An award-winning documentary had cameras rolling here
by Rob Marino, Staff Writer

The students and faculty at Newburyport's Brown Elementary School certainly know about renowned basketball performer Sandy "Spin" Slade and filmmaker Lorre Fritchy, but there are still many locals who've never heard of them and their universal message.

It's been less than a year since Fritchy put the finishing touches on her 54-minute documentary about Slade, and so far, it has received a considerable amount of positive response. Fritchy's documentary, "Sandy 'Spin' Slade: Beyond Basketball," was honored with the Award of Merit at the Silver Street International Film Festival last July, just three months after its release.

Fritchy has also been invited to appear on Boston community television's "It's All About Arts" program this Monday, March 11. A live, call-in program on BNN-TV Channel 9, "It's All About Arts" is a talk show celebrating various Boston-area artists from musicians and dancers to painters to writers. The program airs live from 6-7pm.

Only 150 of thousands of local artists are invited on the program each year. "Lorre uses her production talents to help influence individuals in a positive way," says Diana LaVigne, the program's executive producer. "Ms. Fritchy is an outstanding role model, and we are delighted to have her as a guest on the show."

Fritchy says "Beyond Basketball" is her answer to the flood of negative images in film and television. "I was thrilled when 'It's All About Arts' approached me to talk about the impact and artistry of film and video," she says. "I hope to continue to tell stories that are not only visually compelling but socially significant as well, not necessarily rooted in tragedy but positive from the start."

The documentary, which is Fritchy's first, follows Slade, a world-renowed basketball entertainer and speaker. Celebrated as one of the best basketball handlers in the world, Slade's even greater gift is her electrifying connection with people, Fritchy says. Using basketball to relate personal stories of doubt, determination and triumph, Slade inspires millions at half-times, assemblies and special events.

"I've probably seen her thousands of times and it never gets old and it's never any less inspiring, which is important for an independent filmmaker," Fritchy says. "She's so sincere and down-to-earth, and people really relate to her. She just uses her talent to get people to hear her message. I'm proud that this is my first project. I always said what I'm going to do first is going to be my foundation."

A native of Methuen, Fritchy was living in Newburyport during the time she was making her documentary. While the documentary was filmed in various parts of the country following Slade on the road, Fritchy also filmed a considerable chunk of the documentary at the Brown Elementary School.

"They were just terrific and they absolutely loved her," Fritchy says of the Brown students and faculty. "There was an energy in the air, and Brown School had that. I was proud to be shooting in my back yard."

One faculty member told Fritchy at the time that the entire experience was a "double bonus" for the children because they got to see both the filmmaker and the basketball entertainer at work. In fact, Fritchy was invited back to the school's Port Day, or career day, to share career experiences with potential writers and filmmakers. After the documentary was released last April, Fritchy was invited back to the school for a third time to show the documentary and to answer questions from students.

Before moving to Newburyport, Fritchy had been living in the Sunshine State. A creative writing major who graduated from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Fla., in 1991, Fritchy spent her post-college years working at several industry-related jobs. Fritchy worked as an assistant producer for a syndicated television news company. While all those jobs gave Fritchy valuable experience to guide her on her way, they simply weren't her cup of tea.

"I found it was not quite the branch of the industry I wanted to be in," Fritchy says. "...I just got to the point where I said it's time for a change. It just wasn't my mission. It wasn't what I was meant to do."

While in Florida, Fritchy also spent time working on screen productions and indie films, as well as attending screenwriting workshops. Then one day, through mutual friends, Fritchy met Slade, who was traveling through Florida. "We hit it off and I got to see her perform, which was outstanding. It just blew my mind, and it happened time and again," Fritchy says. "But when I saw her speak, I realized there was more to the story than a one-trick pony. It's one of those stories of a person making a difference a little at a time, but a lot of people don't know anything about her."

Fritchy admits she had no intention of making a documentary at first. "I had her in the back of my mind as a screenplay originally," she says about Slade. "But 'real' plus 'film' equals 'documentary' so that's what I did. It just kind of snowballed as I went along."

It took two years to make the documentary, Fritchy says, and she's glad her hard work is starting to pay off a little. "It feels great because it's taken so long, but I try to keep an even keel," she says. "Two years is not so long in terms of production, but it's a lot for a person. When you're independent, it takes longer. You have a life in-between. Plus, you have to wait until the story tells you it's finished."

Fritchy is working to get the documentary broadcast on American and Canadian cable television, a process she knows will be long.

Fritchy will also be at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield on April 15 as part of a special events series to kick off the anticipated fall completion of the building's revitalization project. Fritchy will show the documentary twice on April 15, followed by a question-and-answers session.

For Fritchy, it's not about money, fame or glory; it's about sending an important message to as many people as possible.

"Making a difference is more important than recognition," she says. "You have to be patient and you have to believe more than anything else. If you don't have that belief, then you can't survive in this business. You just never know when it's going to pay off."

"It's All About Arts" rebroadcasts Monday 11pm to midnight, Tuesday 8-9am, Friday 7-8pm, Saturday 1-2pm, and Sunday 1-2pm. Boston-area residents are encouraged to participate in the live show Monday from 6-7pm. The call-in phone number is 617-973-4848.

Fritchy's documentary is available on VHS for $29.99 each plus $3.50 shipping ($1 per additional copy) and $1.50 tax per copy for Massachusetts residents. Order forms can be printed from the official Web site, www.spinumentary.com or write to: MasterPeace Productions, PO Box 4139, Lawrence MA 01843.

LAWRENCE, MA - Merrimack Valley resident and filmmaker Lorre Fritchy, will appear on Boston community television's “It's All About Arts” program Monday, March 11, 2002. A live, call-in program on BNN-TV Channel 9, “It's All About Arts” is a talk show celebrating various Boston arts and artists from musicians and dancers to painters and writers.

Fritchy was invited to appear on the show as a result of her award-winning independent documentary, Sandy 'Spin' Slade: Beyond Basketball. “…[We] wanted to recruit guests that make a long term contribution to the arts,” explains Executive Producer Diana La Vigne, “Lorre uses her production talents to help influence individuals in a positive way.”

The story of a woman whose electrifying connection with people begins with her unique profession, Beyond Basketball is Fritchy's positive answer to the flood of negative images in film and television. “I was thrilled when 'It's All About Arts' approached me to talk about the impact and artistry of film and video,” says Fritchy. “I hope to continue to tell stories that are not only visually compelling but socially significant as well, and not necessarily rooted in tragedy but positive from the start.”

SAXON, WI - New England filmmaker Lorre Fritchy's first documentary, “Sandy 'Spin' Slade: Beyond Basketball,” was honored with the Award of Merit at the Silver Street International Film Festival on Friday.

A one-hour documentary on the unique life and contagious enthusiasm of professional basketball entertainer Sandy 'Spin' Slade, “Beyond Basketball” was one of only four films to receive this special award for creative excellence.

“The Silver Street Film Festival is extremely active in supporting video and filmmakers who have important stories to share but don't have the backing of a Hollywood studio,” said Fritchy. “They want the filmmakers to get more work by showcasing this up and coming talent.”

Fritchy's subject, Sandy Slade, performs and speaks at halftimes, assemblies and special events. Slade is considered one of the world's top ballhandlers, but it is her contagious enthusiasm and her message behind the spinning that appeal to audiences.

“People can take hundreds of classes and pay tons of money to try to learn how to connect with people and still never get it, but [Sandy] has it,” said festival director Evan Sasman.

Presented by the Academy of Video Arts and Sciences, the Silver Street International Film Festival is “a spotlight for the independent, where the talent of tomorrow will meet today.” The AVA provides information for the advancement of independent film and video.

NEWBURYPORT, MA - Independent filmmaker and screenwriter, Lorre Fritchy, announced the official release of her highly anticipated documentary, "Sandy Spin Slade: Beyond Basketball" this week. An inspiring 54-minute biography of renowned basketball entertainer and speaker Sandy Slade, "Beyond Basketball" has been two years in the making.

Sandy Slade is considered one of the best basketball handlers in the world, performing at NBA/WNBA halftimes, school assemblies, and special events. But it is Slade's undeniable aura and electrifying connection with people that inspired Fritchy to tell her tale. "I originally thought about writing a screenplay about Sandy and her unique career and persona," Fritchy states, "But the fact that she is an ordinary person doing such an extraordinary thing, impressed me enough to realize a documentary would be a more effective way to convey her story at first."

The director hopes this positive story will not only serve as preventive medicine, but also be a good springboard for future projects. "My goal is to counteract some of the negative influences out there, especially the ones that children are exposed to," explains Fritchy. "Sandy is one of the many unsung heroes making a difference one person at a time. I couldn't think of a better foundation to build my storytelling career on than a film that is not only visually compelling but also socially important."

Fritchy, a freelance producer and writer who has also worked on various New England films and videos, was pleased to use area resources for her low-budget indie project. The score was composed by Boston's own Jeanine Cowen of "Home Before Dark" repute, and was recorded and mixed locally as well. And while some filming took place at Slade's Southern California headquarters, a great deal of shooting occurred throughout New England, including at a Celtics halftime and at many schools like the Brown Elementary School in Fritchy's own Newburyport backyard.

CAMBRIDGE, MA - There was not an empty seat in the house when independent filmmaker and screenwriter, Lorre Fritchy, screened the five-minute trailer for her upcoming documentary at the Harvard Square Scriptwriters workshop this month.

"It's been over a year in the making," Fritchy says of her first film, "And the Harvard Square members have offered advice and support since the start. They're about as excited as I am to see it finished."

"Sandy Spin Slade: Beyond Basketball" will be a one-hour documentary telling the unique story of Sandy 'Spin' Slade, a speaker and entertainer who uses her astounding basketball skills as a tool to deliver a deeper message of self-esteem and following your dreams.

Comprised mostly of Boston-area writers and filmmakers, the Harvard Square Scriptwriters provide a filmmaking network in addition to reading and critiquing members' feature film screenplays on a weekly basis. "This is a group that's used to giving in-depth constructive criticism," explains Fritchy, "So for them to offer nothing but unanimous praise after seeing the trailer -- that's a good sign."

NEWBURYPORT, MA - Independent filmmaker and screenwriter, Lorre Fritchy was pleased to use her resident city of Newburyport MA recently, to shoot footage for her first documentary "Sandy Spin Slade: Beyond Basketball." With cooperation from the Brown Elementary School, Fritchy filmed one of Slade's awe-inspiring performances that use basketballs as a tool to deliver a deeper message of self-esteem and following your dreams.

When Slade then used the Brown School to rehearse another upcoming show, Mayor Lisa Mead was called in to catch a glimpse of Slade's skill and contagious enthusiasm. "Mayor Mead even shot a few buckets with Sandy after practice," says Fritchy. "It was a boost of hometown support. The Mayor's excitement and the crowd's reaction really assured me I'm not the only one who sees Sandy's aura. She's a lot more than basketball."

The Brown School then asked Fritchy to return for Port Day, to share career experiences with potential writers/filmmakers. "To have a female celebrity athlete come to the school is a great opportunity," says Phys. Ed. teacher Cathy Hill, "but then to have a local female filmmaker taping it for a documentary! That was a bonus for the students to see."

A one-hour piece on Sandy "Spin" Slade -- considered the world's top basketball entertainer and ball-handler -- the video will focus not only on the uniqueness of Slade's occupation, but also on Slade's illuminating personality and the substance behind her showmanship.

Fritchy met with industry support for the project while accompanying Slade to the Women's Final Four recently, but there is still a long road to completion. "The buzz about this documentary has been terrific," Fritchy says, "There is definitely a market and an interest. Now it's a matter of getting the funding to finish it."

Filming was conducted from April '99 to February '00 and the next stage is editing. "I'm still fundraising," says Fritchy. "For independent films and videos, money often comes from private sources, but you have to let them know you're out there and then trust that they share your belief in positive programming."

NEWBURYPORT, MA - Lorre Fritchy's MasterPeace Productions is pleased to announce Double Diamond Associates owner AJ Dimaculangan as a Co-Executive Producer on Fritchy's first documentary, Sandy 'Spin' Slade: Beyond Basketball. Gearing up to be a one-hour piece on Sandy 'Spin' Slade -- the world's top basketball entertainer and ball-handler -- this video brings Fritchy and Dimaculangan together for the first time since their work on a video history of the American Culinary Federation last year.

"AJ and I complement each other well," says Fritchy. "His knowledge and experience will provide the right strategies for investment and marketing, leaving me the time and effort I need to concentrate on the documentary itself." This spinumentary™ will cover Slade's unique occupation and unparalleled skill with a basketball. Through Slade's contagious enthusiasm and motivating message, viewers will witness a real life success story while seeing the substance behind the showmanship.

"I'm excited about this project," says Dimaculangan. "It ties directly into my current interests of producing and marketing thoughtful, positive films and documentaries. There is also tremendous distribution potential for this video."

Dimaculangan is producing a feature film as well as a documentary on Engaged Buddhism. As a freelance writer, Fritchy has published industry-related articles for New England film resources in addition to having worked on the crew of several independent films and documentaries.

NEWBURYPORT, MA - Boston-area filmmaker Lorre Fritchy is currently gathering resources for a one-hour documentary on the world's top basketball entertainer and ball-handler, Sandy 'Spin' Slade.

The project will focus not only on the uniqueness of Slade's occupation, but also on Slade's illuminating personality and just-do-it mentality which have enabled her to carve out a niche career for herself as a leading clinician, motivational speaker and author.

The film will highlight Slade's philosophy of keeping the fun in fundamentals, while illustrating how her performances inspire others to work hard, overcome criticism and follow their dreams.