With only two introductory meetings under their belts the Doctor Who Fan Film’s Altus Chapter is off to a good start with three local businesses supporting their efforts as they set out to help film one of the largest fan films ever produced.

“We are really thankful to have the support of local businesses here in Altus,” states Peggy Sue Clay, chapter leader of the group. “Their support proves to us that people in Altus are not only interested, but willing to support a new industry in this area.”

“Sure some may see this as ‘only a fan film’ or ‘only a Doctor Who project’ but it’s much more than that. This project is about planting a seed for future generations in this area. I know that may sound a little extreme but if you think about it, it’s really not.”

Clay continued by asking how many people have dreamed about getting into the entertainment industry but have never had the opportunity before simply, “Because nothing like this has ever been offered to the people in this area before. Just look at how many talented young people graduate then leave to hone their acting skills somewhere else.”

“If we do this right, if we can build a good, firm foundation from the start, then there is no reason we have to shut down at the end of this project; I mean who knows where this could lead from here.”

“After this project we could write our own scripts and make our own films or television series or videos or anything we want. We just have to be willing to work at it until we get there and I believe we can do it.”

It is that kind of forward thinking that has helped this growing chapter secure their first three business sponsors.

Their first sponsor was Advantage Office Products, L.L.C., at 1110 N. Main in Altus, owned by Berry Wegner. Advantage has become a business sponsor by offering the chapter 20% off their copying needs and will receive recognition on the Altus Doctor Who Chapter site, the main Doctor Who Fan Film website, and they will also receive film credit for their donation. To contact Advantage Office Products L.L.C., please call toll free: 877-379-4127, fax: 580-379-4169 or check out their website at www.youradvantageonline.com.

“One of the challenges in putting together a group like this is finding a place to meet every month. Our first meeting at the library was terrific but I knew that to keep this group going we would have to find a perminant meeting home and I found that home the first time I walked into the Clay Café; which by the way I do not own.” Clay says with a laugh.

The Clay Café is owned by Brian and Tiffany Willis and managed by Kevin and Heather Gilbert. Their address is 1117 N. Jackson; the café is also known as Relevant Church and is pastored by owner Brian Willis.

“The café is perfect for us because it feels like we’re meeting in someone’s home. It’s casual and comfortable and I love hanging out there,” Says Clay. “Their coffee is delicious, their food excellent, and the company is wonderful.”

Manager Kevin Gilbert also reminds us that, “every Saturday night we have live music and we also offer free wi-fi.”

Just as Advantage Office Products, the Clay Café will receive recognition on the Altus Doctor Who Chapter site, the main Doctor Who Fan Film website, and they will also receive film credit for their donation.

To contact the café please call (580) 481-9655, email Brian at pastorbrian@relevantchurchofaltus.org or check out their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/claycafeaok.

In building the chapter’s staff members Ruby Carver volunteered to take on the role of Chapter Secretary, “and what a blessing she has been!” says Clay.

Ruby is not only the chapter secretary. She is also a very gifted graphic designer and the owner of Grafic Dezines, which created the customer made web banner on the chapter’s website and Facebook page.

Visit Grafic Dezines at http://www.graficdezines.com/# for all of your graphic needs and remember that, “Rush jobs, within reason, are NO problem.” Says Ruby.

“All of these local business owners will receive film credit for their contributions to the film and will receive other contribution perks for their generosity.” States Clay. “We’re off to a really good start and our Project Manager Kirk Johnson is very pleased with our progress but we still have a long way to go.”

Grafic Dezines, like the other business sponsors, will receive recognition on the Altus Doctor Who Chapter site, the main Doctor Who Fan Film website, and will also receive film credit for their donation.

Members in each chapter are responsible for creating their own costumes, props, sets, alien life forms and more, so will have to rely heavily on support from their community in the form(s) of financial aid, building materials, fabric for costumes, paint, storage facilities, film location and so forth.

“We’d also like to throw out a friendly challenge to our mayor and all of our city councilmen who own their own businesses. We believe that with their support other business owners will be more inclined to support us as well.”

The next meeting of the Doctor Who Fan Film Altus Chapter will be on March 16, 5:30 p.m., at the Clay Café, 1117 N. Jackson. For more information on sponsorship and how to become a member of the group please contact Peggy Sue Clay, Chapter Leader, at 580-477-0625 or send her an email at peggysueclay@hotmail.com. For information on the group or for a list of contribution perks, check out her website at http://altus-ok-who-chapter.jimdo.com/