Red Deer, October 12, 2011 – What does it take to be creative?  RDC instructors Larry Reese and James Wilson seek to answer that question in their new film Mapping Creativity which premieres Friday, October 28 at 8:00 p.m. on the Arts Centre Mainstage.

The duo interviewed well known Alberta actors, musicians, filmmakers and painters for the feature film that began as a short film three years ago.  The project grew in scope when in 2009 Reese applied for a sabbatical from his duties as the Head of Acting for the Motion Picture Arts program at Red Deer College.

“The idea came to me while staring at a blank canvas,” states Reese. “I was feeling overwhelmed and thinking of the number of times I have had similar feelings over the last 25 years when it came to working on a role as an actor, or a piece of music as a musician, or a screenplay as a director.”

Reese and Wilson chart the creative process through interviews with artists including Jazz great PJ Perry, Blues impresario and radio host Holger Petersen and film legend Fil Fraser.  “I have a lot of friends who are extremely creative people and are well established in their careers in the arts in Alberta,” notes Reese.  “I also have a lot of students who are seeking the same. A film seemed to be a wonderful vehicle to collect the insights of the professionals to share and hopefully inspire those with an interest in expressing their own brand of artistic creativity.”

Shaun Johnston of CBC’s Heartland, central Alberta’s great landscape painter, David More, and Jean Grand-Maitre, the Artistic Director of Alberta Ballet, also share their insight on the creative process in the film.  Alongside interviews with such notable Albertan artists, the film documents Reese’s own creative journey as he works to create an original painting. 

Mapping Creativity will be screened after a group art show reception and fundraiser called ‘Creativity’ in the Arts Centre Lobby starting at 7:00 p.m.  In collaboration with the Motion Picture Arts and the Visual Art departments, ‘Creativity’ includes works by various artists who appear in the film.  Proceeds will raise money for the two departments. 

Entertaining, humorous and at times controversial, this feature length documentary film will be a highlight of an evening of creative exploration, and is for anyone who has ever contemplated a desire to be creative. This film has not yet been rated. Please note: language advisory.

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RDC is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Arts Centre. First opened in 1986, this state-of-the-art community performing arts centre has housed the training of over 40,000 actors, technicians, musicians, filmmakers, and dancers that contribute to the vibrant arts and cultural scene of Alberta. 25 years has culminated in approximately one million audience members who have been entertained, taught and delighted during more than 5,000 performances and events.

About RDC: Red Deer College has served the needs of students and the community for more than 45 years. With greater than 75 programs to choose from, we pride ourselves on providing a practical education, in a genuine and sustainable learning environment. Our 7,800 full-time and part-time credit students and more than 13,000 continuing education students are at the core of everything we do. RDC – when you get here you understand.

For more information on RDC, please visit our website: www.rdc.ab.ca

Berni Hennebery, Arts Centre Marketing Manager

RDC

403.342.3536