Have you ever had inspiration hit you in the head like a ping-pong ball?
There I was, sitting at my desk, working away while scribbling items on my “to pack” list for the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop, when I suddenly thought: “I’ve never been to this before. I should make a documentary about it!”
As if by magic, that ping-pong-ball idea ricocheted from my email to Workshop Founder Teri Rizvi — followed immediately by that familiar “OMG, what have I done?!”
It wasn’t that I couldn’t do it. I just needed more than my original cotton-candy concept — all air, no substance.
Fortunately, in a stroke of Erma magic, Pamela Chandler’s hilarious piece, “Held Together,” about a hysterectomy gone terribly wrong, landed in my inbox and gave me the hook I needed.
When Teri replied, “Tell me more,” I had a concept vibrant enough for her to say, “I love the idea!”
The documentary would encompass Erma Bombeck, her remarkable legacy, the workshop and the enduring power of humor and laughter to connect people, to heal and to be a beacon in dark times.
Next, I headed to Kohl’s, bought a suitcase the size of a small convertible and stowed my lighting equipment inside so TSA wouldn’t misconstrue the light stands as weapons of mass destruction. I swear, lighting equipment wasn’t even on my original packing list!
When I put out a call for interviewees on the Erma Facebook page, I had more victims, uh, volunteers than I even had time to interview during the workshop.
They came from all walks of life: writers, stand-up comedians, improv performers and theater actors. Their stories were fascinating and included poignant accounts of how humor had helped them navigate difficult times.
Back home, I dove into editing and began arranging additional interviews, including with the actor and the director who brought Erma Bombeck to life in the Engel sisters’ play At Wit’s End.
I also launched crowdfunding and sponsorship campaigns and secured nonprofit fiscal sponsorship so donors and sponsors could receive tax deductions.
Talking with people about the project, I was struck by their enthusiasm — even though Erma has been gone for 30 years.
One donor wrote, “Erma Bombeck was one of my absolute favorites, growing up. And my dear Aunt Shirley patterned her humor columns after her. So, I'm beyond excited!”
Our local PBS station has expressed interest in broadcasting the completed documentary, and stations in Dayton and Columbus voiced similar interest. Even one PBS broadcast could open the door to wider distribution and a national audience.
More filming and editing remain, along with color correction, archival materials, sound editing and animation. I’ll need talented partners to help bring these pieces together.
So, the biggest challenge right now is funding.
With fewer grants available — especially in the arts — and greater demand for those that remain, every donation, sponsorship and introduction matters.
This is where you can help.
If you know of a grant that might be a good fit, please contact me at CWhiteLlewellyn@msn.com. If you or someone you know would like to help bring this joyful film to life through a tax-deductible gift or sponsorship, your support would be enormously appreciated. Donations can be made through Seriously HUMORoUS: with Love & Laughter, Erma, and sponsorship opportunities are available here.
Every contribution moves the film one step closer to the screen. Every introduction, share, connection and bit of Erma-inspired enthusiasm helps, too.
I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has contributed time, talent, money and encouragement — and to the workshop attendees who generously volunteered to be interviewed.
Thank you for helping make movie magic, à la Erma.
— Carol White Llewellyn
Carol White Llewellyn is a storyteller, media maker and creative connector who turns inspiring people and powerful ideas into compelling content. A six-time Telly Award winner, she produced and hosted five seasons of Conversations with Creatives, created The Pink Change Purse podcast and was a field producer on the Emmy Award-winning Women & the Vote. She also serves on the Advisory Board of Rochester Documentary Filmmakers.