South Dakota in movies/films (Gregory: credit, homes, theater)

[holborn]

Hi Everyone

This fellow, Chad Coppess, has been the Senior Photographer for the South Dakota Department of Tourism and State Development since 1993 and has taken it upon himself to compile a comprehensive database "...about the history of movies filmed in South Dakota."

He's eager to amass as much detail as possible: "If anyone has any info, fun stories, pictures, etc., I'd appreciate any and all of it.

"I'm interviewing actors, directors, producers, extras, anyone who had anything to do with the films, no part is too small. In fact, the more behind the scenes, the more often there is something interesting to hear about."

I thought some of you might have some anecdotes, etc., to share with him. His blog is here:

Cinema South Dakota

[DannyBanany]

Hmmm... I was an extra in National Treasure II Book of Secrets. Do I qualify?

No autographs please.

[Camden Northsider]

My favorite historical fact about film in SD (that isn't too well known but should be), and possibly my favorite historical fact about SD in general - is the story of Oscar Micheaux, one of the earliest and most prolific independent filmmakers was a South Dakota homesteader (was also a notable and well-respected author). Micheaux is regarded as the first African-American feature filmmaker, was the first African American to produce a film shown in white theaters, and Paul Robeson's acting debut was in a Micheaux film. There's a film festival celebrating his legacy every year in Gregory, SD.

P.S. - Chad does credit a Micheaux film on his website.