U.S. Figure Skating announces 2011 film project

Documentary to commemorate 1961 world team tragedy

http://web.icenetwork.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091209&content_id=7783766&vkey=ice_pressrelease

(12/09/2009) - Colorado Springs, Colo. -- U.S. Figure Skating announced plans for a documentary film project that will celebrate American figure skating while honoring the 1961 World Team that perished in a tragic plane crash. The film will also be used to further the mission of U.S. Figure Skating's Memorial Fund, which was established in memory of the 1961 team to support U.S. skaters.

"U.S. Figure Skating has a great history, and through this film we will have the opportunity to share it with audiences around the country, and the world," said Patricia St. Peter, president of U.S. Figure Skating. "As we approach the 50th anniversary of the loss of the 1961 World Team, we are undertaking this film project to preserve the memory of those who have influenced generations of American figure skaters."

After an extensive search, U.S. Figure Skating has commissioned Lookalike Productions to produce the film. Founded in 2002 by twin sisters Lisa Lax and Nancy Stern, Lookalike has earned 16 Emmy Awards for its television and film productions.

"We believe Lookalike Productions is the right choice for sharing these important stories and effectively communicating the impact these individuals had on the world of figure skating," said David Raith, executive director of U.S. Figure Skating.

Research and planning have begun for the film, with production scheduled to begin in early 2010. The projected release date of February 2011 coincides with and commemorates the 50th anniversary of the U.S. World Team tragedy.

"We are honored to be chosen to produce this celebration of American skating," Lax said. "One of the most remarkable things about sport is its ability to fulfill the dreams of both athlete and spectator."

"This will be a film that focuses on an equally central and essential truth: One person's dreams can be fulfilled by another's," Stern said. "The dreams interrupted on Feb. 15, 1961, have not gone unfulfilled, they are realized by all who share them -- and give rise to the dreams of generations to come."

This will not be uncharted territory for Lookalike, as its past projects have led it to work with some of the most decorated skaters in U.S. Figure Skating history, such as 1968 Olympic champion Peggy Fleming.

"Their passion for accuracy on every subject they choose is obvious, but, most important, they understand how to take an audience on an emotional journey," Fleming said. "I am proud to have been one of their subjects as well as a colleague."

Response from Smucker's Stars On Ice to a email I sent.

Thank you for contacting us.

We are disappointed that there is untrue and inaccurate information being disseminated. Please be assured that the “gender identity and sexual orientation” of cast members has never been a consideration in the selection of tour performers.

Stars on Ice recognizes Johnny Weir is a talented athlete and we appreciate the contributions he has made to the international figure skating community throughout his career.

While Stars on Ice wishes it could accommodate many more talented skaters as part of our cast, the fact is we cannot sign every skater.

Thank you again for contacting us, and be assured that the comments mentioned regarding the Stars on Ice tour are simply not accurate.

Sincerely,

Stars on Ice

Evan was on the View today. He looked so hot. He talked about winning the gold medal and showed everyone his medal. He talked about doing Dancing with The Stars. The guy is a dream.

Johnny Weir is Three-Time U.S. Champion wonder how many 3 time US champions Stars on Ice have not signed?? I can imagine Evan will look like heaven when he dances.

2010 World skating championships online at Universal Sports beginning March 23

http://www.universalsports.com/

Why I am glad that I can least watch the Worlds this year online - wonder how many skating fans are going to know it is not going to be shown on TV this year and will know it will be online and when and where - guess I will just have to spread the news and hope other skating fans will too.

http://www.universalsports.com/

Ice Capades: Rare Video of 50 Years of Skating Stars & Shows

I have a good childhood memory of going to see Ice Capades with my parrents.

Johnny Weir is on Leno tonight.

They should do a ice skating event in 3D.

Jay Leno 3/22 - Barkely and Weir cold opening.

http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/video/clips/barkley-and-weir-cold-open/1211086/?__cid=thefilter

Weir interview

http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/video/clips/johnny-weir/1211137/?__cid=thefilter

Olympic bronze medalist Daisuke Takahashi has wowed the judges with huge jumps and speedy stepwork to win the short program at the world figure skating championships.

I still have to remind myself to watch the Worlds online - wonder what else that will be shown online and we won't get to watch on TV?

Denise Biellmann Exhibition at 1980 Olympic Games

Here are the results from the Ladies' short program:

1. Mirai Nagasu
2. Mao Asada
3. Laura Lepisito
4. Carolina Kostner
5. Ksenia Makarova
6. Rachel Flatt
7. Kim Yu-Na
8. Cynthia Phanuef
9. Viktoria Helgesson
10. Julia Sebestyn
11. Miki Ando

I'm glad that Carolina and Cynthia were able to have better competition here than at the Olympics. Hopefully Mirai will hold the lead and win the World title.

The Ice Dance Results:

Gold: Tessa Virtue/Scott Moir

Silver Charlie White/ Meryl Davis

Bronze: Frederica Faiella/ Massimo Scali

Davis/White won the free dance but it wasn't enough to overtake Virtue/Moir for the title.

Edited March 26, 201015 yr by lovely_m