A group of Montana State University film and snow enthusiasts have produced a ski movie that wowed Emerson Cultural Center audiences earlier this month and is slated for more showings around the state. “Come Find Us” is a freestyle ski/snowboard movie featuring Montana resorts and riders, created by Toy Soldier Productions. Both showings on Sept. 2, 2010, sold out. What began as a fun project for the MSU students turned into something bigger than any of them ever expected.
It all started when Justin Brodin, founder of Toy Soldier Productions, contacted other MSU filmmakers one year ago: “Hey, I have an idea to do a ski movie. Let’s meet if you’re interested!” He gathered other students who were also passionate about snowsports filmmaking. Brodin thought it would be fun to collaborate with these other students and make a movie. “We set out with a goal of getting Montana riders and Montana terrain recognition,” he said.
Along with Justin Brodin, Toy Soldier Productions is also comprised of Shane Dowalby, Jonny Durst, Andy Hahn, AJ Meldahl, Dan Darling, and Alissa Torvinen, all students in the MSU Film program. Over 100 people were involved in the creation of this movie, with over 80+ riders participating, and various members of the film department pitching in to help out.
When asked why they chose freestyle over other winter sports, Shane Dowaliby responded: “Because that’s what we do. It’s because we love it. No one else really focuses on that, especially in Montana.”
The difficulties ranged from raising enough money for the film to being featured regularly in the Bozeman Police Reports. “We were all thinking: hopefully we can make this film, hopefully it’ll be big, and it’ll be local so hopefully we’ll have a premier. Even if it’s at a bar, we’ll do it!” Brodin stated.
None of them expected that, one year later, they would premier at the Emerson to sold out crowds. Not only did freestyling loving college students attend, adults and little kids also came decked out in “Toy Soldier Productions” t-shirts. A chant of “TSP! TSP!” emerged from the crowd during the 9:00 p.m. show.
Upcoming showings of “Come Find Us” include: Whitefish, Mont., Boise, Idaho, Spokane, Wash. and LaCrosse, Wis.
As for future projects? That’s to be decided. However, do not fret: they are not a one hit wonder. There are ideas in the works, but most require leaving Montana. “We definitely aren’t going anywhere!” AJ Meldahl assures.
For now, they are celebrating the success of the premier. “We’re still taking in last night…it was insane. Too big, in the best possible way,” Dowaliby comments.
For more information, visit http://toysoldierproductions.com/ or check out the Facebook group page.
