativity,
passion and legacy of Hubbard, portrayed in this piece, evokes his spirit and complexity.”
“This documentary will inspire viewers to
understand the importance of the history, work and philosophies started more
than 100 years ago,” she added. “It supports the efforts of the RCC to continue
to promote the Campus as a cultural destination attracting visitors, artists
and those passionate about the Arts and Crafts Movement.”
“Elbert
Hubbard and his Roycrofters
were key players in a movement that made a significant contribution to our regional and national heritage,” said WNED
President and CEO Donald K. Boswell. “Bringing their grand American story to a
national television audience is part of WNED’s commitment to sharing our community’s many
cultural and environmental treasures with the world.”
WNED’s
WNED’s catalog of recent national productions or
co-productions includes Frank Lloyd Wright’s Buffalo (2006),
Through WNED-TV, ThinkBright TV, Classical 94.5/WNED-FM and WNED-AM 970 The Information Station, the
member-supported WNED Buffalo/Toronto provides high quality programming and
services that enlighten, inspire, entertain and educate Western New York and
Southern Ontario communities. Additional information about WNED can be found at www.wned.org.
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