National "Insights" Documentary in Progress - Take I
By Julie Perine on April 15, 2012
So is the City of Bridgeport a hidden gem?
Apparently, Insights TV thinks so.
This weekend, our town is the focus of a documentary which will air this fall on CNN and Fox, among other networks. The show is “Hidden Gems to Live, Work and Play” and the host is Terry Bradshaw. The former Pittsburgh Steelers QB and NFL Hall of Famer didn’t make a personal visit, but he will be doing voice-overs. Jonathan Phillips, the show’s head videographer, is spending a couple of days with us.
Today is day two of the shoot as Phillips captures the moment when the red ribbon is cut and the Bridgeport Recreation Complex officially opens as the city’s newest site for America’s favorite pastime.
It couldn’t have been planned better if it had been scripted.
Well, actually it was.
Bridgeport’s national claim for fame has been a work in progress for the past few months. It was in mid-January when the first call came into the City Clerk’s desk inquiring as to whether our North Central West Virginia city - population 8,000 plus – would be i
nterested in being featured in the brand new series. A meeting of city officials was called and eyebrows around the room raised when it was asked if the shoot could occur in conjunction with the Rec Complex dedication.
nterested in being featured in the brand new series. A meeting of city officials was called and eyebrows around the room raised when it was asked if the shoot could occur in conjunction with the Rec Complex dedication.
Three conference calls with Insight producers later, it was a done deal. The show would be filmed in mid-April.
A series of steps followed, including detailed work with Insights Producer Anthony DeMellio, Head Writer Jessica Lasry and Senior Production Coordinator Kristen Albanese.The team was interested in learning whether or not Bridgeport had experienced positive economic development, educational and athletic excellence, recreation and general quality of life. Did we see natives returning here to retire – or high school graduates staying here to raise their families?
It was answered: Yes, indeed - on all accounts.
It was icing on the cake for Insights to discover the historical significance of Bridgeport – from the contributions of Michael Late Benedum to the accounts of 103-year-old resident Paul Whiteman, who remembers when streets were paved with dirt and livestock arrived via the town’s own train station. It was also decided that Lotus MacDowell, a contemporary resident artist who has sketched a variety of Bridgeport landmarks and Mike Martin, a local physical therapist who has not only been involved in high school athletics, but also founded th
e Bridgeport Little League Challenger Division, were among good interview choices.
e Bridgeport Little League Challenger Division, were among good interview choices.
A variety of shooting locations were established, including Hinkle & Deegan Lakes, Bridgeport High School, Bridgeport City Park, downtown Bridgeport, Charles Pointe and Pete Dye Golf Club, among many others.
So, as of the writing of this piece, for the last 12 hours and counting, Phillips has - through the eye of his camera - experienced why Bridgeport is such a gem.
It’s not his first rodeo. Among other cities, he has filmed “Insights with Terry Bradshaw: Hidden Gems to Live, Work and Play” at locales including League City, Texas, population 84,000 and Albany, New York, population 94,000.
Through close-ups of cakes and pies at Almost Heaven Desserts and of canine friends at the City’s own “Bark Park,” the story unfolded as to why Bridgeport had been approached for the series.
It’s about big opportunity in a little-known town. And that’s something to take note of, Mayor Jim Christie said.
“To many of us who live and work here, Bridgeport is a special place, but when others outside the state take note of that, it’s reassuring that we are on the right track of being a good place to live, work and play,” he said.
Yep. It’s a wrap.
We feel so blessed to have relocated to Bridgeport in 1995 and raise our two children in such a wonderful community. We had left the Charleston area in 1981 after graduating college to seek jobs in Rockville, MD and really never thought we would get to return to WV. Just love our town and wonderful friends we have made here!
Posted by Carla Yaquinta
Apr. 24, 2012 at 11:09 PM EST
coming from someone who grew up here, its amazing how much bridgeport has grown-and its really still a "small" community! two years ago, my middle daughter and i were driving down main street during christmas time. all the lights were up, shining and blinking, the buildings were decorated. she said, "we have the neatest, coolest little town". when a sophomore in high school says that, you know it must be something pretty special!
Posted by felicia bryant
Apr. 18, 2012 at 3:39 PM EST
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