Charles D. Thompson Jr. is a prolific author and director. His most recent documentary is “Rock Castle Home,” which is about this unique community in the Blue Ridge Mountains and how it evolved and later vanished. It’s being screened as part of a series of programs at the Library of Virginia that highlight stories of displacement in Virginia communities, “House to Highway: Reclaiming a Community History.” Charles will be in attendance on Fri, Dec 12 at 2pm. We’ll discuss:
– His Virginia connection
– Why his personal background inspired his books & documentaries
– Becoming interested in “the little man”
– Going from books to movies
– How this film come about
– What the title means
– Challenges of shooting

LINKS
Library of Virginia event
Charlie’s website
Link to the video on PBS

WRIC’s “Showcase” started a few years back, but was updated to a full one-hour show, when it launched September 8 with co-hosts Amie Carter & Melissa Chase. We had a lively discussion which includes:
– Their backgrounds and how they came to this show
– Melissa at Hamaganza
– Amie’s namesake
– Shooting in studio and on location
– Why it’s on mid-afternoon
– Planning their wardrobe
– The most interesting or unusual story
– How it’s different from other local news shows
– A character named Melissa Chase on Disney

LINKS
Showcase on WRIC
Showcase Facebook page
The Dirtwoman Documentary (with Melissa at Hamaganza)