By Joyce Kryszak
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-988406.mp3
Buffalo, NY – In a couple weeks the National Trust for Historic Preservation will come to learn about Buffalo's iconic architecture. But a Chicago film maker has already showcased one of our most famous architects and wants to bring his story to public television stations across the country.
Louis Sullivan is one of America's greatest architects. But to film maker Mark Richard Smith, the architect was much more than that. The former struggling graphic designer, said he identified with Sullivan's determination not to succumb to a commercial aesthetic. Smith said it was such an amazing story to tell that when he finished, the film stretched to more than an hour and a half long.
Smith says he got so carried away that he used up all of his savings in making the film and had nothing left when American Public Television offered to distribute it.
Now, Smith is trying to raise $25,000 for the final production costs through the social network, fundraising site Kickstarter. But if he does not $25,000 in total pledges he collects nothing. And there are only three days left.
Smith said he hopes he makes the deadline and America gets to see the film - especially the dramatic shots of Buffalo's Guaranty building.
Smith said Buffalonians were the biggest fans of the film when it debuted here last year.
If Smith raises the money American Public Television will offer the film to public television stations this fall and it would be aired by those that pick it up next spring.
For more information about the film or to make a pledge to Smith's project you can go to Kickstarter.