Category Archives: NEWS

We were thrilled to be back at Fort Adams in Newport, RI June 11 – 14, 2018 for the second shoot on the “Fort Adams in the 3^rd System” documentary! In 2016, we began the project with two days based around general knowledge and sit-down interviews. We also did a little work with historian John Weaver at that time.

This year, John took us all over the site. We went on top of the earthworks and below ground in the tunnels. We visited where men defended the Fort as well as where the officer’s lived. There were a lot of spectacular view, beautiful sunsets, great history – and walking!

In our effort to tell the story of the Fort and how it was built, we were very graciously welcomed and supported by the staff and dedicated

volunteers of the Fort Adams Trust, our on-site partner. When you see the completed program, you will see parts of the Fort no tour group are allowed to visit. Some of these views are aerials from our drone camera. Others are too far underground to safely take a tour group. And two are even of troop movement tunnels that are now regularly flooded, but the volunteers made sure they were pumped out for us to show you.  We will take you where you can’t go.

Enjoy these photos! We look forward to sharing more of Fort Adam’s rich history with you soon!

Photo Credits: Ravelin Films, Chris Zeeman, Carol Weaver

In preparation of the upcoming documentary “Detroit’s Fort Wayne, Guarding | Serving | Enduring”, Ravelin Films presents a look at one of the central structures at Fort Wayne.

Produced by Ravelin Films

Directed by Ryan Betzler and William Eichler

In association with the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition

The full length program is still in progress. Release is expected in 2018.

Photos courtesy of: Burton Historical Collection – Detroit Public Library, Detroit Historical Museum

Parts of the proceeds from the full length film benefit the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition.

NEWPORT, RI: Ravelin Films has commenced work on a new documentary for Fort Adams in Newport, Rhode Island.  This program will feature noted fort historian and author John Weaver as well as a strong working agreement with the Fort Adams Trust, who promote, program and preserve that National Historic Landmark.

The Ravelin team spent two very busy days shooting at Fort Adams on June 1-2, 2016. “Nineteenth Century forts look their very best in the early spring because of the fresh, low vegetation,” said Ravelin Films partner Ryan Betzler. “We had two beautiful days and we made the most of it.”

Fort Adams significance in American history stems not only for its dominance for defense in the coastal region, but also from when it was constructed and who built it. The 3^rd System of Forts were built in the United States in the decades following the War of 1812 in response to lessons we learned about national defense during that struggle. The man who oversaw initial construction at Fort Adams, Joseph Totten, would go on to be Chief Engineer of the United States army. This fort is seen as a test ground for many ideas that would be implemented much wider in the system.

Work will continue on the documentary through 2016. Additional filming is planned for spring of 2017 for a release date later that year.

Ravelin Films is proud to announce the official trailer for “Detroit’s Fort Wayne, Guarding | Serving | Enduring”.

A historical journey of the fort and the people who were there.

Produced by Ravelin Films
Directed by Ryan Betzler and William Eichler
In association with the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition

Photos courtesy of: Burton Historical Collection – Detroit Public Library, Detroit Historical Museum

The full length program is still in progress. Release is expected in late summer 2016.

Parts of the proceeds from the full length film benefit the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition.

Ravelin Film’s is proud to announce production of a new documentary on one of Michigan’s historic gems. “Detroit’s Fort Wayne: Guarding, Serving, Enduring” will tell the story of the fort that quietly watches the city’s southern riverfront. Directed and produced by Michigan filmmakers William Eichler and Ryan Betzler, the story begins before Europeans arrived in North American with the Native Communities. Though no fortification was constructed, actions on the site played a critical part in the War of 1812. In the 1840s a fort is finally built on the site. After being first garrisoned during the Civil War, it remained constantly in service to the United States until 1972.

In addition to it’s military service and positive economic impact, Detroit’s Fort Wayne regularly contributed to social portions of the City’s history. From bands to sporting teams, the post’s garrison contributed to recreation and enjoyment in Detroit, a role it still serves today.

“Detroit’s Fort Wayne: Guarding, Serving, Enduring” is being produced in co-operation with the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition, a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving Historic Fort Wayne. A portion of the proceeds will go to their on-going efforts to maintain and restore the site, as well as provide educational programs for the public. Production is on-going and a premiere is targeted for June 2016.