Cult Classics of Oregon: Field Guide Proposal

Due to the incredibly diverse landscape that includes deserts, mountains, coastal areas, sand dunes, and forests, a director can achieve any aesthetic he or she wishes when filming a movie. Of the over four hundred motion pictures shot in Oregon, there are only a handful that developed a cult-like following. The art world practice I am focusing on is cult classic movies filmed in Oregon.

To begin, I must define what elements make a cult classic film. Cult films are often considered as D-list or underground movies with a large fan base. For the purposes of this field guide, I will regard cult classic films as films that have a passionate, loyal fan base for which organizations, clubs, festivals, and other activities have been established to extend the experience of the film.

Because I was raised in a home of movie buffs, the culture of film and film watching has always interested me. As a child, I would spend weekends watching the latest movies available for rental or featured films on television. It was how my family spent time together, quietly snuggled in the living room, having a common experience despite our range in age, differing interests, and conflicting personality traits. Additionally, my love for films and film culture is what originally brought me to Oregon in 2011. My mother and I planned a trip to enjoy Portland, Mt. Hood, wine country, and Astoria, where we would visit all the major filming locations for The Goonies (including Cannon Beach, about 25 miles south of Astoria). Naturally, as I began researching ideas for my field guide, I landed on the concept of cult classic films set in Oregon. What I uncovered was a rabbit hole of fan blogs, festivals, museums, tours, policies, exhibits, and re-enactments celebrating a plethora of movies. The world of cult films in Oregon is vast and there are many connected issues between the films.

Although I will provide a comprehensive list of movies set in Oregon, I will focus on The Goonies, Animal House, Halloweentown, Twilight, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, The Shining, and My Own Private Idaho. My primary focus will be on the culture of each film, as well as the political, economic, and social impact on the region where each motion picture was set. I will also explore the director Gus Van Sant’s inspiration and influence on the art world of cult classic films. Individually he has had an impact on the Oregon film industry due to his success, popularity, and numerous movies set in Portland and the surrounding area.

For my process I will first analyze the reactions of residents to the presence of tourists in their cities and towns. For example, Astoria is currently disputing how to handle the recent influx of guests in the area, specifically to the location of “the Goonies house.” Homeowners are taking legal action to discourage tourists from approaching their residences, while political leaders are encouraging alternate routes for tours and viewing points of the home. Secondly, I will evaluate the financial impact on each region, as well as for professionals in the film industry. I can only surmise that each town and region experienced an economic boom either during filming or subsequent to the film’s release. I would like to include photos of establishments that were founded in honor of the films, such as restaurants, bars, and museums and discuss their likely impact on the economy. In addition, I will discuss the incentive programs that encourage filmmakers and actors to film in Oregon. Lastly, I will discuss the ongoing and situational social impact on shooting in Oregon. There are many traditions and events that have spurred from movies like Animal House and Halloweentown. The popularity and use of certain products in Oregon alone would not exist had some films been shot elsewhere. I hope to uncover a hidden art world that most did not know existed, but will be thrilled to discover.

From my analysis I hope to find common ground between each film, as well as its impact on the region in which it was filmed. I want to learn more about the film industry in Oregon, including incentive programs, popular directors or actors, and the many film festivals housed in Oregon. Additionally, I hope to create an educational, interesting, and entertaining guide to some of the most loved films in the business. Lastly, I look forward to re-watching some old favorites, as well as discovering new (to me) films while researching this field guide.

Below are some transmedia resources I will use to support and enhance my field guide:

Oregon Film Website

IMDB

Comprehensive List of Films Shot in OR

Goonies Fanpage

Economic Analysis I

Economic Analysis II

Special Collections-Animal House

Animal House Social Impact

“Shout” with The Duck/Otis Day and the Knights

Organization Questions

1. What is your organization or company? Give background history including who, when, and why it was founded.

The organization I have chosen is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum in Baltimore, Maryland. It first existed under the name Baltimore Children’s Museum as a city agency, but later merged with Maryland Children’s Museum and applied for (and was accepted) as a 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation. Port Discovery is based off of the need for “purposeful play and learning” for children of all backgrounds and their families.

2. What do they do or make?  Describe the products and services and what makes them unique.

Port Discovery offers a hands-on learning experience with three floors of exhibits and activities. The museum houses permanent and visiting exhibits, holds special events, and fun days—weekly days with specific themes and activities related to that theme. In addition to the physical museum, Port Discovery offers special programming for public, private, and home school children; educator resources; and travelling exhibits. It is listed by Forbes magazine as one of the top twelve children’s museums in the nation.

3. Describe the culture of the organization or company. What is the work environment like – the atmosphere? What is the building like – exterior/interior, architecture, fittings and furniture? How do the employees work together? What are the jobs and roles of individuals? How are they treated by management?

Port Discovery is located in the 80,000 square foot historic downtown Fish Market building near the Inner Harbor of Baltimore. The exterior is a classic warehouse-like brick building. The interior has three floors filled with various educational and entertaining exhibits for children. The center of the building is open, so any visiting guest can see each level from the ground floor. Due to the size of this organization, there are many employees who work in guest relations, housekeeping, exhibits, education, marketing, and finance. There are six staff members who oversee these operations: David Berman-Director of Exhibits; Leslie Borenstein-Executive Vice President; Nora Moynihan-Director of Education and Community Enrichment; Magan Ruthke-Director of Guest Services; Rick Williams-Vice President of Finance; and Michelle Winner-Vice President of Marketing. Full time employees are paid salary and given a “generous benefits package”, while part time employees are paid hourly.

4. Who is the targeted audience? What are their demographics?

The target audience is children ages birth to ten years old with special interest in children from undeserving communities and children with special needs. Baltimore is one of the largest and poorest cities in the U.S. and is predominantly Black and African American (61%).

5. What is the organization or company mission statement?

Port Discovery’s mission statement is to connect purposeful play and learning within our walls and beyond.

Learning Goals: Art in Society

1. Develop stronger analytical skills.

2. Hold meaningful discussions with classmates and professors, and positively contribute to the conversation.

3. Understand more diverse cultures in the arts, integrate that understanding into my field.

4. Develop a better understanding of transmedia in our society.

5. Use transmedia as a means to communicate with my community.