Bruce Harper In Post-Production With Documentary On Philanthropist And Jazz Aficionado Gretchen Carhartt Valade

Online, April 11, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Bruce Harper is in post-production with When I Need to Smile: The Jazzy Lives of Gretchen Valade, a documentary about the businesswoman, philanthropist and jazz enthusiast whose love and passion for people, her community and jazz music drove her to save the largest free jazz concert in North America.

When I Need to Smile is comprised of recollections by friends, family, colleagues and musicians about Gretchen Carhartt Valade, her philanthropic activities, work within her community, and the founding of her jazz label, Mack Avenue Records, as well as her involvement in rescuing the Detroit International Jazz Festival from extinction. Valade herself also helps weave her life story.

Harper, an Emmy Award-winning director, directed the film for Studio 600 Productions. While Harper has directed commercials and television documentaries for 20 years, When I Need to Smile is his first feature. "I have been developing two feature projects for my company, but this film came along, and I got really excited about being involved. Gretchen has had and continues to lead a fascinating life. It's a story that needs to be told."

Valade's family made its fortune manufacturing Carhartt workwear. This wealth has allowed Valade to make an impact as a philanthropist donating to organizations such as COTS, St. John's Hospital, and the Detroit International Jazz Festival. The film includes interviews with people who can attest to the benefit the organizations have derived from her financial support as well as to her personal commitment to the community she calls home.

Musicians who have worked with her on the Mack Avenue Records label and the festival will share their experiences of working with her. These artists include Stanley Jordan, Kevin Eubanks and Christian McBride.

Shooting took place throughout 2011 in Detroit and Los Angeles.

Harper is also currently developing two films for his company, Big City Films. Best Beat in Town is a documentary about Harper's first job at the first African American TV station in the country. Simple Life is a romantic comedy about a man whose ex-girlfriend resurfaces after dumping him to go on assignment abroad - just in time for his wedding.

For more information about Bruce Harper or any of these projects, visit www.bigcityfilmworks.com or contact 313.415.4441.