New York Says Thank You

Spotlight

World Premiere

USA | 86 MINUTES | English |

NEW YORK SAYS THANK YOU

Documentary

On September 11, 2001, New Yorkers witnessed their fellow Americans' inspirational potential for generosity and sacrifice as aid from across the nation flowed into the city. Two years later, in 2003, five-year-old Evan Parness learned of a devastating firestorm ravaging the landscape and residents of California. He expressed a wish to help the affected children, and from that innocent gesture a movement was born. Since that first truck set out for California filled with toys and relief supplies, the New York Says Thank You Foundation has brought New York firefighters and volunteers to Illinois, Louisiana, Indiana, Texas, and Kansas in the wake of natural and man-made disasters to repay a nation that came to New York's aid in a time of need.

Scott Rettberg's documentary follows the participants of this landmark public service initiative as they commemorate the anniversary of 9/11 each year by rebuilding homes, hospitals, schools, and churches destroyed by disaster. In the process they share stories of survival and hope, and bring a patriotic message of gratitude and solidarity to survivors of tragedy nationwide.


CAST & CREDITS

Directed by Scott Rettberg

SCOTT RETTBERG has worked in film and television for more than 10 years, playing an essential role in the films Bled, Ascension Day, and the award-winning independent short Cooking with Cannibals. Scott's television works include Myth Busters, The Apprentice, Starting Over, and Project Runway, among others.
Primary Cast
Jeff Parness, Jamal Braithwaite, Brian Fitzpatrick, Charlie Vitchers, Tony Amato, Evan Parness
Editor
Bryan S. Norfolk
Director of Photography
Joel Tallbut
Executive Producer
Jonathan Tisch, Jeffrey Stewart, Leonello Savo Jr., SF Foundation
Associate Producer
Liz Spano
Director
Scott Rettberg
Producer
Scott Rettberg, Megan Sleeper, Jeffrey Stewart
Original Music By
Mike Post, Mark Qura Rankin, Michael J. Leslie

CONTACTS

Print Source
Scott Rettberg
Individual Entertainment
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Phone: 818.458.0829
scott@individualentertainment.com
Other
Amy Hood
Winnetka, CA 91306
Phone: 818.469.7223
amyhood@earthlink.net
Press Contact
Gia Storms
Edelman
New York, NY 10013
Phone: 212-642-7737
gia.storms@edelman.com
Press Contact
Eiko Suzuki
Edelman
Eiko.Suzuki@edelman.com
Producer
Megan Sleeper
Sales Contact
Jeffrey Stewart
Walnut Hill Media
New York, NY 10065
Phone: 212.521.2816
jstewart@walnuthillmedia.com