An Extraordinary Place

Portland, Maine | Film Short

Documentary, Music

Tom Bell

1 Campaigns | Maine, United States

Green Light

This campaign raised $12,615 for post-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.

88 supporters | followers

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As we prepare to share our film with audiences (worldwide), we are faced with the significant challenge of paying for the necessary music rights to ensure the authenticity and integrity of our portrayal of WMPG's diverse musical programming.

About The Project

  • The Story
  • Wishlist
  • Updates
  • The Team
  • Community

Mission Statement

Community radio stations like WMPG are thriving today because they are powered by humans rather than algorithms. Audiences worldwide are responding to the film because they yearn for community and human connections. The passions and joys expressed by the volunteer DJs are contagious.

The Story

WMPG 90.9FM is Southern Maine's leading community radio station, based on the University of Southern Maine campus. An Extraordinary Place shares WMPG's story through the voices of the passionate people who make up this vibrant community.


Howard Allen, a student at the University in the '70s, built the controls for his pirate radio station using parts scavenged from a washing machine at the dump. In 1973, WMPG went legit, transforming from a rogue operation into a licensed station when the university recognized its potential. WMPG has grown to reach an international audience, offering live radio, archived radio and a variety of podcasts.



The film offers a refreshing glimpse behind the scenes of a bustling local radio station in the 21st century, highlighting the invaluable role such stations play in their communities and shows the diversity of the station.


Viewers are introduced to this diverse lineup of presenters and DJs, including Rosita Reyes, host of "Latinos"; Ice Ingram, who brings "Caribbean Flava"; Lincoln Peirce, the voice behind "South by Southwest"; Kestrel Wilcox, who spins EDM tunes on "B4 the Drop"; Matt Little-Farmer, who heats things up with his rockabilly/rock 'n' roll show "Get Hot or Go Home!"; and David Pence, who curates "Radio Junk Drawer"


Rosita (Latinos)


Not forgetting, the energetic and eccentric Bobby Shaddox, aka DJ Shaxx, who hosts "Left of the Dial". DJ Shaxx is known for his unique weather forecasts delivered via karaoke, much to the delight of his loyal listeners.


WMPG extends far beyond its broadcasting building. It reaches into the cars and homes of its community and around the world.


DJ Jon hosts a K-Pop show.


The film is complete, and the sound has been expertly mastered by our friends at Waygate Mastering. Our final step before bringing the film to television and YouTube is securing the music rights for the songs played by the DJs in the film. This will help us reach a much wider, global audience


Please consider sharing the word. You can copy and paste this text: Could you help Tom Bell and WMPG achieve their goal of securing music rights for An Extraordinary Place? They’re eager to share the film with the world, but they need your support to fund the music.


Thank you!!



a clip from the Portland Press Herald showing Tom Bell with his award from the Maine International Film Festival.

Wishlist

Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.

Festival Submissions

Costs $1,200

Submitting to festivals so our film can reach its full potential.

XLR-K3M adaptor cable microphone

Costs $631

Tom put many hours into filming and unfortunately during a shoot, his XLR-K3M adaptor cable microphone. We want to help him replace this.

Music Rights

Costs $10,669

We need to buy rights to the music the DJs play in the film so we can air on Maine Public Television and share it on YouTube.

Cash Pledge

Costs $0

About This Team

Director: Tom Bell, former reporter at the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram

Producer: Annella Linton, development director at WMPG

Associate Producer: Stephanie Perks

Associate Producer: David Connerty-Marin

Second Unit Director: Roger McCord

Drone Operator: Henry Riley

Music Supervisor:Jennifer Mandel

Mix Master: Brian Lee of Waygate Mastering

Current Team

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