Film Campaign News
October 13, 2024 Update (Part 3)
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Adolph Gasser's Influence on Nikon
A key scene in the "Being Adolph Gasser" documentary will be Adolph Gasser's considerable influence in the design and initial success of the Nikon camera. His contributions were almost lost to history except for the diligence and skillful writing of author Michael "Wes" Loder (The Nikon Camera in America, 1946-1953). He weaves historical facts with an inescapable understanding that a certain mix of very talented individuals had to be in the right place at the right time to alter the course of modern photography (and help launch an iconic brand in the process). Wes was very generous with his time and expertise. Ironically, he was interviewing both John and Adolph Gasser for his book over the same time period I began to film them (2003-2006).
Adolph passed away in 2006 and was never able to see the book published (2008). He would have enjoyed it!
-John C. Aliano, Producer/Director
john@beingadolphgasser.com
October 13, 2024 Update (Part 2)
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Kutztown Highlights: Shout Out to Our Supporters
I wanted to give a shout out to the remaining crowdfunding supporters of the Being Adolph Gasser documentary. These include Patrick Wirtz, Abel Schacht, Angel Contreras and Norberto Sanchez-Palma. The Indiegogo campaign raised $3625.00! With funds from all the supporters (you are the best) my crew and I have been able to travel to many places in the past two months. The last of which was Kutztown, PA. Unbelievably beautiful part of the country. Ziad, Ari and I stayed at an Airbnb near Michael Loder's home (author of The Nikon Camera in America, 1946-1953). This Airbnb was built 200 years ago and is surrounded by hundreds of acres of preserved farmland and a striking red barn.
The moment we exited the car we started taking pictures. What an amazing journey this has been...
-John C. Aliano, Producer/Director
john@beingadolphgasser.com
October 13, 2024 Update (Part 1)
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Lost Tripod Case Adventure on the Way to Filming
A (not so) funny thing happened to me on the way to my recent Being Adolph Gasser film shoot. On the journey to author Michael Loder's home in Kutztown, PA, Southwest lost my tripod case. This was especially concerning as it was acquired when I was an employee of
AGI and, as you can see by the sticker, had a coveted piece of memorabilia attached. I was more concerned about the case than the
contents within. The interview still went on (Mr. Loder is author of The Nikon Camera In America, 1946-1953) and I
soon discovered Southwest found the case and I retrieved it on my way back. Obviously, we can't become too attached
to things but some things are hard to let go of. The documentary continues!
-John C. Aliano, Producer/Director
john@beingadolphgasser.com
September 21, 2024 Update
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Help Us Finish Strong: 11 Days Left
Now that the feature documentary film, Being Adolph Gasser, is in the Sunset of Indiegogo crowdfunding (11 days left)
I encourage everyone to share the link for becoming a potential sponsor: www.indiegogo.com/projects/being-adolph-gasser#/
You have "pick your perks" or any contribution deemed appropriate. Already the funds have helped travel to several destinations
for critical interviews (see updates). All support helps bring this story of a person who was born in the right time to alter
history, the lives of artists, filmmakers and so many others. Special shout out to recent contributors Rena Kiehn and Ariel Carlin.
Also, support from Kondor Blue and Charles Zablan. A big thank you!!
-John C. Aliano, Producer/Director
john@beingadolphgasser.com
September 10, 2024 Update
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Max Schoenfeld Reflects on 41 Years with Adolph Gasser
The final leg of recent documentary filming was with Max Schoenfeld, who worked with both John and Adolph Gasser for 41 years! How many people work with a company for 41 years? Max saw the expansive growth of sales and stores, exceeding 120 employees at one point. Then the decline and eventual closing of the business. He worked tirelessly and knew well the school of hard knocks, as taught by John Gasser. Nothing was black and white and knowing human nature was key to the business. There was almost nothing Adolph could not repair and with Max by his side, car engines (they had a fleet of cars for outside sales employees) to
film processors were par for the course. It was an exceptional insight into the family.
www.indiegogo.com/projects/being-adolph-gasser#/
September 8, 2024 Update
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An Early Journey to Yosemite
Part of my feature documentary journey recently led me to the Yosemite Valley and some of the great landmarks of nature. In the 1930's, 40's and 50's this was expertly captured by the world renown photographer Ansel Adams, whose son Michael was interviewed by both Don and I last year. Ansel was best friends with Adolph Gasser and worked closely with him as Adolph set up his darkroom in San Francisco and the same in Carmel, CA (with a unique enlarger, custom built by Adolph, that allowed murals to be made). These were two masters of their respective crafts working hand in hand. Since we did not have reservations to get into the park and they were sold out for that day, we had to be there before 5am to make it past the gates.
With 8 minutes to spare we made it in and you can see the beauty everyone should experience at least once in their lives.
www.indiegogo.com/projects/being-adolph-gasser#/
September 7, 2024 Update (Part 2)
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A Heartfelt Interview with Andrew Ausley
The first interview of the past couple of weeks was with Andrew Ausley, grandson of Adolph Gasser. He lives in a lovely rustic area near Yosemite (free of mice due to his vigilant cat "Scratches") and graciously gave time for editor and camera operator Don and I to film him in his garage. An eclectic mix of tools and machinery surrounded us, some of which is from the Gasser store days, as well as a unique poster of his grandfather with various moments of his life depicted. It was an homage to a larger than life figure who played prominently in so many lives. Andrew spoke passionately of his experiences and made us feel like we were transported back in time and occasionally reflected on the universal truths played out in our lives. Articulate, informative and engaging, this was a wonderful interview. He also showed old photo books and remarkably a shot of both Adolph and I having a laugh.
I cannot thank him enough for his kindness and generosity.
www.indiegogo.com/projects/being-adolph-gasser#/
September 7, 2024 Update (Part 1)
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Catching Up with Gratitude: Thank You, Indiegogo Supporters!
Due to my recent travels and interviews for the Being Adolph Gasser documentary (beingadolphgasser.com) I have been remiss in thanking the wonderful contributors to the Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign (My talented crew and I have been putting those future dollars to work!). You are all amazing!! I want to thank Staci Walters, Maria Reyes, Jesus Reyes, Rob Manis, Emily King, Luis B. Ortega, Eric Garner, Aaron McNally, Coffy David Shea, Andrea Brown, Jesus R. Martinez, Ellen Plugge, Paul Fornelli and Andy Small.
Contributions of all sizes have helped to push the momentum forward and gain great stories in the process. More on that very shortly...
www.indiegogo.com/projects/being-adolph-gasser#/
August 11, 2024 Update
▼Heading in to week 2
Hi Everyone! We greatly appreciate those that have contributed to this campaign
and want to personally thank Leah Frink, Dan Germano, Ernie Luppi, Charles Barry, Philip Greenstreet, Allison de Jong-Irving, Staci Walters, Maria Reyes, Jesus Reyes, Rob Manis and Emily King for their monetary support!!
Any contribution gets us closer to the finish line. Please visit our social media page to view our new video about the campaign, led by associate producer Arianna Martinez.
Feel free to share this crowd-funding effort with friends, family or associates. Thank you!
www.indiegogo.com/projects/being-adolph-gasser#/