As one-year ends and another begins, reflection naturally turns toward what lies ahead. In the film industry, this often means returning to the place where every story begins—imagination. Long before a script is typed or a camera begins to roll, films are born as dreams and visions in the minds of storytellers.
Every completed film is nothing short of a miracle.
From the initial spark of an idea to the final image projected onto a theater screen, filmmaking requires countless moving parts to align. Cast, crew, locations, logistics, and community support must come together seamlessly. Towns are transformed into living sets, historic homes become backdrops for storytelling, and local hotels, restaurants, and businesses play a vital role behind the scenes. Like the intricate gears of Big Ben’s complex gearing system, when every part works in harmony, something extraordinary is created.
The Gettysburg Film Commission extends heartfelt gratitude to Adams County, Pennsylvania, for opening its streets, historic homes, and community to filmmakers. The willingness of residents and businesses to support production allows creative visions to become reality—right here where history lives and stories continue to be told.
As 2026 approaches, this moment also serves as a reminder that creativity and purpose extend far beyond the film industry. Rather than focusing solely on traditional New Year’s resolutions, individuals are encouraged to reflect on the dreams and ideas they may have set aside. Whether through writing, music, art, or storytelling, taking that first step toward a long-held vision can lead to unexpected and meaningful outcomes.
As Rev. W. L. Watrous once said:
“The writing of every tombstone is an unsung song—the books never written, the canvas left blank, the paintbrush still dry. This is the greatest tragedy the world has ever known.”
And Les Brown reminds us:
“The graveyard is the richest place on earth, filled with hopes and dreams never fulfilled, songs never sung, inventions never shared—all because someone was afraid to take the first step or stay the course.”
Thirteen years ago, a vision was born within me, to tell the civilian story of the Battle of Gettysburg—an often-overlooked perspective of one of America’s defining moments. That vision has now taken form in the feature film Gettysburg 1863, a project by Bo Brinkman and Kris Webb. Filming will resume January 5–28, 2026, bringing the project closer to completion and honoring a vision turned to a cinematic story that began more than a decade ago in my heart and from the historic accounts of those who endured July 1-3, 1863.
The Gettysburg Film Commission invites the community to continue dreaming boldly and supporting the creative efforts that bring history, culture, and storytelling together. Dreams and visions, when pursued with determination, do come true. Triers try and doers do! (A Gettysburg Christmas.)
Happy New Year from the Gettysburg Film Commission and thank you to everyone who has believed in and supported this journey.
Kris Webb is co-founder/film commissioner of Gettysburg Film Commission and administrator for Cinema Under the Stars, GFC’s community outreach event. Visit us at gettysburgfilmcommission.org.
