CAF Rise Above: WASP – Film Production Update

Filmmakers Adam & Kara White line up a shot with actress Katie Broecker in an authentic 1929 Travel Air during shooting for the CAF Rise Above: WASP, a new documentary film about the Women Air Service Pilots of WWII. (image via Hemlock Films)


PRESS RELEASE CLEVELAND, OHIO – October 9nd, 2018: The Commemorative Air Force and Hemlock Films have brought production for the new film CAF Rise Above: WASP to northeastern Ohio. This new film experience about the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) is designed to educate and inspire. The film is part of the larger Rise Above education initiative created by the Commemorative Air Force museum.

CAF Rise Above: WASP will detail the story of the first women to fly for the United States Armed Forces; the WASP, during WWII. Using never before seen WASP interviews, state of the art graphics, epic aerial sequences and historic reenactments, CAF Rise Above: WASP will introduce these historic ladies’ story to the world like never before. Exhibition of the film will take place throughout the country in dome-theaters, creating an exhilarating film experience.

Filming started this summer at Avenger Field – Sweetwater, Texas, the original WASP WWII training base. Hemlock Films brought the production home to NE Ohio for the second phase of filming, hiring local cast and crew for a historic reenactment sequence. CAF Rise Above: WASP is schedule for completion and release in 2019.

Director of photography Adam White lines a shot up on actors Liz Duchez, Alisa Riccardi and Bill Riccardi in a 1930s reenactment scene from the new documentary film, CAF Rise Above: WASP. (image via Hemlock Films)

About the WASP

The Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASP, were the first female pilots to fly American Military aircraft. Because society held the view that women did not belong in a cockpit, these women had to overcome many challenges before ultimately proving themselves as more than equal to the task of flying complex, modern, aircraft.

Even though they faced a military un-willing to include them, the perseverance and dedication the WASP possessed, allowed them to serve their country in a time of great need, blazing a path for generations of women who would follow them into aircraft cockpits, and male dominated careers everywhere.

Though there would only be 1,074 Women who could call themselves WASP, their story provides an inspirational lesson about the power of self-confidence and determination. Teaching us that no matter what our dreams may be, working to make them real, will allow us to ultimately succeed.

About Hemlock Films

NE Ohio-based Hemlock Films is a multi-Emmy winning film production company, specializing in aviation history.

CAF Rise Above: WASP is being created by Hemlock Films producer Adam White and director Kara White.   Kara and Adam have produced the national documentaries Beyond The Powder and The Restorers – Season 1, both airing on PBS.  The Restorers – Season 1 will be released later this year on Amazon Prime in the States and PBS: America in Great Britain. Their last creation for the CAF, Rise Above: Red Tails, won the prestigious ICAS 2011 Special Achievement Award.

About the Commemorative Air Force

Collecting, restoring and flying historical aircraft for more than half a century, the Commemorative Air Force  ranks as one of the largest private air forces in the world. The CAF is dedicated to honoring American military aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance. A nonprofit educational association, the CAF has more than 12,000 members and a fleet of over 160 airplanes distributed throughout the country to units located in 24 states for care and operation.

While filming moves ahead for CAF Rise Above: WASP, fundraising for the project is ongoing. Prime sponsor and funder opportunities are still available.

Be the first to comment

Graphic Design, Branding and Aviation Art

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*