For The First Time
Credits
Christopher Aumen: Director
Chris Paradysz,: Co-Writer
Matt Stambaugh: Co-Writer
Chris Paradysz: Producer
Audrey Martells Key Cast
Belden Bullock
Dillon Strouse: Key Cast
Niles Bullock: Key Cast
Cole Bullock: Key Cast
Cody Meassick: Lead Guide
Ben John: Adventure Guides
Jacob Reisler: Adventure Guides
Andrew Baers: B-Roll Cinematographer, Asst Editor
Production Crew
Leslie Tran: Sound Engineer
Production Crew
Zach Campbell, Lead Editor
Production Crew
Nico Paradysz: Film Score
Thomas Matera
Film Score
The For the first time story
Co-written and produced by documentary filmmakers, Chris Paradysz and Matt Stambaugh, For The First Time portrays an inspirational story of the power of water and the human connection to it. Using kayaks, canoes, a floatboat and turning a paddle into a simple tool, a group of five set out on a first-time adventure down the Susquehanna River. With no experience paddling, nor river rapids, hidden rocks and crags, or such remote locations, each in the group subtly transforms their own life, in their own way.
With each stroke, this brilliantly talented artistic family of four, unaccustomed to such rural and raw beauty, and a highly intelligent,beautiful young man, burdened with paralysis and spastic cerebral palsy, each moment of self discovery creates unexpected moments of purpose, truth and clarity. Shot over two days, Matt, Chris and Director, Christopher Aumen, collaborate to develop the stories, not told by a narrator, but by the visuals and five-sense experiences created by the eight-hour adventure.
With first-line credits performing as a public speaker, or in well-known bands, as well as with their own musicians, plus acting in TV, commercial and films, each of the actors brought their own wanderlust allowing the audience, and crew, into their lives and powerful psyche.
The Filmakers
Matt Stambaugh and Christopher Aumen, filmmakers both, and many times partnering up for various film and commercial work, collaborated closely with Chris Paradysz, producer and passionate supporter of film, artistry and musical endeavors. Each bringing their entrepreneurial spirit and artistic breadth to this film, and others, they’ve captured the powerful emotions created by nature and carefully set them amongst human stories in exquisite renderings.
Currently working on a new documentary, A Second Chance, they explore a woman’s explosive, yet transformative choices, again using adventure and exploration as metaphor and antagonist. This time, climbing a hundred-foot rock, stirs emotions unlike the protagonist, Nicky Tamberrino, has ever experienced. As Chris states, “there’s nothing quite as motivating and powerful as knowing your spirit and ability will overcome fear despite its ability to wreak havoc.”
The Artists
Born in London England, and raising a family of four, with two teenage boy artists, Audrey herself has to further her own career in music, TV, film and on
stage. As both a playwright and actor, too, she brings her passion to everything she does, including this film. She plunged into one of the lead roles, completely unfamiliar with the role and what was needed, but discovered new physical and emotional skills for her own needs, but as a mother to her sons. Fly fishing on the second day, she learned the nuances of a difficult sport and brought her typical verve and fascination along with an occasional side-eye to keep her brood in line . Audrey studied at William Paterson College. Studied with HB Studios with instructors Austin Pendelton, Arthur French, Rasa Kazlas.
Theater Credits include The Lady (U.S) Scottsboro Boys Directed by Susan Stroman. Film Credits include Blue Bloods, Chicago- Miramax Motion Picture, Save The Last Dance, Shanghai Calling, Back For Good, All My Children, Guiding Light, All My Children Accomplished songwriter for George Benson and Randy Crawford, Toured with Joan Osborne, Steely Dan background vocalist. Recorded with Whitney Houston, Brandy, Michael McDonald, Britney Spears, Celine Dion among many others.
A tour de ‘force, Dillon does nothing casually. In the setups, rehearsals and getting in and out of the boat, his infectious attitude and care reveals itself everywhere. On a float boat with Ben John, adventure guide, he answers questions with gusto every time, and although in a boat for nearly eight hours, he never wavers in his beliefs. That attitude breaks through the film at every turn.
In his own words…
”For me, music was never merely an outlet, but an intro to life and all its possibilities. I come from a family with an ear and a heart for music. They all found comfort in it and their confidence through it. When I was 12 years old, I wanted the same and asked my grandfather for a drum set. Moments like those, where I took pat of the musicality of the family enabled me to open my own business, Strouse Entertainment; an upbeat company where I’m a regular small-town guy with a large presence providing people with pure inspirational fun while enabling them to create lasting memories. We all have a story; some we wear on our future alma mater sleeve. Some are told through a wheelchair. However, everyone is more than just an appearance, circumstance or personality test result that brought us to this place online. At the end of the day, we are just trying to keep our heads up and put in the footwork. I, myself, have experienced a broad range of emotions, talked to crowds, visualized triumph and essential goals. Moreover, through it all the most critical thing was to find a safe place to express those feelings – a way to express myself and encourage others.] While my cerebral palsy may outwardly confine me to a wheelchair, it doesn’t impede the radius of impact I’ve made with people struggling to find their passion; to make their metaphoric music. Topics I cover include Self- Motivation, Inspiration, Determination, Perseverance, Hope, Transformation, Disability Awareness.
With a career on the road, and locally in the NYC market, Belden has to constantly mix his soothing approach to life and family with the intensity of earning a living in music. In the film, it’s clear the touch and sensible emotion he brings to assure his boys and builds their confidence, he expresses so easily to his wife, Audrey, and to the entire crew. On film, his comfort in nearly every situation came through the lens in his typical cool approach. Belden is an accomplished acoustic and electric bassist who hails from Boston. From when he was a child, the avid radio and record listening of the Bullock family exposed him to a large variety of music, from Motown to Jimmy Smith, Wes Montgomery and Miles Davis.
He moved to NYC in 1988 and soon became part of the New York scene with his early touring opportunities performing the George Adams Quartet and with the Ahmed Jamal Trio. In the early ‘90s, Bullock would become a member of the critically acclaimed Ralph Peterson Fo’tet which has been his longest tenture to date. During this period, Bullock met Oliver Lake, and has since played bass and recorded in several configurations of this group. In 1998, Belden became the bassist for the legendary South African pianist Abdullah Ibrahim (formerly known as Dollar Brand), and performed with him for fifteen years touring the world extensively. Some of the artists Belden has performed with during his career include, Roy Haynes, George Adams, Michael Brecker, Lionel Hampton, Branford Marsalis, Geri Allen, Steven Wilson, Ted Curson, Athima Bea Benjamin, and many others.
