film & media
Jacob Kainen:
The Last Expression
From his immigrant upbringing to his rebellious artistic journey in NYC, his leftist ideologies and eventual impact on the D.C. art scene, Jacob Kainen's story is one of perseverance and passion. Despite facing challenges like McCarthyism and career limitations, he found solace in his art, especially with the support of his second wife, Ruth. His legacy as an artist's artist and influential mentor endures, shaping generations of artists to come.
Married to the Music
Led by her burning passion for music and dance, Sam Divine – the first lady of British House Music – opens up about her love of clubbing, her rise to fame in the face of inequality and misogyny, personal addictions to drugs and drink and struggles with mental health in a relentless and unforgiving industry.
Filmed over 8 years, Married to the Music – Sam Divine takes us into the world of House Music featuring artists Hannah Wants, Smokin Jo, Roger Sanchez, Low Steppa amongst others, as we uncover its history, hidden secrets and politics through the eye of a female DJ.
Karen Carpenter: Starving for Perfection
The personal struggles of pop superstar Karen Carpenter are heard in her own voice through never-before released recordings, and through the stories of those who knew her, worked with her, and whom her music inspired.
As the #1 American musical act of the 1970s, The Carpenters were “top of the world,” producing a string of pop music masterpieces, including “Close to You,” “We’ve Only Just Begun,” and “Rainy Days and Mondays.” But behind closed doors, Karen’s quest for perfectionism resulted in low self esteem, a disheartening love life, and a very public battle with anorexia nervosa, the eating disorder that resulted in her untimely death at the age of only 32.
Miss Alma Thomas:
A Life in Color
Alma W. Thomas broke color barriers on and off the canvas, yet did not receive national attention until she was 80.
“Miss Alma Thomas” is the first documentary film that explores Thomas’ incredible life through the lens of curators, art specialists, scholars, and her family, and features award-winning actress Alfre Woodard as the voice of Alma Thomas. Released in conjunction with a major four-city museum retrospective, thousands will have the opportunity to learn of her life, work, and continuing influence.
Marvin Hamlisch Awards
In the midst of the pandemic, the Marvin Hamlisch International Music Awards needed a way to present its annual award program. A production was created which allowed us the ability to add more celebrity presenters, and create graphic sequences to enhance the winning compositions.
Fulbright Program
Reel Plan worked with Fulbright Program to develop a series of social media videos using scholar-recorded interviews. We developed a complete workflow, from user upload through the approval process to create these videos in less than three days.
Concert for Unity
On November 13, 2017, artists and guests from across the globe gathered together at Washington National Cathedral to lift up the ideals of unity and cultural cooperation through the power of the arts. Reel Plan produced the video for broadcast throughout the U.S. and Russia.
Films of Jon Gann
Jon has written and directed a number of short films which have been seen worldwide at film festivals, television broadcasts, and in limited theatrical runs.