Dave Matthews joins the film on Joy Brown and Academy Nominee Paul Raci will narrate The Piccirilli Factor.
As September rolls in, there's a sense of returning to normalcy that I find both refreshing and necessary. I've never been particularly fond of August in the northern hemisphere. Growing up in Buenos Aires, August was the coldest month of the year, often filled with the chill of winter, in stark contrast to the summer heat here. Perhaps it's this contrast that makes me appreciate the shift into September even more—an opportunity to refocus and push forward.
This month marks a significant milestone in my work. After nearly three years of intense research and learning, I’m on track to complete The Piccirilli Factor. This journey has been as enlightening as it has been challenging, each film I create teaching me something new. Right now, I’m writing from Amtrak 156, en route from Charlottesville to New York, where I’ll be filming with Thayer Tolles, Associate Curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Thayer will be adding her insights on Furio Piccirilli, Attilio’s brother and creative partner, bringing a critical perspective to the Piccirilli story before we head into postproduction.
The Piccirilli Factor: A Path to Completion
I’m thrilled to share that the search for the perfect narrator for The Piccirilli Factor has come to a successful end. Academy Nominee Paul Raci has agreed to lend his voice to the project. Paul is not only an extraordinary actor but also possesses a voice that will bring depth and gravitas to the narrative. Our paths first crossed nearly 35 years ago on the set of SmoothTalker, my first film and his second, and my respect for him has only grown over the years. We’ll be recording the voice-over in Los Angeles this November, followed by final sound postproduction at In Your Ear studio in Richmond. If all goes according to plan, The Piccirilli Factor will premiere in New York in the spring of 2025.
Dave Matthews Joins Joy Brown
Reflecting on my recent encounter with Dave Matthews in Charlottesville, I’m grateful for his willingness to share his views on Joy Brown’s monumental sculptures. My son William was able to assist with sound recording during our conversation, making it a family affair of sorts. It was fascinating to hear Dave, an art lover with a keen eye, discuss not only Joy Brown’s work but also the paintings of John Borden Evans and his late friend Edward Thomas. Having Dave Matthews contribute to the film on Joy Brown is truly the cherry on top, and I’m excited to see how his insights will enrich the final product.
Our fundraising efforts to complete the Joy Brown film continue, and while there’s still a long road ahead, I’m confident we’ll reach our goal. We’re aiming for a premiere in early September 2025.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The coming year promises to be a significant one for Heritage Film Project and myself. Alongside the release of The Piccirilli Factor and Joy Brown, we’ll be diving into two new projects. The first is Looking for Edward Boccia, a biographical documentary we’re coordinating with Boccia’s daughter, Alice, and curator Rosa Berland. The second project, The Women at Tiffany, will explore the historical context of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s rise as a prominent decorator and the contributions of notable female artists who worked under him. We’re currently developing this film with Lindsy R. Parrott, Executive Director and Curator at The Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass, and aim to include expert insights from both Lindsy and Alice Cooney Frelinghuysen of the MET. Their knowledge will be key to bringing this often-overlooked story to life.
As the conductor announces our departure from Culpepper, Virginia, I’m filled with anticipation for what lies ahead. New York, and the future, await.
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