49-North Tackles Project Across the Pond

Wayne refers to his involvement with the company as his second job, although it is certainly as involved and time consuming as a full-time career. He and Director Tyson compiled a film crew to attend the Buxton International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival in England.

W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan composed a number of operas in the late 1800s. Their works are still being performed internationally. At the Buxton festival Wayne and Tyson, along with their film crew, made it their mission to capture the theatre and fringe events surrounding the adjudicated festival performances. "We wanted to explore what makes people so excited about Gilbert and Sullivan 100 years later; what makes them tick and why they're willing to travel from all over the world."

The Vicks focused on two film projects, one telling the story of the diverse group of over two thousand thespians and approximately thirty-thousand Gilbert and Sullivan fans in attendance at the event, and a second documentary devoted to documenting a youth production of "The Mikado".

"The youth performance was pretty incredible," Wayne remarked. "The first day of the festival they held auditions for the youth production and in 10 days put together a complex stage performance of a century year old opera. Most of the performers at the festival practice constantly and it was incredible to see what could be done with local youth talent, an accomplished director and professional sets. I was so impressed with the level of talent and demeanor, not just with the kids, but everyone we dealt with. The people are very friendly and polite."

Buxton has a population of about 5,000 people and is situated in England's high country in the Moors. "There is an incredible sense of history," Wayne explained. "We rented a blacksmith's cottage while we were there, the town's smithy's home built in the 16th century. It is quite an undertaking for a town of that size to host such a large festival."

As the producer of the two films, Wayne was responsible for most of the paper work involved for the project. From obtaining the proper contracts and releases to negotiating tariffs and customs and importing film equipment, he said this was the most challenging production work he's ever done. "It wasn't easy, but it has been very interesting."

"Even now that the filming part of the projects is complete, we're only half-way done," Wayne says. "There's still a lot of work to be done."