STORYSMART®

STORYSMART® Film Receives Major Grant Support from St. Louis Film Project

By Ron Watermon • April 24, 2025

We are honored to share some big news. Our documentary, A Steak Guerrilla in St. Louis: The Dr. Arturo Taca Story, has been selected as one of five projects to receive funding from the St. Louis Film Project , a collaboration between the Regional Arts Commission (RAC) of St. Louis and Continuity . This recognition comes from a highly competitive pool of 115 applicants. The grant—up to $100,000—represents a decisive vote of confidence in our story and our approach to telling it. It also offers meaningful momentum as we enter the next phase of production. Most importantly, it reinforces what we believe: Dr. Arturo Taca’s story matters and deserves to be told. A Story Rooted in St. Louis — and Felt Across the World “A Steak Guerrilla in St. Louis” is a documentary rooted in the unlikely convergence of midwestern Americana and Filipino resistance. It follows the story of Dr. Arturo M. Taca, a Filipino surgeon and political exile who made St. Louis his home while taking a stand against Ferdinand Marcos's brutal dictatorship. Before terms like “fake news” and “disinformation” became common in American discourse, Dr. Taca uncovered the truth behind the Philippine president's fraudulent war record. That investigation began here—in dusty archives just outside of St. Louis—and set off a chain of events that toppled a brutal dictator. Our film uses a hybrid storytelling format, combining animated reenactments, interviews, and archival research to tell this story in an emotionally resonant and visually striking way. The Grant That Helps Make It Possible The St. Louis Film Project grant, funded through RAC and administered by Continuity, is part of an initiative to uplift the film community in St. Louis. RAC’s press release states that the fund was created to “support local filmmakers and organizations to tell stories rooted in St. Louis.” The evaluation process was rigorous. “Choosing five projects from over 100 submissions was no easy feat," said Vanessa Cooksey, President of RAC. "The talent and stories presented were incredible.” That’s why being one of the five chosen is more than just a financial boost—it affirms this story’s value and connection to our community. It means much to us, and we don’t take it lightly. A Delayed Start But a Firm Deadline While the grant announcement arrived months later than initially expected, we’ve been working behind the scenes to be ready to go once we receive funding. With this grant officially in place, we’re full steam ahead. The grant contractually obligates us to deliver the completed film by January 2026. That’s a fast turnaround in documentary filmmaking, especially for a story with historical depth, international relevance, and a visual style that blends live action with animation. That means every day counts. While the grant covers significant production costs, it also comes with essential parameters: 75% of funds must be spent within the City of St. Louis. We’re proud of that requirement—it aligns with our belief in investing locally and elevating regional talent. But it also means we must be innovative, strategic, and resourceful with every dollar we spend. We have our entire team in place, minus one critical position. We need a gifted DP to join our elite team. We are eager to work with a tremendous city-based production company or cinematographer who calls St. Louis home. If you know a great cinematographer who would like to join us, please have them email me at ron@storysmart.net. Why We’re Still Seeking Donor Support Even with the RAC grant, bringing this film to life in the way it deserves will take more. Animation, archival licensing, original score composition, color grading, distribution planning—it all adds up. And some of this can't be sourced in a way that fits grant guidelines. And because of the ambitious deadline, we’ll need to scale quickly without cutting corners. That’s where you come in. We’re seeking additional donor support to help us: Expand our animation sequences and visual storytelling capacity. Secure the rights to key archival materials that deepen the film’s historical accuracy. Shoot at least a couple of interviews with key individuals who live outside our region, including the Philippines. Invest in editorial and post-production tools that allow us to move efficiently without sacrificing quality. Ensure the finished film reaches the broadest possible audience, from film festivals to classrooms to international broadcast platforms. Your contribution—no matter the size—helps ensure that Dr. Taca’s story is told with the care, accuracy, and cinematic impact it deserves. If you believe in the power of truth-telling… if you value stories that connect communities and illuminate buried history… we hope you’ll consider becoming a supporter. Click here to donate Learn more about our film at steakguerrilla.com A Final Word: Why This Story Matters Now We often think history is distant, locked away in textbooks or museums. But A Steak Guerrilla in St. Louis reminds us that history is constantly being rediscovered—sometimes in our backyard. It’s a reminder that exile doesn’t silence the truth, that one person in one city can stand up to a dictator and change the course of a narrative written in lies, and that the work of defending democracy happens quietly, persistently, and often without recognition. Now, it’s time to give that recognition. With this grant—and with your support—we’re going to finish the film. And when we do, we’ll bring a hidden chapter of St. Louis history that reverberates far beyond our city limits. Thank you for sharing this journey with us, and a special thanks to each member of our talented filmmaking team. I'm grateful for your willingness to work to bring this story to the screen, your patience through this process, and your unselfish (uncompensated) work to make it happen. I have no doubt it will all be worth it! --Ron Watermon, Executive Producer & Director, A Steak Guerrilla in St. Louis: The Dr. Arturo M. Taca Story

Breaking New Ground: STORYSMART®’s Innovative Approach to Producing the Steak Guerrilla Documentary

By Ron Watermon • December 18, 2024

At STORYSMART®, we’ve built a reputation for helping clients transform their personal histories from disorganized “blobs” of information into polished copyright-protected storytelling source materials so they can make the most of their story. Using a blend of high-end documentary filmmaking and museum-level digital archival services, we specialize in helping people tell their stories while their still very much alive to guide the process. Our service is designed to help them shape their own narrative while maintaining control of their IP. In some respects, our core service would fit neatly in what studio executives would describe as the pre-production phase. It is designed to get all the source materials together in advance of storytelling. Most importantly, it is about preserving and developing a solid foundation in story IP. World building and character development with a focus on bullet-proof exclusive intellectual property. It is the kind of thing Hollywood agents and entertainment lawyers do for their clients. But with A Steak Guerrilla in St. Louis: The Dr. Arturo M. Taca Story , we’re charting new territory. This time, we’re not just helping someone prepare to tell their story—we’re taking the lead in the telling by producing an independently financed documentary about a remarkable man who passed away more than 27 years ago. He isn't here to lead the effort. This project represents a logical evolution for STORYSMART®: developing a hybrid model that blends independent filmmaking with family collaboration, allowing us to control the intellectual property (IP) while inviting Hollywood creatives to share in the equity. In a sense, pun intended, we are flipping the script a bit. We seek to pioneer a new way of bringing true stories to the screen, and we’re excited to share this journey with you while honestly admitting we are not entirely sure it will actually work. Our goal is to develop a truly collective collaborative model that grows the pie and benefits all involved. Rejecting exploitation and aligning roles to play to everyone's strength to forge a new path for true stories to the make it the screen. From Chaos to Cinema: Our Mission at STORYSMART® In our core business, we guide clients through the overwhelming “blob” phase of their personal histories—where ideas and materials are scattered and disorganized—getting them to a refined collection of copyright protected storytelling source materials that ensures they are fully ready for filmmaking, publishing, and much more. It is meaningful and rewarding work that makes a real difference for our clients. We work with individuals and families who are passionate about preserving their legacies, helping them turn their stories into lasting works of art they own. This approach ensures that our clients retain creative control and ownership over their narratives so they can make the most of their story. We put them in the driver's seat of the professional storytelling process like an agent might do for a celebrity. Whether it’s producing a feature documentary, writing a best selling memoir, or simply conducting a cinematic interview, the result is a legacy project that captures the essence of their life and experiences for future generations. It’s a process that centers around our clients’ involvement, their voice, and their vision. In many respects it mirrors the best practice pre-production research process deployed by the greatest documentary filmmakers like Ken Burns. It is tailored for an elite level of clients that demand excellence every step of the way, but it isn't for everyone. It is a significant investment. What sets A Steak Guerrilla apart is that this isn’t a high-end fee-for-service project. It isn't for a public figure, an organization or a high-net-worth highly accomplished individual. We are not being paid to do it. Instead, it’s a STORYSMART®-led initiative where we’re not only producing the film in collaboration with great filmmakers but also developing new intellectual property in collaboration with Dr. Arturo M. Taca’s family. We are working to raise the money to make it happen. This marks a significant evolution in how we operate, highlighting our ability to innovate and adapt in the world of storytelling. Our goal is to develop a new way that democratizes access to great storytelling, while also making it a win-win-win for all involved. A Hybrid Approach to Filmmaking Our work on A Steak Guerrilla represents an innovative middle ground between independent production where the filmmaker owns it all and the traditional work-for-hire models where the client owns it all. It’s a hybrid approach that brings together the best of both worlds: - Independent Control: By leading the fundraising and production efforts, we as a team retain control over the creative direction and the IP, ensuring the story is told with integrity and impact. - Collaborative Partnerships: We’re working hand-in-hand with Dr. Taca’s family to honor their legacy while also inviting Hollywood creatives to contribute their talents with an equity stake in the project. This model is breaking new ground in the film industry, demonstrating how filmmakers, families, and creatives can work together in a collaborative collective to bring untold stories to life. It’s a win-win approach that ensures all parties have a vested interest in the project’s success while maintaining creative alignment and authenticity. Why This Story Matters Now Dr. Arturo M. Taca’s story is one of resilience, heroism, and humanity —a story that still resonates deeply today. More than 27 years after his passing, A Steak Guerrilla aims to shine a light on his remarkable story. For the Filipino community and the global diaspora, it’s a chance to celebrate a shared history of resilience and pride that might otherwise be lost to history. For broader audiences, it’s an opportunity to learn about an unsung hero whose story deserves to be part of the global narrative. At STORYSMART®, we believe stories like this are more important than ever. In an era where historical narratives are often simplified or overlooked, A Steak Guerrilla seeks to provide depth, context, and emotional resonance. It’s a film that not only preserves history but also inspires future generations. What to Expect from the Steak Guerrilla Documentary The Steak Guerrilla documentary will be a deeply moving exploration of Dr. Arturo M. Taca’s life and legacy, told through a combination of expert interviews, animated reenactments, and never-before-seen archival materials. Key elements of the film will include: - Firsthand Accounts: Through interviews with family members, historians, and those familiar with his life, the film will provide an intimate look at Dr. Taca’s courageous actions and their lasting impact. - Archival Materials: Using photographs, documents, and his unpublished personal memoir, the documentary will reconstruct the historical context in vivid detail, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the era. - Animated Reenactments: To bring critical moments of Dr. Taca’s story to life, we will incorporate carefully crafted reenactments that highlight key events, including his covert efforts to aid guerrilla fighters. - Global Perspective: The film will explore the broader implications of Dr. Taca’s work, connecting his story to the larger narrative of Filipino resilience and the shared sacrifice to restore democracy to the Philippines. With this rich tapestry of storytelling techniques, Steak Guerrilla will honor the past while engaging contemporary audiences with its universal themes of courage, humanity, and the enduring contribution of one man’s actions. A Vision for the Future of Storytelling With A Steak Guerrilla , we’re proving that stories can be brought to the screen in a way that benefits everyone involved: - Families retain a say in how their legacies are shared. - Creatives receive a stake in the project, ensuring alignment and investment in its success and any derivative storytelling that results from their work. - Audiences gain access to stories that inspire, educate, and connect across cultures and generations. This isn’t just about one film. It’s about creating a sustainable, collaborative model for storytelling that empowers families, filmmakers, and creatives to work together in new ways. For us, it is about providing Storytelling For ALL™ and Filmmaking For ALL™ By bridging the gap between traditional work-for-hire services and fully independent productions, STORYSMART® is pioneering a model that ensures all stakeholders have a voice and a share in the project’s outcome. This hybrid approach is not only innovative but also necessary. As the storytelling landscape evolves, so too must the ways in which we approach collaboration, ownership, and equity. A Steak Guerrilla is a blueprint for what’s possible when filmmakers and families work together to honor the past while shaping the future of storytelling. Help Us Bring A Steak Guerrilla to Life We’re thrilled to embark on this journey and invite you to join us in bringing A Steak Guerrilla to life. Follow the project’s progress on Facebook, LinkedIn, and at steakguerrilla.com . Together, we can ensure that Dr. Taca’s legacy—and countless other untold stories—live on for generations to come. Stay tuned for updates and thank you for supporting this bold new vision for storytelling. Whether through engagement, financial support, or simply sharing the story with others, you can play a part in helping us redefine how remarkable true stories are brought to the screen. About STORYSMART® Nothing is more enduring than a beautiful film that brings a story alive on screen and in our hearts. Great stories demand nothing less than cinematic Hollywood storytelling. STORYSMART® specializes in helping mission-driven organizations and public figures make the most of their story using a proprietary approach that blends Hollywood cinematic storytelling with museum-like collection curation and story-focused brand licensing. STORYSMART® redefines Hollywood production by partnering with clients to develop their story into a film, allowing them to control their IP rights and benefit financially as their story is produced by the best filmmakers and storytellers.

Copyright-Protected Legacies: Why Your Client's Story Deserves Legal Protection

By STORYSMART® • September 8, 2024

Advising clients to invest in storytelling should be part of your estate planning wealth management practice. For high-net-worth individuals, like CEOs, professional athletes, or entertainers, their legacy extends beyond mere financial wealth. Their personal and professional journeys hold a unique value that can be monetized and appreciated over time, just like their financial assets. Estate planning and wealth management have traditionally focused on protecting tangible assets like properties and investments. However, there is an increasing awareness that personal stories, when preserved and protected, hold significant financial value. In this post, we’ll explore the concept of personal legacies as intellectual property (IP), how digitizing assets like photos and documents plays a crucial role, and the importance of recording on-camera interviews that provide the foundation for future media projects. We’ll also delve into why copyright protection is critical for safeguarding these stories and positioning them as valuable assets for future use. We are firm believers that wealth management and estate planning attorneys have a key role to play in this evolving approach to legacy preservation, and partnering with a service like STORYSMART® can help their clients protect their most personal and irreplaceable asset: their story. The Value of Personal Legacies as Intellectual Property When we think of wealth, it’s easy to focus on tangible assets like real estate, stocks, or business holdings. However, for high-profile clients, wealth goes beyond material possessions—it includes their personal narrative and their NIL (name, image & likeness), which can be leveraged as a form of intellectual property (IP). In the same way that brands or creative works are protected by copyright and trademarks, a client’s personal story can—and should—be safeguarded as valuable IP. Expanding the Definition of Wealth Personal stories are an often untapped asset that, with the right approach, can be monetized and preserved for future generations. Consider the growing interest in documentaries, autobiographies, and feature films based on real-life events. For well-known individuals—whether CEOs, professional athletes, or entertainers—their life stories can generate significant interest and revenue. However, if these stories are not protected, they can be exploited or misrepresented without their consent. As their attorney, it would be malpractice to fail to recognize the practical steps your client should take to protect themselves and their estate. That’s why viewing a client’s story as a valuable part of their overall wealth portfolio is a forward-thinking approach that more attorneys and wealth managers are beginning to embrace. Public Figures and Personal Brand For public figures, legacy preservation goes beyond sentimental value—it is often tied directly to their personal brand. Whether it’s a famous entertainer, a prominent business leader, or an athlete at the height of their career, controlling the narrative of their story is critical to maintaining the integrity of their brand. Unauthorized biographies, sensationalized media portrayals, and one-sided stories can all tarnish a carefully curated image. This can devalue a personal brand. That is why you have a duty to help your client make smart decisions when it comes to protecting their personal brand. Securing copyright protection for personal stories gives the individual control over how their narrative is shared and monetized, allowing them to reap the benefits while safeguarding against exploitation. The Importance of Digitizing Personal Assets One of the first steps in preserving a legacy is ensuring that personal assets, such as family photos, important documents, and memorabilia, are properly digitized and stored. Digital archives are essential for safeguarding a client’s personal history, providing a secure, easily accessible way to preserve these materials for future use. Too often those in the public eye fail to take simple steps to ensure they own key things that they need such as photographs. We see this problem all the time with celebrities and athletes. They can’t even build a website or launch a retail line without having to paying other for a photograph of themselves. How to Digitize Personal Assets Digitizing personal assets requires an organized, thoughtful approach. Start by gathering all relevant materials—photos, diaries, letters, home videos, and any important documents that reflect the client’s life story. These materials should be categorized and cataloged to ensure nothing is lost or overlooked. Once organized, the next step is to professionally scan or convert these assets into digital formats, ensuring they are of the highest quality and can be stored securely. Many high-net-worth clients opt to work with archivists or digital preservation specialists who can handle the process from start to finish, ensuring that the digital assets are both accessible and secure. These assets can then be stored in cloud-based systems, offering easy access for the client and their family, while also protecting against physical degradation over time. Why Digitize? The benefits of digitizing personal assets are manifold: 1. Preservation: Over time, physical materials—photos, documents, tapes—deteriorate. Digitizing these assets ensures they are preserved in their best form for future generations. No more worrying about faded photos or fragile home videos. 2. Access: Digital archives allow clients and their families to access their memories at any time, from anywhere in the world. This ease of access is particularly important for clients with large, dispersed families or those who travel frequently. 3. Copyright and Ownership: Once digitized, these assets can more easily be copyrighted. A digital archive simplifies the process of establishing ownership and ensuring the client retains control over their personal materials. This means the client’s legacy can be legally protected, ensuring it isn’t used without permission. Cinematically Preserving Stories through On-Camera Interviews While digitizing physical assets is essential, the heart of legacy preservation lies in storytelling. Recording high-quality, on-camera interviews with the client, as well as their circle of family, friends, and colleagues, provides a rich source of material that captures their life in a way that documents alone cannot. These interviews offer emotional depth, nuance, and the personal perspective necessary to create a well-rounded narrative. Most importantly, this simple critical step is the essential building block of telling their story. In the world of Hollywood, these materials are referred to as “storytelling source material” the key IP foundation that is utilized to develop screenplays or other works. Typically books that are written about an individual are built on conducting interviews. These interviews are the copyright protected work product of the author or publisher. If the New York Times interviews your client, the New York Times owns that. They have lawyers lined up to protect the work product of that media. If a Hollywood producer wants to develop a streaming series based on a New York Times story or stories, they would license those stories as source material. Our point to you is that the media landscape has shifted to the point that you can advise your client to flip the script a bit and engage their own team to do these valuable interviews so your client owns them like the media outlet. They essentially become their own Hollywood Studio or Media outlet by engaging professionals on a work-for-hire basis so they own the work product. How to Conduct On-Camera Interviews On-camera interviews should be approached with the same level of professionalism as any media production. To truly capture the essence of a client’s story, a team of experienced filmmakers and interviewers is essential. The process typically begins with detailed preparation—understanding the key events in the client’s life, their values, and what they hope to convey in their legacy. Creating a thoughtful interview guide ensures that the conversation flows naturally and covers the most important aspects of their life. It’s also crucial to interview not only the client but also those close to them—family members, close friends, business associates. These interviews help paint a fuller picture of the individual’s impact on the people around them and provide additional perspectives that enrich the narrative. The key element behind this process is to paper everything from a consent standpoint. The producer and crew are hired by the client on a work-for-hire basis. They sign confidentiality agreements in addition to stipulating that they are conveying their rights to the work to the client. Everyone interviewed signs consents to the interview conveying their rights. If interviews are conducted on location, a location agreement is signed granting permission. You get the idea. Why Conduct On-Camera Interviews? 1. Documentary Filmmaking: Cinematically recorded interviews provide the foundation for future documentaries about the client’s life. High-quality footage is a valuable asset that can be used to create professional-grade films showcasing the client’s legacy. 2. Source Material for Screenwriting: These interviews provide authentic source material for screenwriters who may want to adapt the client’s life story for film or television. Firsthand accounts are invaluable in creating engaging, compelling scripts. 3. Writing a Book: Detailed, recorded interviews can serve as the backbone for writing memoirs or biographies. The stories told during these interviews offer personal insight that helps bring a written narrative to life. 4. Licensable Media for Future Use: Cinematically recorded interviews can be licensed for use by media outlets, news organizations, or even educational institutions. This allows the client’s story to be shared with the world, while they retain control and reap the financial benefits. Copyright Protection: Safeguarding Personal Stories Once personal assets have been digitized and interviews have been recorded, the next critical step is securing copyright protection. Copyrighting personal stories and materials ensures that the client’s narrative remains under their control, safeguarding against unauthorized use or exploitation. How to Copyright Personal Stories The process of copyrighting personal stories begins with registering the material through the appropriate legal channels. For written documents, photos, and digitized assets, this means filing with the U.S. Copyright Office or equivalent international organizations. For filmed interviews, copyright can be established on the recorded footage, providing the client with ownership rights over this valuable content. It is recommended that wealth management and estate planning attorneys work with IP specialists to ensure all copyright protections are in place. This step is crucial in turning personal stories into legally protected intellectual property that can be monetized in the future. Why Copyright is Crucial 1. Control and Ownership: Copyright protection ensures that the client retains control over how their story is used. Whether it’s for a documentary, a book, or a television adaptation, no one can use or reproduce their story without permission. 2. Future Monetization: By securing copyright, the client opens the door to future revenue opportunities. Their story can be licensed for use in various media formats, creating a lasting financial benefit for themselves and their family. 3. Avoiding Misrepresentation: Copyright protection is the most effective way to prevent unauthorized use of a client’s story, particularly for public figures who are often at risk of having their narrative distorted by unauthorized biographies or media portrayals. Practical Examples of Personal Stories as Marketable Assets Several high-profile individuals have successfully transformed their personal stories into marketable assets, underscoring the value of preserving and protecting legacies. 1. Athletes and Entertainers: Documentaries like The Last Dance (Michael Jordan) and Miss Americana (Taylor Swift) have become cultural phenomena, showcasing how personal narratives can be monetized and preserved for future generations. 2. CEOs and Entrepreneurs: Business leaders like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk have inspired films, documentaries, and books, all of which generate significant revenue and cement their legacy in the public consciousness. These examples demonstrate the potential financial and reputational value of copyright-protected personal stories. The Role of Attorneys in Protecting Legacies Wealth management and estate planning attorneys have a unique opportunity to offer a holistic service to their clients. By helping clients protect not only their financial assets but also their personal stories, attorneys can offer a more comprehensive approach to legacy building. As your client’s advocate, you have an obligation to help your client understand the value in investing in telling their own story. The media landscape has changed to the point that you can help your client maximize the value of this asset by taking ownership of the storytelling development process. It has never been easier to finance and produce an independent film, self-publish a book, or launch your own retail line. As your client’s attorney, you have an obligation to think through all the ways in which your client’s stories can be monetized. How Attorneys Can Help Clients Protect Their Stories Attorneys play a crucial role in helping clients navigate the legal landscape of copyright protection and intellectual property. By partnering with professionals who specialize in storytelling and digital archiving, like STORYSMART®, attorneys can offer their clients a seamless way to safeguard their legacies. Conclusion A personal story is more than a memory—it’s a valuable asset that, when properly protected, can generate financial and emotional benefits for years to come. By digitizing personal assets, conducting cinematic interviews, and securing copyright protection, clients can ensure their legacies are preserved and monetized in a way that reflects their values and accomplishments. Wealth management and estate planning attorneys have the opportunity – and I believe obligation - to enhance their client relationships by helping protect these stories. In partnership with professionals like STORYSMART®, they can safeguard the legacies of high-profile individuals, ensuring their stories remain intact for future generations. Now is the time to think beyond traditional asset management and consider how storytelling can add lasting value to your client’s estate. About STORYSMART® Nothing is more enduring than a beautiful film that brings a story alive on screen and in our hearts. Great stories demand nothing less than cinematic Hollywood storytelling. STORYSMART® specializes in helping mission-driven organizations and public figures make the most of their story using a proprietary approach that blends Hollywood cinematic storytelling with museum-like collection curation and story-focused brand licensing. STORYSMART® redefines Hollywood production by partnering with clients to develop their story into a film, allowing them to control their IP rights and benefit financially as their story is produced by the best filmmakers and storytellers.

Phil Dawson

Multimedia Journalist

Rockford, Michigan

About STORYSMART®

Filmmaking For ALL™ Blog

STORYSMART® Film Receives Major Grant Support from St. Louis Film Project

Breaking New Ground: STORYSMART®’s Innovative Approach to Producing the Steak Guerrilla Documentary

Copyright-Protected Legacies: Why Your Client's Story Deserves Legal Protection

Are Your Ready To Share Your Story As A Documentary?

A Public Figures Guide to Film Development

FROM IDEA TO SCREEN: How to Transform Personal Experiences Into Cinematic Stories

Legal Know-How: Protecting Your Story Rights Before Pitching to Hollywood

Using the 7 Story Archetypes to Craft Compelling Documentaries for Non-Profits

STORYSMART® Public Figures

Helping Elon Musk Own His Story

Preserving Labor History

STORYSMART® Athletes

What Makes STORYSMART® Unique

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