by Karen V. Contino
When local resident Tyrone Young first met Mary J. Fears, a retired Volusia County school media specialist, at a Civil War re-enactment in Lake City, he was inspired. Mary, who also is a professional storyteller and genealogist, was at the re-enactment telling her documented versions of black history.
“I was really inspired with her dedication to preserving African-American history,” Tyrone said. “There is so much pertinent information that has been omitted from the schoolbooks. Most books glorify only a few people. But countless African-Americans were highly skilled artisans, craftsmen, spies and inventors, just to name a few.”
Setting Out to Fill the Gaps
Soon after, Tyrone and his company, Ellavision Entertainment, joined with Mary to write and produce the docudrama Filling the Gap, a film showcasing the contributions made by black Americans to the settlement and economic development of the U.S.
“Our intent was to create a supplemental tool to teach African-American history,” said Tyrone, who served as the film’s executive director. “The film is a pertinent resource for every student in grades six through 12. Black history is not just black; it’s American history.
Our film fills unknown pieces of American history — information that needs to be honored and respected.”
Tyrone Young (front, left) directs the cast of Filling the Gap, a docudrama that highlights the contributions made by black Americans throughout the U.S.’s history.
Southwest resident Richard Pabis, the film’s producer and director of photography, was deeply satisfied with how well the docudrama has resonated with its viewers and accomplished its goal of portraying overlooked role models.
“When we overheard people say, ‘I didn’t know that,’ we knew we hit it,” he said. “We knew we accomplished our goal.”
The film was completed on the day President Obama was inaugurated.
“We finished editing that night with added footage from CNN,” Richard said. “It was pretty amazing for us to see that transformation with our own eyes. History actually wrote the ending to our film.”
Praise from Local Educators
Jason Caros, a K-12 social studies curriculum specialist for Volusia County Schools, agreed that the film is an essential teaching tool.
“In previous generations, students did not have the opportunity to learn about the contributions of black Americans outside those related to the abolition of slavery or the civil rights movement,” Jason wrote in a letter praising the film. “While these contributions were very important, they were only part of the larger story of accomplishment.
In Filling the Gap, viewers gain a new understanding of the impact of black history-makers in the arts, crafts, sciences and military sciences before and during the Civil War era. Today’s students can learn from and be motivated by the individuals whose stories are told in Filling the Gap. The film accomplishes what a good history should do; it helps preserve our society’s historic memory and teaches us life lessons we carry with us and share with others.”
Actors in the docudrama Filling the Gap portray a black Union soldier and spy and his captain.
John Connor, a former middle and high school teacher and certified school psychologist and professor, also agreed that the docudrama truly “fills the gaps” in U.S. history.
“Filling the Gap literally fills in relatively unknown pieces of significant historical information that renders honor and respect for many who fought the tyranny and oppressiveness of this period,” John said. “Its portrayal of significant American politicians, abolitionists, artisans, craftsmen and inventors during the antebellum period has been portrayed in an accurate and wonderful manner. This film would be a pertinent resource for every school and college for the study of American history.”
Making a Film That Makes a Difference
Tyrone is an award-winning filmmaker who spent years working in Hollywood with top artists and performers, including the late Tupac Shakur, the late Barry White, the late Luther Vandross, Geena Davis, indie band Cake, Jewel, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and others. He relocated to Orlando six years ago to create Ellavision Entertainment and pursue his true passion.
“I always wanted to write, direct and produce my own films without the influence of Hollywood,” Tyrone said. “That is why I created my own company. I want to make films that make a difference in people’s lives.
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Currently, Filling the Gap continues to make a difference and is being utilized in many local private schools, as well as schools in Osceola, Lake, Volusia, Flagler and Marion counties. The film continues to gain recognition and is in the process of being distributed across the country.
For Tyrone and his carefully chosen team of seasoned professionals, the film was a huge undertaking. It took four years to produce the film; more than 70 hours of combined footage; and more than 300 people, including cast, crew and extras. Filming took place in MetroWest, Daytona Beach and Lake City, as well as Virginia, North and South Carolina, and Georgia.
“This is the most gratifying film that I have ever been a part of,” Tyrone said.
For more information, visit www.essenceofhistory.com on the Web.
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