Names like “re-make”, “re-inventing”, or “re-telling” are used for movies made some time ago with the main theme being presented again. The down side is that most want to compare the newer version to the old and automatically bring a less than acceptable feeling when watching the latest version of that film. I have always contented, probably because I worked on movies for more than 22 years, that movies are made through the eyes of the filmmaker with the influences, nuances, and vision of the time, with the intention of relating to the viewer.

With the release of the latest vision of “Fame”, I wondered what is it like for the youths of today, who have those same aspirations of the 80’s, trying to pursue their dreams. The young first time director of a feature film at age 22, Kevin Tancharoen, confirmed my thought of ‘what’s it like now’. Barely 10 years old when the 1980’s “Fame” was released, Kevin shared with me why he was compelled to present this vision.

Kevin: “Everything around us has changed, from the computer sciences to very world we all live in, this generation is presented with challenges that reflect society today, and I wanted to tell the stories of young people today, who want to, who have to, pursue their dreams”.

Curious, and yes admittedly hesitant of Kevin’s young age for such a tall task, I asked him what were his favorite films for dance musicals. Without hesitation he answered the Busby Berkley films of the 30’s and his favorite, the classic “All That Jazz” (1979). As the saying goes, he had my attention with “All That Jazz”, which is also one of my favorite dance musicals!

The theme of the “Fame” movies are based on the students who attend a high school started in 1936 by New York City Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia, called the New York City High School for the Performing Arts. Known today as Fiorello H. LaGuardia H.S., students get specialized training for professional careers in dance, music or drama, while also completing a full academic program.

Director Kevin Tancharoen draws on his experiences as a dancer, choreographer, editor, producer, and writer, all at only 22 years old! During the interview, Kevin talked about his fascination with Hollywood beginning at 4 years old when he started seeing movies with his parents, and how his experience as a music video director, editor, and his knowledge of modern digital technology use in film production to provide his vision for “Fame”.

“Fame”, Starring Naturi Naughton, Debbie Allen, Kelsey Grammer, Megan Mullally, Collins Pennie, Charles Dutton, and Bebe Neuwirth.