Made-for-TV movie filmed in Connecticut

By News Channel 8's Crystal Haynes
Posted April 29, 2008 5:45 PM

Hamden (WTNH) _ A Hamden boy has the starring role in an upcoming made-for-TV movie about abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
       
Lights, camera, action! Rain or shine, the show must go on and so does News Channel 8 -- aboard the Mystic Whaler. Aboard is a young Fredrick Douglass, famous abolitionist, taking the voyage of a lifetime for a new TV film chronicling his life.

"And what we are trying to do is to demonstrate that kids are not powerless," Director Chris Campbell said. "That there are kids, children all through history; Fredrick Douglass being the most remarkable one that have affected our society."

Every detail is historically accurate, with every actor transported to the 1830's. Director Chris Campbell is putting a lot faith in the film's star -- Hamden's own Kendall Jones. Only a 7th grader, he admits filling the shoes of Fredrick Douglass is exciting and challenging.

"It kind of makes you feel special when you are playing that part, when you are in the character," Jones said.

From bow to stern, the film is not just made in Connecticut, but the crew is almost all from Connecticut and so's the cast.

"The idea of taking Connecticut Public broadcasting area partner, and the state tax program and virtually everybody you see around here in addition to Kendall is from Connecticut," Director Campbell noted. "And this is one of the very first all Connecticut sroductions.""

As one chapter closes on this day of filming, a whole story opens for a young Hamden boy playing an historically significant character.

The narrative of the life for Fredrick Douglass will be screened in classes across Connecticut next fall as part of a series on young American heroes.

The nationwide release is scheduled for February 2009, just in time for Black History month.

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