The Passion to Tell a Story: "Black List/White List"

Throughout time, stories, in one form or another, have been used to enlighten and inform, to inspire and to energize. Important people throughout history have had their stories told in hopes of keeping their spirits alive, generation after generation. Sadly, it is common for important stories about important people to be forgotten or neglected.

Katherine Haber has diligently worked in the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She's been around the likes of legendary film director Sam Peckinpah where she collaborated on numerous projects. During this time, Katherine would come to learn about composer Jerry Fielding and jazz legend Buddy Collette, who resumes include: 'The Enforcer', 'Straw Dogs', 'Wild Bunch' and 'The Outlaw Josey Wales.'.

Haber and her collaborator David Payne, quickly decided that the story of these two musicians was a story worth telling. Both Haber and Payne have extensive experience in the world of entertainment, so a project centered on Fielding and Collette made sense.

Composer Jerry Fielding is a 3-time Oscar nominated composer who was blacklisted by McCarthyism while jazz legend Buddy Collette helped Fielding bridge the gap between the 'white' and 'black' Union Halls. Both men have such colorful collaborations, yet are not commonly known, which is what inspires Katherine and David to get their stories told.

The filmmakers are currently researching and shooting their titled documentary, 'Black List/White List' which would include priceless interviews, stock footage, movie clips and still photographs with the goal of telling the vitally important story of two men who forever changed the music industry.
By Justin Memovich, Melrose Heights Magazine