“Seen any funny movies lately? American Stories, the first feature-length comedy by Akron filmmaker Rob Lucas, will make its DVD premiere at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday in the Student Union Theater as part of the Akron Independent Film and Video Festival. It’s really exciting to watch the final project with other people, Lucas said.”
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Seen any funny movies lately?

American Stories, the first feature-length comedy by Akron filmmaker Rob Lucas, will make its DVD premiere at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday in the Student Union Theater as part of the Akron Independent Film and Video Festival.

It’s really exciting to watch the final project with other people, Lucas said. But it was also nerve-wracking until I saw people laughing and enjoying themselves.

Filmed locally between 2005 and 2006, American Stories features many Akron and Cleveland-area locations, including the Shamrock Club in Barberton, Mason’s Meat Mart in Medina, Ethiopian Restaurant Empress Taytu in Cleveland and the University of Akron.

The movie soundtrack features local bands such as the New Lou Reeds, the Dreadful Yawns, Lords of the Highway, Rock Revolution and Southeast Engine.

Ben Gmetro, of the Dreadful Yawns, wrote music for the movie and recommended Southeast Engine.

I called and asked other bands if I could use some of their music, and they sent me a few CDs, Lucas said.

An 82-minute anthology, American Stories is an American-style comedy about the Little Devils, a local band on the final leg of its Ohio tour. After their van breaks down in a nameless town, band members Tim, Jeff, Rick and Ben pass the time as they relate hilarious yet true stories about themselves.

A self-taught filmmaker and Tennessee native, Rob Lucas made his first short movie at the age of 18. His first film, Montezuma’s Revenge, as well as another work, The Big Night, were nominated for Best Comedy Short at the Ohio Independent Film Festival.

Lucas taught in the University of Akron’s communications department for two years and is currently an assistant book editor for Gray & Company Publishers. Lucas makes a cameo appearance in American Stories and says he is planning to make another feature film soon.

Making movies is part creative craft and part organization. said Lucas, a former Buchtelite editor. I had to be extremely organized and very patient.

American Stories was produced by the 2380 Project, a student and alumni organization.

The 2380 Project creates one feature-length movie each year and is currently working on its third film, Throwing Stones, as well as operating the Akron Independent Film and Video Festival.

Purchase of American Stories at the film festival, which will run Friday and Saturday, will be $10 and includes a free poster. American Stories is also available for $12 at www.americanstoriesmovie.com.

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