New Show on GPB to Showcase the Sustainable Return of Neighborhoods

September 3,2010

BlockHeads Pilot Premieres at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8, on Public Stations Statewide

ATLANTA,GA – Focusing on the resurgence of Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward neighborhood, the pilot program of BlockHeads: The Return of the Neighborhood will air on Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) stations statewide at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 8.
The show’s name denotes the singular commitment of urban dwellers to their neighbors and the revitalization and sustainability of their neighborhoods. BlockHeads tells their moving stories and offers their insights on how to create and maintain a thriving community. 

Through longtime residents, recent homebuyers and business owners, BlockHeads tells the story of the Old Fourth Ward’s rich history, heartbreaking decline and triumphant rebirth. The neighborhood includes the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr. as well as some of the city’s most innovative loft developments and local businesses.

BlockHeads features Old Fourth Ward pioneers such as Mtamaneka Youngblood, former director of the Old Fourth Ward Historic District Development Corporation, Charles Johnson, founder of the Spirit of Sweet Auburn, and neighborhood advocate Joan Garner, talking about their experiences in addressing the neighborhood’s needs and overcoming its obstacles. Myrna Perez, owner of LOTTAFRUTTA Market, and glassblower Matt Janke, owner of Janke Studio, discuss the area’s economic and artistic rebirth.
A collaboration between Eastwood Productions and Centergy Studios, the pilot episode of BlockHeads highlights the efforts of sustainability advocates and city dwellers to reclaim and restore the vitality of their urban landscape, unveiling the shopping, arts, dining and architectural heritage that their city neighborhoods contain. The program captures their passion, courage and determination as they strive to banish the symptoms of urban blight - such as crime, infrastructure decay and apathy - and replaces them with the vibrant connections of a thriving, multicultural milieu.

“We want to show viewers the inspirational efforts of the individuals and organizations that are making our city neighborhoods inviting, nurturing and livable again,” said David Mook, president of Centergy Studios, who serves as the Executive Producer of the production. “Cities throughout Georgia and the nation are reversing the urban declines of the 1970s and 1980s block by block and neighborhood by neighborhood. We hope viewers will join us in celebrating the return of this essential element in the national social fabric.”

The pilot episode also will be rebroadcast at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11, and at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 12.
GPB program director said BlockHeads is a valuable addition to their broadcast line-up.

“BlockHeads is inspiring, thought-provoking and fun. In my many years of broadcasting seldom have I seen a production that takes a topic as complicated as the re-building of community and successfully distills it into personal stories that will make viewers care, and more importantly encourage them to get involved,” said Bob Olive, GPB’s assistant general manager. “We look forward to getting it on the air and sharing its message with Georgians across the state.”

Andrew Treglia, creator, producer, and director of BlockHeads, has been creating high-quality film, video, and high definition products for a decade. Andrew is the founder and creative director of Eastwood Productions.
David Mook, Centergy Group president, is a professional project manager with extensive experience in large, complex, and critical initiatives. He has guided broadcast and technical projects for CNN, Turner Entertainment, Invesco, and BellSouth among many others.

B.J. Rentfrow, Centergy’s senior project manager, adds a decade of experience in management, marketing, advertising and graphic design to the Centergy Group team, having honed his skills with clients such as Coca-Cola, Water Systems Council, and Clean Cities Atlanta.

For a preview of the BlockHeads pilot, visit: http://www.eastwoodfilms.com/portfolio1.html