“821” go-find-follow
(June 18, 2005)
Growing up in a small town in the Ozarks without much money, one has only his or her imagination to use to get out of Boone County. Before we had cable TV, let alone the world-wide-web, the movies that came to the Lyric Theater on the town square (and then ultimately the “Ozark Twin Cinema”), were what we used to transport us to life outside of the Buffalo River Valley. Although I distinctly remember thinking “what if?” and “I think I could ‘do’ that,” NEVER did I think that it could become a reality…and NEVER can I take credit for what is happening.
From the 80’s in Arkansas, flash forward to Nashville in 2002 as I had just parachuted out of the sale of a healthcare technology company that I was fortunate enough to build with two brilliant doctors and top medical scientists. After taking some time off I felt led to simply “challenge my self artistically” (go ahead and roll your eyes) and embarked upon creating the independent film, “The Dance – The Billy Roth Story.” A feature documentary that premiered at the South-By-Southwest Film Festival in ’03, VARIETY called it “a strikingly beautiful piece of work…shrewdly composed and emotionally rich visuals…pic tells a compelling story with tact, intelligence and skill….” This prompted a screener request from the office of Mr. Ron Meyer at Universal Studios. Upon viewing it, the very next day Mr. Meyer called me directly to “congratulate me and discuss the future.” I’m still pinching myself to make sure it’s not a dream. Nevertheless, this prompted agency representation (CAA) and a partnership with Nicolas Cage and Norm Golightly’s Saturn Films production company… Again, pretty heady stuff as Tinseltown is a helluva long ways from DogPatch.
As my projects began expanding it came time to actually name a company. After playing with numerous ideas, I settled on 821 – the actual address of the wonderful little home that I got to grow up in on Alma Avenue in Harrison, Arkansas. Hokie? - probably,… but when the amazing music & film executive Anastasia Brown joined as a partner and validated that the name was significant not only internally but could mean something from a branding standpoint, we chose to go with it.
Like a lot kids that grow up in small towns, after graduating from high school I couldn’t wait to get out – for good. Almost immediately, I somehow found myself in circles of wealth and privilege – neither of which I was familiar with. Tragically, I recall times of actually being somewhat embarrassed by “where” I came from, as I strived to achieve what others had.
Ultimately, I “got there”… only to find disillusionment as the “collateral damage” was extreme. Quite honestly, I needed to go back home to 821 West Alma Avenue.
I did just that. Therefore, the company has been named “821” for three basic reasons.
1)To honor my incredible parents, sister and the community that – without privilege – I was privileged to come from,
2)To help stay grounded in all the Hollywood and Music City bullshit, and
3)To serve as a focal point of encouragement; playing on the adage of “home is where your heart is.” That is, encouragement for us all to GO home…FIND our hearts…and FOLLOW them.
Sincerely,
Eric Geadelmann
Founder
821 Entertainment Group, Inc.
P.S. Not to worry – I’m not going to start blogging or follow
this up with a tape series or arena speaking tour.
