Media arts grad. student is creating a documentary on Detroit's Distinguished Clown Corps

Wayne State media arts graduate student Lena Antoon is producing, directing and editing her graduate thesis filmmaking project, a documentary on a true Detroit gem, the Parade Company's Distinguished Clown Corps. Her documentary's working title is The Power Behind the Paint. The people underneath the makeup are influential individuals from all around Detroit who perform as clowns in America's Thanksgiving Parade, and sometimes beyond. Out of a love for Detroit, they donate their time and engage in many fundraising activities.

"Anyone can put paint on their face and clown around but it takes dedication and a deep love for Detroit to become a member of the Distinguished Clown Corps," said Antoon. "I decided to create a documentary about these special people to take the audience inside and reveal why these movers and shakers of Detroit give back to the city."

Antoon is in her final year of work toward her master of arts degree. Her thesis project, The Power Behind the Paint, is a full documentary production to demonstrate every aspect of what she has learned throughout graduate studies. To help with the cost of equipment, crew members and other expenses, Antoon set up an Indiegogo campaign for the film, the home page of which contains much more about the project, including a teaser trailer video.

Between now and when Antoon's finished documentary is released, find out more about the Distinguished Clown Corps via the Parade Company's site.