Project Title The Tartan Apple: the Scots in New York City

Programming Category Documentary

Sub-Category History

Length 56 minutes

Talent Narrators: Prof. Carol Berkin (New York: a Documentary, A&E Founding Fathers)

Karen Bonthrone, John Forrest,

Country of Origin USA

Original Language English

Production Budget $50,000

Status The film is currently in production. Shooting began in September, 2001.

Percentage of Budget Raised 20%

Percentage of Budget Still Needed 80%

Available Rights Worldwide, all media.

Financing Partners Individuals, endowments, foundations, and corporations

Anticipated project completion date October, 2002

Copyright Harlan D. Whatley

THE TARTAN APPLE tells the under examined story of the Scottish-Americans who emigrated from Scotland to New York City from the 17th century to the present. The story is told chronologically, beginning with Captain William Kidd, who is stereotyped as a pirate more so than a successful privateer. Thousands of Scots put their lives on the line to leave their precious homeland for a better life. Many were forced to leave as their wealthy landlords, who often shared the same surname, determined that sheep were worth more than people. Others arrived as indentured servants or mercenaries. The Scots quickly assimilated to their new surroundings as merchants, clergy, physicians, lawyers and politicians.

Three signers of the Declaration of Independence were members of New York's oldest charity, the Saint Andrew's Society of the State of New York. Men of Scottish descent founded early New York City newspapers such as The New York Post and the Herald Tribune. In the Civil War, the 79th NYSVM "Highlanders" served New York City and the Union proud. The regiment was comprised of members of both the New York Caledonian Club and the Saint Andrew's Society. Andrew Carnegie was an active businessman and philanthropist in New York City.

Baseball legend Bobby Thomson, born in Glasgow, hit his "shot heard round the world," as a New York Giant. Scottish country dancing groups can be found all throughout the city as well as Scottish football supporters. Tartan Day is celebrated on April 6th in Central Park.

THE TARTAN APPLE intercuts dramatic re-creation scenes of the American Revolution and the American Civil War with narration, interviews and archival material that include parade footage of the New York Caledonian Club from the late 1800's and several carte de viste portrait photographs. Scottish fiddle, bagpipes, and harp music will be used throughout the work as well as female vocalists. The project is shot in Digital Video and edited in Final Cut Pro.

Harlan Douglas Whatley

Producer Writer

Skye Films

www.skyefilms.com

harlanw@nyc.rr.com