Bill & Scott Bindley

Indianapolis Premiere Of ‘Madison’ Generates Excitement
Among Fans
By Don Ward, Editor
(Oct. 01)

MADISON, IND. - Dozens of Madisonians will travel to Indianapolis on Oct. 18 to attend the 7 p.m. premiere showing of the movie ‘Madison” at the Heartland Film Festival, which runs Oct. 17-26.
Although the movie has not yet been released in theatres, many whotook part in making the movie or witnessed its making during summer 1999 in Madison are anxious to see the outcome on the silver screen.
“I know a lot of people who are going up for it. It’s going to be one big party,” said Duane Herin, a Madison resident and Madison Regatta collector who played an extra in the filming.
A limited number of $10 tickets went on sale Sept. 5 for the screening at Hilbert Circle Theatre. They were available at the Madison Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
A distributor has not yet been announced, but those involved in the movie say one has been identified and they expect a spring 2002 release. “It’s a summer movie, so you wouldn’t want to release it in the fall or winter,” said director Bill Bindley, an Indianapolis native who co-wrote the script with his brother, Scott.
Bindley visited Madison during this year’s Madison Regatta and showed clips of the film. The sound track had not been finalized at the time, but viewers were excited to hear the opening narration by Seymour native and pop star John Cougar Mellencamp.
“It’s going to be great when it comes out. I can’t wait,” said Mike McCormick, son of the late Jim McCormick who piloted the Miss Madison unlimited hydroplane to victory in the 1971 Gold Cup race in Madison. The movie is a fictionalized version of the true story of McCormick’s underdog victory.
Actor Jake Lloyd plays the younger McCormick in the film. Jim Caviezel, star of “Thin Red Line,” “Frequency” and, most recently, “The Count of Monte Cristo,” plays Jim McCormick. Other actors include Bruce Dern, Paul Dooley and Mary McCormack.
The film premiered last winter at Robert Redford’s Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. It received rave reviews and a standing ovation from the 1,500 who attended.
As part of the premiere in Indianapolis, several actors and film crew of “Madison” will take part in a session Oct. 17 at Franklin College to discuss making the movie. Admission is free, but seating is limited.
Bill and Scott Bindley are both graduates of Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School and Northwestern University. Bill works in the film industry in Los Angeles; Scott is a freelance writer in Indianapolis.
The Heartland Film Festival is celebrating its 10th year. To commemorate it, 10 filmmakers, including Academy Award nominees and winners from Heartland’s past are returning. Charles Champlin, Karl Malden and Robert Wise are serving as honorary chairmen. All three were on Heartland’s original board.
Movie screening tickets are $7 each or $50 for a pack of 10 tickets. To purchase tickets or for festival information, call 1-800-HFF-10

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