Thursday, May 7, 2009

Filmmaker group to launch series of projects surrounding defunct ‘80s Dallas venue Starck Club

By Pegasus News wire

DALLAS — The Woodall Group, led by Starck Club founder Blake Woodall, announced it has signed a multi-media production agreement with Sundance award-winning director/producer Michael Cain along with partners; producer/music supervisor, Wade Randolph Hampton and producer, Melina McKinnon. This partnership allows Cain, Hampton, and McKinnon full rights to the story and an archive including hundreds of hours of rare footage, thousands of photos and memorabilia surrounding the legendary tale of the Starck Club.

“With access to the inner circle and those who created and lived the Starck experience, we will be able to step behind the drapes again into the glamour, decadence, opulence and sheer pleasure that was 1980’s Dallas,” said Cain.

A ceremony will take place on the steps of the original fabled club on May 12, marking the 25th anniversary of the Starck Club’s opening. That evening Woodall, along with Greg McCone, the Club’s general manager and David Hynds, the Club’s video artist, will be handing over their archives to the filmmakers at the media reception. Starck Club was built by Blake Woodall who in 1982 flew in relatively unknown designer Philippe Starck to create what many have come to regard as a monumental cornerstone of international nightclubs. The revered ‘investors list’ included rock star, Stevie Nicks who played opening night with Starck’s most loyal instigator, Grace Jones. Amidst the endless flow of notable guests…from Robert Plant to Rob Lowe…Princess Stephanie of Monaco to rockstar Prince – the line between exquisite and absurd was often blurry, but always beautiful.

Woodall stated, “Many others have wanted to tell this story and I have been judicious in my selection of these particular filmmakers. Michael, Wade and Melina are the right people, at the right time with personal ties to Dallas and The Club, as well as, the professional experience to bring this story to life. The fruits of our labor and partnership will enhance and possibly transform Dallas’ image, which was created in the late 1980’s, all around the world.”

The Woodall Group and the producers are working on the STARCK PROJECT, which includes the documentary feature, narrative feature and television opportunities all based in the 1980’s focusing on Dallas, and the Starck Club as central characters. “We will strive to reveal the impact Dallas, the Starck Club and those who created this once in a lifetime experience had on international culture – from music to architecture to fashion,” said Michael Cain. "I am grateful to the Dallas Film Society Board for allowing me to take a 2-month sabbatical from my duties as Artistic Director of the AFI Dallas International Film Festival, so that I can focus my efforts on this project during this critical time."

Source: Woodall Group

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Comments

Russ Vandeveerdonk Verified

I was a regular at Starck, anyone remember VOL, the "he-she" black guy at the unisex bathrooms entrances? This should be a great docu-drama, what a great idea to bring this all back. I got to run the same spot years later as a nightclub called AREA 51, but it was NEVER like the hairdresser-filled crowds behind those white curtains in the vip booths of the 1980's! Not to mention the ecstacy and the other white delights,....uummmpppffff!

6 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

Chris Kidd Verified

I didnt get a chance to experience the original, as I was 7 at the time and had a bedtime of 9pm on the dot(moms orders). But, it'll be interesting to see what comes of these documentaries/films. Im hoping more 24 Hour Party People than 54, if ya catch my drift...

6 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )