Haverstick Films and Horse Lifestyle Media Team to Produce Full Length Film

New York, NY – July 22, 2014 – Haverstick Films and Horse Lifestyle Media have teamed up to co-produce a film based on the short form documentary “SAVE NYC HORSE CARRIAGES” narrated by Liam Neeson. The longer format will allow the independent filmmakers to track the issue over time, as the struggle plays out in New York City and across the country. The film will utilize the story arc of the issue as it continues to develop within both the political sphere and the national psyche.

“The Last Horsemen of New York” will take the audience directly inside the battle of the carriage industry and attempt to show the dynamic forces at play as the drivers seek to hold on to their way of life. The filmmakers will profile magnetic characters from both sides of this controversial debate. The long form documentary will invest the audience in the struggle of the drivers and their supporting unions, while also studying the conflict inherent from the opposing activists and the well-heeled interests of campaign politics.

“We’ll be actively seeking comments from both sides of this debate to best frame the story, “ stated Mary Haverstick, who is directing the project. “Who knows when we’re rolling the camera what stories will erupt. We will explore each story as they unfold, the more current this is – the better.”
The film project will further involve and enrich a well-rounded philosophical debate concerning the overarching humane care of the NYC carriage horses.  Scholars and industry professionals are being sought out to contribute their thoughts concerning the ethical treatment of animals. The producers will further juxtapose the viewpoints from several communities, such as the Amish, that still rely on the working animal relationship.

“This documentary is a point of view and not everyone is going to agree with it, but it’s necessary to put this story on film to best illustrate the impact over time. The news sound-bites are inadequate to the full narrative at play,” added Haverstick. “We are going to throw into stark relief this fight in New York and follow the issue from its historical base to its national outcome.  We will broaden this story out to show the entire perspective and raise the questions that force us to evaluate ourselves and our relationship with animals in the world. This will be the documentary of record on this subject. We don’t know how this is going to end.”

“Horse Lifestyle Media is confident that Haverstick Films will take great care to bring the viewer beyond the hyped sensationalism and delve into the issues that are proving to be so politically and philosophically divisive,” said Sarah A. Chase, Chief Business Officer for Horse Lifestyle Media. “We’re reminded of the saying that ‘Wherever man has left his footprint in the long ascent from barbarism to civilization we will find the hoofprint of the horse beside it,’ and Horse Lifestyle Media is pleased to support this  project because it further illustrates the pivotal role horses continue to play in shaping our modern perspectives.”

For complete details surrounding “The Last Horsemen of New York” film project, including the press kit and the best way to make either a professional or public contribution, please visit the film’s official site at: horselifestylefoundation.org and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LastHorsemenNYC. EPK available, just reply to this email to request a copy.