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Filmmaker and Toledo native Andrew Lahmann (right) consults with actor Ryan Stiles (left) during the production of Out of Nothing, a documentary feature both men co-produced, which is to be screened in Toledo this Thursday.
Filmmaker and Toledo native Andrew Lahmann will be returning this Thursday for a special screening of his new documentary feature, Out of Nothing, at Toledo Middle School.
Following the true-life story of four men from the Pacific Northwest as they attempt to set new land speed records on homemade motorcycles at the Bonneville Salt Flats, Lahmann served as co-producer along with actor Ryan Stiles in the first such administrative role for the Toledo High School graduate.
"This one actually started two years before I came on board," he said of the film, noting Director Chad DeRosa had compiled about 90 hours of footage before Lahamnn became involved.
As producer, Lahamnn said it was his responsibility to bring together a staff of camera operators, sound engineers, editors, musicians and others throughout the production process, adding roughly 20 people served at the core of production but many more were involved up to the completion of the film.
"A lot of my production team that I brought on board had been involved with previous projects," he said, mentioning the Project Showcase series of shorts he recently produced for Toledo High School as a means of encouraging young people to take pride in their community.
"A lot of the students in the Toledo School District don't really develop an appreciation for a small town until after they've left," he said, noting his own experience of returning home and re-discovering Toledo after having spent time at school in Bellingham.
He added Out of Nothing tends to parallel his work on Project Showcase, stating the two revolve around the idea of emboldening people to take risks and pursue their passions.
"It wasn't just a documentary about motorcycles or land speed racing," Lahmann said he observed. "We wanted to make a film about people following their dreams...You could almost remove motorcycles and insert your passions there, and the message would remain the same."
Several members of the production staff from Out of Nothing are expected to be present during Thursday's screening, which is scheduled to begin at dusk, and they plan to be available afterward to speak about their experiences and answer questions. The screening will also take place in the middle school's athletic field, so those in attendance are encouraged to bring chairs and a blanket.
The cost for tickets will be $5 per person, or $15 for a family of four or more. All the proceeds from the event will be split between efforts to renovate the Girls Softball Fields on Jackson Hwy. and the hoop house project at the middle school as part of the school garden initiative.
Lahmann said, at the end of the day, he hopes those watching Out of Nothing will find themselves encouraged to begin thinking outside the realm of what they can do and instead look toward what their dreams may accomplish.
"I want people, when they're done seeing the film," he said, "to be inspired to really get on their horse and conquer the world, whatever their passions are."
A promotional image for Out of Nothing, which is expected to see wide theatrical distribution before long, according to Lahmann.
