Wide Awake Films George Washington Mount Vernon

KC’s Wide Awake Films Creates New Movie for George Washington’s Mount Vernon

One of America’s greatest presidents is the subject of a new movie from Kansas City filmmakers.

Local Kansas City video production company Wide Awake Films has created a new film about George Washington, and it’ll be shown exclusively inside Mount Vernon’s newly renovated Revolutionary War Theater.

Wide Awake was named in December as a 2018 25 Under 25 honoree.

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Wide Awake produces corporate videos and ads for Sprint, the Boilermakers, John Deere, Google and other clients, but the company originally built its reputation on documentaries and historical films for PBS, the Civil War Trust, the History Channel and National Geographic.

The new 17-minute, 4K-resolution movie shows how Washington led the young country through some of its most decisive moments. The movie, which was shot at historical sites around Virginia, expands the story to include Martha Washington and William Lee, a slave who served as Washington’s valet.

Not only does it feature animation and live-action scenes with historical reenactors, the film was designed for Mount Vernon’s immersive “4-D” theater. Snow, wind and fog will be simulated in theater, and when artillery shells explode onscreen, the seats will rumble thanks to the 9.2 channel surround sound audio.

“Our Revolutionary War 4-D Theater has connected with millions of Mount Vernon visitors over the past 10 years, but through time and constant use, it had grown tired,” said Rob Shenk, senior vice of visitor engagement. “With every new audience, we need to rise to the challenge and provide them with an experience that will exceed their ever-growing media expectations.”