One, two, three, four.

Get my shoes then out the door.

Five I'm alive, six,seven, eight feelin' great.

Nine, gonna shine, life is goodI'm doing fine.

Ten, Gonna do it right then do it again.Yeah yeah.

I look up to the skywith all the beautiful color but,there's more than just for me so gonna share it with another.

I got to show, to give, let out,I want to sing and shout.

Take a look and see A beautiful morningthat turns into beautiful evening.

And togethermake a beautiful life.

And if you want see, thencome along with me.

That's right.

Welcome to an awesome week hereat Experience Michiana.

Today I'm wearing my hard hat and I'll tell you whyin just a moment, but we have a great showlined up for you.

We're going to be talkingabout an opportunity for you to laugh a bit with anupcoming local movie premiere.

That's going to be pretty neat.

Also, we're going to be talking about the SouthBend Museum of Art.

They have their garden walkcoming up.

We want to be sureto check that out.

But first up, the reasonwhy I have this hat on.

Well, it's construction time here at WellfieldBotanic Garden.

We'll let you know what they'reworking on.

And some big ideas ahead.

Today we are enjoying nature at the Wellfield Gardens over in Elkhartand I have with us Eric.

Eric, thank you so muchfor joining us today.

You guys.

If you can't hear it yet behind us, you'll hear itwhile we're talking.

But there's a lot ofconstruction going.

There is a lot of constructiongoing on.

This is our new visitorcenter expansion project, which includes a 12,000 squarefoot visitor center, a pavilion that will be great for openair concerts.

We'll have cover for 300 peopleevents and different, receptions and things like that.

Of course, one thingif you've ever been to Wellfield before, you knowwe need more parking.

Yes.

And so this is great.

We will have more.A real parking lot.

And for those of youwho've been here before, you might notice that this iswhere the cottage used to be.

And now the cottage is relocatedas a part of this project.

Okay, so this is all over here.

Now, this is the cottage and this has been relocatedabout 150ft.

Not very far, but it.

Well, of course,we're in Elkhart County.

This is theyou know, we're in the RV and manufactured homecapital of the world.

So why would itnot be a manufactured home?

It was literally lifted.

A new foundationwas created to set it up.

It's literallythe exact same building.

It's literally the same buildingthat was lifted and moved and a three point turnand put into place.

It's super cool.

So you guys are goingto be expanding the space here?

Yes.

What does that meanfor the gardens themselves?

So this is part of our greatersustainability and also the abilityto do our mission better.

One of the things that we havelacked is indoor space and the ability to have eventsthroughout the year.

we rely a lot of, we have a lotof weddings and receptions and other community eventsthat during the winter months October, November,December, January, February, March and April, dependingdepending on the weather.

That's right.

And so during those times,we have always had to send folks to somewhere else,another level of location.

And now we will have thatlovely location and it'sgoing to be absolutely gorgeous.

I can'twait to show you the inside.

So what are the thingsthat you're looking to includein the visitor center?

Yeah,so within the visitor center, we have, an event spacethat will be suitable for up to a little over 200 guestsseated for, dinner or a banquet.

We are going to havea little staff suite.

So this is, very minimal.

this is not meant to bean administrative center.

It's just the staffthat are associated with this buildingand our programs.

We're going to have a really nice kitchenthat we can use for catering.

Of course, more restrooms, a little gift shop,a little grab and go cafe.

And one of the best views thatyou'll ever see in this area.

And it is it bringsyou all the way through.

So this is really lessabout the building itself, and it's more about the experience of comingto Wellfield Botanic gardens.

We were reminded when we were, when we were designing thisthat we are a garden and we want to make sureand bring the outside in through a lot of the featuresthat you'll see plants indoors as well,probably no plants, but you will be able to see thembecause there's so much glass and we'll even see.

I think from the entryyou'll literally be able to seethrough the entire building.

So when someonepulls into the parking lot and they are approachingour visitor center, they will actually be ableto see all the way through the garden.

Oh, I love thatwe have this beautiful new boardwalkthat will take you across.

but it's a fantastic space.

And of course, the pavilion, of course, more restrooms, a green roomfor whether it's brides or concertsand things like that.

It's got storage, for the furniturethat we'll have out here.

But really, it'sa wonderful space that will be able to gather 5 to 800 people,plus a true garden space.

So you guys again,remember the big plan for the garden space, too?That's right.

We're we got to remember, what really madeWellfield what it is.

And of course,that's the community.

This will allow us to engage the communityeven more than we ever have.

And it's very exciting.

And it's onlybecause of the community and the generosityof so many individuals.

Keeping in mind, Wellfield is 100% privatelyfunded for our operations.

And, about 90% ofthis is all privately funded.

So it's a $14million construction project that has been underway and is scheduled to wrap upstill toward the end of this yearin November.

Okay.

That'swhat makes it very exciting.

Very exciting.

Yeah.

Okay.

Yeah.

All right.

Well, I would to check out some ofthat space because you guys have let's do it coming up.

We do.

It's already started.

In fact we we are actually airingon Thursday night the same time.

That's right.They grooving in the gardens.

We have our Groovinin the gardens concert series.

We actually started last week.

We got rained out,but we're really looking forward to kicking it off this Thursdaywith, Jazz Fest.

Okay.

And and actually going, Thursday nightsall the way up into August and then taste of the Gardenson August 25th.

Kind of a culminating eventfor us in the summer.

Well, how about we go check out Let's Do Itconstruction in the garden.

Awesome.All right, let's do that.

So as we'recoming in the entrance, this is actually whereyou'll run right into our, admissions desk.

So there'll be some.

Yeah, it'skind of a rounded counter.

So you know that wherewhere the camera is right there.

It's coming right through there.

But the cool thing about this is it is all counter seated height.

So our staff will actually beseated behind at two reasons.

One, it'sa little more inclusive for those who might be coming ina wheelchair.

It's also great for families with kids, and kidsdon't have to feel like they're always below the counter.

But also it won't blockthe amazing views that we have, which I canall the way over here, the visitor center,which is really, really cool.

And so what it was mentioningabout the the natural bringing, bringing the outside in,you're seeing that right there.

It's like an extension.

And of course above us is a 30ftdiameter skylight that is literally allowingthis entire space to have, natural light, which, of course,we have a cloudy day today.

We're filming that, but therecertainly could be days where you're in hereand you might need sunglasses.

Oh, yeah.

That's okay.

That.

Well, I love to thatyou have a lot of accessibility that you guys have considerinto the design for that.

Yes.

Absolutely.

So then the guests would bewelcomed around this direction.

Okay.

Again This is the real featureof this building.

This isand this is that grand hall.

And this is a space that hasa north room and a south room that will be able to openand close with glass doors.

So there's folding doorsthat cover each one of these sections.

And so when we open it all up,that's when we can get up to about 210 people.If we maximize the space.

And what a view it ishere, it's fantastic.

And I the cool thingthat you really can't get a sense for right now,you see out the window, you actually see a boardwalkat the end of July.

That little damthat's out there holding the water back will be removed, and the water actually comesright up to the building.

Oh my gosh.

So when you're standing at that windowright where that lift is and there'ssome gentleman outside, they would be standing in waterat that point.

Oh that's really, really cool.

But you can seejust how much light and glass there'll be doors on both sides that lead out to, private patio that will be in additionto each one of these spaces.

And so it's going to make it areally, really cool event space.

So much thought went intothe design of us very much so.

Well, when can peoplestart to visit this space?

This space will be open.

The target is to be doneby the end of November, end of November,and if things go on track, we may get to that point.

And if not,we'll make it work as well.

So either way,there's lots of stuff to do.

Either we're here at work.That's right.

And we've been pretty adaptableover the years.

Yeah.

And something's always bloomingand something's always growing.

Absolutely.

Yeah.

Thank you so much for showinga bit around the new.

Yeah it's very noisy here.

If you can’t tell.

But they're doing somegreat work.

They are doing some great work.

Thank you.

So we are nowstanding in the pavilion which is coming along nicelyif I do say.

Jen, thanks very muchfor joining me.

First.

You guys have big plansfor this, including a Groovinin the Summer concert series, which is already happeninghere, right?

Yes, right nowStephen Perry is playing.

Oh, and like right now, whileyou are, you're watching this.

And then at 830 we're goingto have Dave Bennett as well.

We're so excited.

Awesome.

And you guys have a varietyof artists playing this year.

do you want to talk about those?

we got a little bit of somethingfor everyone right now.

Oh, all of our concerts aregoing to be on Thursday night.

Okay.

Will open at six.

Music will start at seven.

Okay.

And then you can buy our tickets online at Wellfield Garden.

Org.

Or you can buy them at the gatefor that night as well.

That's perfect.

And I know the cafewon't be ready quite yet.

Yes, we will have Navarrecatering for the concert.

Okay, perfect.

And then we'll also have Vanilla Bean Creameryor the Chief ice cream will be there every other week.I love it.

So let's look at this pavilion.

Is this going to bewhere the stage will be once the pavilion is finished?

Yes, the stage will be up here and then all of the seatingwill be just behind me.

That's fantastic.

And how many people do you thinkthe pavilion is going to hold?

300.

300?

Yeah.

That's incredible.So it's such a great space.

It's covered too.

I knowthat's going to be so nice.

No more times.

It'll be under the pavilionand the concert series that you guys have nowit is rain or shine.

Yes.

Okay, so even if it's, I guess maybe notif it's severe weather, because I think your first one got our firstone did get rained out, but we're excitedto get back into it this week, especiallykicking off Elkhart Jazz Fest.

It's going to bean absolutely amazing night and all of the concertsare family friendly.

Yes, all of the concertsare family friendly.

Bring the kids and you might want to also bring for right nowat least your own chairs.

Yes, I will bring your ownchairs, blankets, maybe an umbrellaif we say it's going to rain, but we're hoping for shineand rain.

And I know thatwe've been in this heat spell, so make sure everyone doesstay hydrated during that.

But there is so much to seeand do here.

I'm really excitedfor this pavilion coming out.

and it'll be done for next year.

Groovin in the garden series.

Yes, okay.

Next year Groovin in the gardenswill be under the pavilion.

Awesome, awesome.

But for now, people can enjoy the series this yearuntil middle of August.

Yes, August 15th is our lastconcert.

Will have a taste of the gardenson August 25th.

Awesome!

So much to seeand do here at Botanic Gardens.

We hope that you check it out.

Lots of new constructionhappening, but still plenty of tranquilityout in the garden.

So we'll see you here.

So here we are today ina beautiful bed and breakfast.

And we're here actually to celebrate the release of alocal film and, the premiere.

That's happening,I'm with Tim and Michael, who are the co-directorsand co-writers of Spiderwack.

Now it's a much longername than that.

So tell me,what's what's the film's name?

So, Doctor Spiderwack’smind-boggling compendium of fantasticurban beasts.

Easy for you to say.That's right.

Yeah.

So, what kind of,a film is this?

You guys tend to work inthe genre of kind of a comedy.

but but how would you describethis film?

So this one, is an urbanfantasy.

It's got, a lot of characters.

It's based off of initially,The Spider Chronicles, where they find a field guidewith magical creatures.

but ours is aboutfinding a field guide full of magical creatures.But they live in the city.

So you've got things like a sortof hobgoblin, a snob goblin.

You've got, a lepre con artistinstead of a leprechaun.

And so we really playon a lot of things with society and things, how fairies would, might disguise themselvesin the urban setting.

And so our character, main character is a vloggerwho's out looking for, you know, the Sasquatch.

He's looking forurban creatures, and no one believes him.

And he stumbles upon, this houseand this book.

Now, Michael, we're standingin this bed and breakfast.

And what's the name of this bedand breakfast?

The innis.

And innisfreeand innisfree and innisfree.

And there's athere's a reason we're here.

You guys shot quite a bitin this bed.

Breakfast in hand.

There's a kind of a historicaltie for you here.

Yes, yes.

702 West Colfax is where I wasbrought up as a child up until about six years of age, and I knew this would bethe perfect spot for our movie because it has this gothicbaroque look to it.

so yeah.

And again, back to the,the urbanization.

It's kind of countersthe urbanization element.

And the other point I would make up or say to youis that the urbanization forces the fairies to have to adaptto civilization to the metropolis, right, insteadof being out in the wild.

And so, you guys,how long did it take to film and put togetherso most of our projects have been fantasy based parodies like Harvey Potterand the ridiculous, you know, premise or dork of the ringstake took like three years.

This one's been 5 to 6 yearsor more in terms of filming, partly because of,just our teaching jobs.

but also, the idea that Covid came up,we had a location of ours burned down.

and so a lot of adaptingand we did a lot of green, additional green screen work.

so, yeah, we've definitely been working on the projectfor a while.

And, really excitedto finally share it.

That's very good.

And wherecan people see the premiere?

So we're going to be at JohnAdams High School, on Friday, June 21st at 7 p.m..

So, for the public, we've got ticketsavailable online or at the door.

and I just want to say, even though the film doeshave a lot of puppets and it is very fairlyfamily friendly.

maybe kids under 12 or so.

I mean, there'ssome political humor, some societal humor,a few words here or there.

So that's nothing major.

And, yeah, nothing major, but so maybe a 13and up audience or so.

Yeah, yeah.

Nothing.Nothing too bad.

Okay.

So in putting all this together,that's that's a long time in the long process.

So how did you guys findyour talent.

Is most of your talent local.

Oh yeah.

Well well one's from England.

Awesome.

That's like play local.

Yeah.

That's Karen Shaw from,Lord of the Rings and Narnia.

it's a producer and we, we zoomed him inand had him in the film right.

A lot of local.

Yeah, a lot of Michiana area.

We brought them in.

And we've also have a family of actors, if you will,because most filmmakers, you know, over the yearsdevelop, work with peopleconstantly over and over again.

You just begin to get that Vulcan mind, meld that, you know, everybody can finisheach other's sentences.

And it's greatwhen working with the same team.

Yeah, they know what to expect.

And then we're goingto get the film done eventually.

And they know thatif they put their time and talents into it,that they will see a result.

So you mentioned a couple of the other filmsthat you guys have done is very similar in feelas far as comedy, kind of you start with taking off of a moviethat people might know.

How many have you guys donein the past?

Yeah, well, at least six, right?

Yeah, right.

And that and those, some of those include dramasand other things.

In terms of the parodies,we've done at least, four of those,our last one being Vlasic Park.

and with this filmwas a little different because we kind of SpiderworkChronicles.

Yeah, it's a known property,but it's not kind of the same as, say,Harry Potter's, notoriety.

So we work in Fantastic Beasts.

Harry Potter,some other fantasies, and even some of our old,our other parody films kind of have appearances,references within this film.

That's very cool.

And like you said, it's kind of a mixtureof live people and puppets.

And we have a couple of puppetshere.

how how did that kind of workinto the film?

Yeah, we have a lot of peoplein animal heads to like our Minotaur and our,you know, haunt.

Yeah.

So this is the blue one,is the sniff.

The sniff lure based off thenymph lure from Fantastic Beast.

So he's always got a cold,and, he's got the sniffles.

And then we have a goblin puppethere.

That was And both ofthese were made from scratch.

the goblin puppet works in it, and he was in a previousfilm of ours, The Hobbit.

And we we loved the sculptso much that our friend Todd Davis did on them, that we utilize them in this movieas well.

So, they were great.

And then we have a lot of other,like, crazy puppets and creaturesand things.

Oh, I play the internet troll.

So it's very much like a big bird characterin the sense of like, I have my arm up in a puppetand I'm in a big blue outfit and some I'm doing one arm and someone elseis doing my other arm.

so it's basicallylike we call it, like, this is like JimHenson on a dollar.

You know what?

You know,but it's definitely.

Yeah, it definitelywe make no bones about that.

You can see the rods,you can see different things.

and it's kind ofwe kind of like that there is a bit of an 80s feel to some of the puppet workand different things.

So you guys are really involvedwith the filmmakers here in the area and in facthave been heavily involved in it, even helped startthe Riverbend Film Festival.

And so it's really been,a big community here, hasn't it?

Yeah, for sure.

And we work with Mid-AmericaFilmmakers, and then I teach, media production and film,for South Bend schools.

so it's just really.

Yeah, we'vedefinitely been in the community for a while doing films, and we'd love to supportwhat people are doing here.

And I teach it over at the same place with mygood friend here, my brother.

And, the,the, the convergence of it.

And film is just, absolute.

I mean, you go together, you.

Yeah.

Technology because we didalso have CGI we employed.

Right.

So multiple different approaches to filming that were used, now, filmmaking, even TV, the access to equipmenthas become a lot easier.

And so it's a chancefor people to get out and tell their story.

Yeah.

how would you guys encouragepeople if they wanted to get a start in telling stories,especially in the film realm?

where should they start?What should they do?

Yeah, well,I say, don't don't hold back.

Everyone has a phonein their pocket that can film really goodquality.

Start small, start simple.

Have fun.

YouTube has tons of videos.

try to meet other filmmakers,in your area, whether you're a young personor an older person.

See what's going on,like with Mid-America filmmakers or the Riverbend and,just come out support things like this.

You'll meet people, networking, it'll help you withyour projects or get you ideas.

It's always fun to workwith other creative people.

They'll help encourage you andfeel you know you're not alone.

Yeah, and a lot of times, also, you could start with somethingbiographical.

Autobiographical, I should say,is what a lot of people write from the heartand so forth.

Because I used to teachscreenwriting.

Yeah.

And I was oneof the first things we would do as exercises is what is your story, you know,and how do you apply?

At leastthat breaks through the ice.

The big thing we like toemphasize is if you start it, you got to finish it.

And don't be a perfectionist.

You've got to finishthe project.

Yeah, you gotta see it through.

Too many things get abandoned because peoplehave an expectation on their first projectthat should be perfect.

It should be Sundanceready or whatever.

Just just do it.I like your suggestion.

Start short.

Right?

Oh, definitelymake it manageable.

You know, tellingstories, is two fold.

It's the story part,and then it's the visual part.

And that's that way for TV too.

And so it's that's a great.

so again, tell me where and whenpeople can see the film.

Okay.

So they can go to our,spider wack.com where it will be availableas a digital download and, Blu ray,but they can see it in person, this Friday, Fridaythe, 21st of June at 7 p.m. at the John AdamsHigh School auditorium.

Very good.

Well, Tim and Michael,thank you so much.

Oh, sure.

Sure.

Yeah.

Thank you for,you know, spending the five years to getit pulled together and, to share with our community.

And we really look forward toseeing it.

Yeah.

Well thank you.

We thank all our cast and crewfor sticking with it.

Right.

Yeah, it takes a lot.

And ourproducers, who funded right.

So today we areout in beautiful Leaper Park, right in front of the Resurrectthe Roses garden.

And we're here for the SouthBend Museum of Arts garden walk.

And this is an annual thing.

In order to help raise funds for all the wonderful programsat the museum.

And we're going to find out a little bit moreabout that from Larry and Allie.

Guys, thank youso much for being with me.

Thank you.

Sure.

So what year is thisfor the garden walk.

So this is actuallythe 34th Annual Garden Walk.

we are so, so excited towelcome everybody to this event that's been with SouthBend for a really long time.

So we've talked about thisin the past, and a lot of times it's going to people's homessee in their beautiful gardens.

And there's a little bit of thatthis year.

But Larry, this year there'salso something different.

And that we're going to some places like thisbeautiful garden behind us.

Right.

The resurrect Roses Gardenand Leep Park will be kind of the end of theof the Seven Garden series.

we'll have live music here from 11 in the morninguntil three in the afternoon.

And of course, all the rosesand all the other beautiful plantsthat we have out here.

And, Allie, tell us aboutsome of the other locations that are on the tour.Absolutely.

So this year we're so excited to partnerwith the residential areas.

those are home gardeners that have graciouslyallowed us to visit their space.

so this yearwe're actually showcasing three.

two of themare going to be together, so they're going to present usto residential locations.

But we are so excited to workwith our partners at Notre Dame.

and also at Saint Mary's.

So we'll showcase areassuch as the historic cemetery at Notre Dame,the sculpture garden.

and then the prayer gardenat Saint Mary's.

in addition to resurrectthe roses right here.

We can't wait.

So, Larry, how long is the day?

how when can people start?

And, you know,how long are the gardens open?

Right.

The, the eventstarts at 930 in the morning.

the reception center is at the Murphy Museumon the campus of Notre Dame.

And then it'll lastuntil 730 in the evening.

So, Allie, when people go to thethe Murphy Museum and what's there,how do they get started?

Absolutely.

So we're so excited to beat the brand new Raclin Murphy Art Museum.

So our hospitality centerwill be open from 9 to 7.

That's where the garden walkis going to kick off.

so that's where you're goingto go pick up your tickets, your program,which is really going to be your guide to the day.

if you've got kiddos,we'll have special information about programingfor them as well.

You can also pick upsome merchandise.

we're selling waterbottles, as well as, limited edition flowerseed packets just for the day.

So that'll be really the placewhere we get the party started.

and you'll be,shown to our volunteers who will be there to guide youthrough the gardens.

So this is there's a lot of workthat goes into this.

So.

And I would assumeall volunteers.

Yes.

Absolutely.

Yeah.

So why is it important foryou guys to to really invest your timein putting on an event like this?

Well, the works of the art museum doesis extremely important.

And this funding will be for scholarships and other thingsfor the children, mostly in the, art classes and, and otherthings that the museum does.

So it's very important.

It's a, it's a major partof their funding for the year.

And for you.

I think it's a wonderful wayto get in touch with the South Bend community.

We have so many talented professional and amateur gardensand artists, here.

And we're so excitedto showcase their work, and really show both localsto south bend, and people coming in from out of town, that wehave such great talent here.

and we just can'twait to show it off.

So will therealso be some art in the gardens while they're out,so they can experience not just the beauty of the gardens themselves,but some of the art from our local artists.

There will be.

So, we actually will have several artiststhat work in conjunction with the South Bend Museum of Art.

they'll actually be set up, and you can view themas they paint.

so they're going to be inspiredby their surroundings and they're going to be creatingwork live.

while the gardenwalk is going on.

we'll also have severalchildren's activities.

so we'll be showcasingchildren's artwork, that the museum staff has been gatheringover the past couple of months.

so we'll be able to view some of that, and then we'll havespecial art projects, for children as well, righthere.

And resurrect couple roses.Very good, very good.

And this is such an importantthing because, like you said, the South Bend Museum of Arthas so many classes and programs really for all ages and it's a great way for us to,like, enjoy the art, but also kind of get your creative sideout there too.

Exactly, exactly.

All the, gardens will haveartists in the gardens, and here at the rosesare actually roses.

We expect to have 8to 12 artists from out of town in what is the Northern IndianaPlain Air Society, which is a group of folkswho paint pretty much throughout the summerin different locations.

And it's very cool.

Now I like where should peoplego to get more information because it's it's happeningthis weekend.

so where should they getan idea of where to start and and more information?

Absolutely.

So please visit the South and Art museum'swebsite at South Bend art.org.

we have all of the informationon there, and that's also where you canpurchase tickets.

Tickets are actually cheaperthere than they will be day of.

So right now you can purchasetickets on the website for $20.

They'll be $25 at the doorif you show up to the Raclin Murphy on the day of the event,which is next Thursday.

And Larry,is this a rain or shine event?

This is rain or shine,but it's always, shines for events that I put on.

Good to deal with on a problem.

We'll invite you to some otherevents that we have coming up.

Exactly.

Yeah, exactly.

Also, we have these signsall throughout the community, and it has the QR code on it.

You can actually order your ticketsand sign up with the QR code.

So you can go to the websiteor you can go to the museum, or you can use one of the signs.

Very good.

Well, thank you guys so much,Larry and Allie, for, telling us about the gardenwalk.

And remember, you can get outand experience it for yourself.

Just check out their websiteand, come see them on that day.

Well, thanks for joining us for another weekhere at Experience Michiana.

It is nowofficially heading into summer, and that means we have big ideasand big things to experience.

So be sure tojoin us throughout the year.

Experience Michianais made possible in part by the Community Foundationof Saint Joseph County and the Indiana Arts Commission,which receives support from the state of Indiana and the National Endowmentfor the Arts.

This WNIT local productionhas been made possible in part by viewers like you.

Thank you.