Many options are available to mark this year’s 150th anniversary of George Jackson’s discovery of gold in Clear Creek County. There already have been re-enactors, fireworks and ceremonies — with more still to come. But local Greg Markle is offering yet another option for aspiring thespians.
This March, Markle plans to direct a film about the adventures of the Colorado Gold Rush’s founding father — and he’s looking for a few good volunteers.
“Nobody gets paid, including me; I just thought it would be a nice community project and get people thinking about the history. I think very few people know about his story,” said Markle, general manager of KYGT radio station. The project was conceived as a way for the radio station to celebrate the 150th anniversary.
Markle said he made a handful of local films in the ‘80s just for the joy of the moviemaking process. This time, he’s hoping to re-create movie magic with a focus on preserving Jackson’s story.
Currently, he’s talking to some who are interested in acting and the technical process of filmmaking, but he’s still scouting for anyone else interested in volunteering time to the project. He said he’s looking to get at least 75 people from the community involved.
“It’s a very interesting story, and it should be documented,” Markle said. “This would be a fun way for the community to get together to tell this guy’s story.”
Right now, Markle is working on the script and scouting locations. One such location is an old trapper’s cabin near Georgetown. He said the Idaho Springs Historical Society is helping with his research.
The story will follow Jackson from the time he left home at age 16 to his discovery of gold and perhaps beyond. Markle is also talking to a descendant of Jackson to see if she’d be willing to narrate the film. He said the scope of the project will depend on the level of interest at the local level.
“I’m trying to do this, and I’m gathering things together to make it happen, and I could use help. … There’s a lot of people who go into the making of a movie,” he said.
The movie is tentatively titled “Idahoe,” and the film could take the better part of the year to finish, but Markle plans to have a premiere by the end of the 150th anniversary year.
“With the community’s help, I know we can do a really good job on this,” Markle said. “I’m already getting calls from people who want to help out.”
For information about volunteering, contact Greg Markle at 303-567-2546.