CALIFORNIA FOREVERto PREMIERE on KQED in FALL 2012
Backcountry Pictures and KQED present California Forever, a two-part PBS television special that tells the story of California's magnificent state parks from Yosemite in 1864 to the present day. Together, the two one-hour programs remind viewers of the importance of California's state parks as well as their priceless legacy. California Forever is scheduled to air nationally in fall 2012 (check local listings) and in the Bay Area on KQED 9, the public media company that serves Northern California.
California Forever was written and directed by Academy Award-nominee David Vassar. The program was produced by Sally Kaplan and David Vassar. The idea for the film was sparked after David and Sally watched the battle between conservationists and developers over the proposed Orange County Toll Road which would have paved over a portion of San Onofre State Beach. David and Sally felt compelled to tell the story of California's State Parks as a way to remind viewers of these parks and their value.
"The story of California State Parks is the story of California. It is also the story of the 'park idea' and how it spread from California across the country and around the world. The scenic beauty and historic sites that California State Parks protect celebrate our heritage, and helps define what it means to be a Californian," said David Vassar. "In California Forever, we hope to encourage viewers to explore state parks in their neighborhoods and across California; to remind them of the priceless legacy that parks protect and to honor the individuals and groups who fought so hard to preserve them over the last 160 years."
Episode One:
California Forever: The History of California State Parks highlights the discovery and creation of California's state parks system and celebrates the individuals and groups whose passion and commitment helped preserve and protect them for future generations. It takes viewers on a scenic, cultural and historical tour of California's state parks highlighting the people, key events and locales that made California history.
Episode Two:
California Forever: Parks for the Future presents the very real challenges that state parks are currently facing in California. Among these are habitat destruction by overuse; protection of native species at the expense of recreation; reclaiming industrial brown fields to create new parks in dense urban areas; establishing historic sites that commemorate people and events from diverse cultures; and imminent park closures.
An Official Selection at the International Wildlife Film Festival, California Forever received the award for Best Educational Program in 2011.
In addition to David and Sally, California Forever's creative team includes Christopher Tufty, director of photography; Christian White, editor; Tony Humecke, composer; and Richard Doyle, narrator. The producers scouted more than 100 parks, and the Backcountry Pictures crew shot in 46 of them over a two-year period.
Major funding for the PBS broadcast of California Forever is provided by Destination Cinema. Additional support is provided by the Hoeffer Family Foundation, Independent Documentary Association and Active Network.
MEDIA, PLEASE NOTE: To request an interview with David Vassar or Sally Kaplan, a California Forever DVD or BluRay disc, high-resolution photography and/or additional information, please contact Gretchen Krueger (Gretchen@landispr.com) or Jordana Heinke (Jordana@landispr.com). Please also visit www.cal4ever.com and www.backcountrypictures.com for more information. To view the trailer, please click here. Visit http://www.kqed.org for more information.
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Contacts:
Landis Communications, Inc.
Gretchen Krueger, 925-914-0102
Gretchen@landispr.com
Jordana
Heinke, 415-359-2313
jordana@landispr.com
www.landispr.com
