GRIST From the Mill Volume 6: Issue 2
Fall/Winter 2012
A publication of the Newlin Grist Mill
The Magic of Film: Newlin on the Silver Screen Visitors to the Newlin Grist Mill regularly comment on the beauty of the grounds and the special character of the historic buildings. This spring NGM attracted the attention of film makers both for the mill’s historical character and for what the film makers envisioned it could be transformed into. The first film crew represented a small non-profit organization preserving a 17th-century gristmill in Connecticut. As part of their efforts to tell the mill’s story, they needed to film early working machinery. Since their mill is no longer operational, they turned to NGM as one of a very few mills that represent milling technology prior to its automation by Oliver Evans in the 1790s. The film crew spent nearly four hours setting up and filming to produce less than five minutes of usable scenes. They focused on the water wheel and machinery trying to capture the movement and sound that magically brings the mill to life when it Top to Bottom: Director Jaymie Nickerson & cameraman Andy Buckmaster make adjustments as they illuminate the mill for filming; The log cabin as Santa’s Workshop.
Table of Contents 2
New Acquisitions Brick Making and Firing
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Fall Harvest Festival Demonstrator Highlight: Brewing Tavern Night Volunteer Highlight: Earth Day Research: Winterthur Institute Archaeology at NGM Photos: Around The Mill
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New Faces at Newlin Grist Mill
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Calendar of Events
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operates. Their biggest challenge was to light the shafts and gears without creating too many shadows. The second group of film makers chose the rustic character of the log cabin for a commercial. The crew spent a full day transforming the cabin into Santa’s workshop complete with snow falling outside (quite a feat in May). The cabin came to life with a disco ball and Santa and his elf broke into what some might
call a dance. The day even included a brief appearance by a reindeer. Santa’s workshop/disco was part of a Christmas commercial for a group of Florida malls. These projects provide promotional footage for NGM’s use, public recognition, and generate funds to help maintain the buildings and grounds.