About the Project

The Legacy of Eastgate explores the past of one Columbus’ little known, but important neighborhoods. The area can be traced back to the post-Revolutionary War days when it became a center of commerce on the east side. The film depicts how the Nelson family settled the area in the early 1800s, famed Buckeye football star Chic Harley’s influence and the transformation to a prominent African American community in the 1950s. Eastgate has a rich history, making it one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Columbus.

The project was made possible by grants from the Greater Columbus Arts Council/200Columbus, the Ohio Humanities Council, The Columbus Landmark Foundation and from private donors.

About the Producers

Christina Paolucci, is an award winning photojournalist who worked for more than a decade as a daily news photographer before becoming an independent multimedia producer. She has a B.A. in Photojournalism from Western Kentucky University and a M.A. in Photography at Ohio University. She has been recognized twice with the Best Press Photographer’s Portfolio from the Minnesota Newspaper Association, the Humanitarian Award from the Associated Press, Clip Winner of the Year from the Minnesota News Photographers Association. Paolucci has been featured in two Rick Smolan’s day-in-a-life picture book series; America 24/7 and My America at Home.

Scott Spears is an Emmy winning cinematographer for the PBS broadcast film, The Birthmark and won a Blue Cable Access Award for directing the documentary “Reasonable Doubt.” Spears has over 25 years experience in film and video production having acted as cinematographer on over 30 feature films. Currently, he is teaching screenwriting at Ohio State University and is the president of the Mid Ohio Filmmakers Association. Spears has a B.F.A. and M.A. from Ohio State University in Cinema Production.

See the film’s website &  trailer: The Legacy of Eastgate