originally posted on 11/18/2024
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Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
When ACE approved the funding for the production of future documentaries in 2022, following the success of “The Legacy of Arrow Development,” many members were intrigued with the next subject: Anton Schwarzkopf (1924-2001).
During the past two years, the production crew was diligent and generous in their research, filming and interviews — not to mention donated time (See RollerCoaster! issue 170). Over the summer, members began seeing teases to whet their appetites as hours and hours of footage began to be edited together. The crew’s goal was to release this documentary in 2024, the 100th anniversary of Schwarzkopf’s birth.
The World Premiere of “The Legacy of Schwarzkopf” took place on Saturday, November 9, at Circuit of the Americas (Austin, Texas). A world-renowned F1 racetrack facility might seem like an odd venue for such a premiere, but that factors in later.
Schwarzkopf merchandise was a huge seller.
Photo: Grayson Knutson. View full-sized image.
The NRCMA had a sales table set up as well.
Photo: Grayson Knutson. View full-sized image.
As evening approached, enthusiasts and industry professionals gathered for the festivities. Sales tables for both ACE and the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives had attendees lining up to snag specific merchandise. The ACE table was dominated with fresh Schwarzkopf documentary swag: from collectors’ coins and keychains to large posters and coffee mugs.
Emcee Tim Baldwin welcomed attendees.
Photo: Jeffrey Seifert. View full-sized image.
COTA’s Matt Hughey was pleased to show off the world-renowned venue.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Once gathered and seated in the viewing hall, RollerCoaster! Editor Tim Baldwin welcomed everyone in attendance, many of whom had flown in from various states. In turn, he introduced ACE President Elizabeth Ringas, who congratulated the film team on its accomplishments and introduced various members of ACE’s Executive Committee who were in the audience. Finally, Vice President of Operations Matt Hughey welcomed everyone to his facility and briefly touched upon Circuit of the Americas and the upcoming COTAland.
The film crew was brought to the stage.
Photo: Xander Lee. View full-sized image.
Following that, Baldwin introduced the film crew to the stage: Director Nicholas Laschkewitsch, Executive Producer Kris Rowberry, Producer Robert Ingle, Producer R.D. Dewberry, On-Ride Producer Scott Schaffer and Narrator Bob Randolph. Once seated on stage, the team fielded questions posed to them from Baldwin, the answers to which gave further insights into the making of the film.
“There were a couple of major differences between producing ‘The Legacy of Arrow Development’ and ‘The Legacy of Schwarzkopf’ that made this project a little more complex,” said Laschkewitsch. “The first difference was that we wanted to capture Schwarzkopf's story in 4K-resolution, which necessitated a variety of equipment upgrades (and storage space!) to make that happen. Over 1 TB of content was gathered to make this documentary a reality. The second difference was the sheer global scale on which Anton Schwarzkopf built his rides. We all went through our Rolodex to ensure that as many of his rides were featured, even if that meant leaning on ACE members and other enthusiasts that live around the world. This was truly a global-scale effort.”
The documentary team fielded questions, sharing details about the making of the film.
Photo: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.
Gary Slade, center with ACE President Elizabeth Ringas, was the winning bidder in the auction.
Photo: Joseph Ciza. View full-sized image.
The auction, conducted by Ringas, featured a Wildcat blueprint.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Prior to the start of the film, Ringas returned to the stage to auction off the No. 1 blueprint of a nomadic Schwarzkopf Wildcat, which now operates at Adventure Park USA (Monrovia, Maryland), to benefit the ACE archives. After a fierce back-and-forth tug-of-war, Amusement Today Publisher Gary Slade shut the proceedings down with a “whoa!” — a bid of $1,000.
But then, the lights dimmed, and audience members were the first to witness the completed project. For 80 minutes, two years of work was wonderfully edited into Schwarzkopf’s story. It was exciting to see the legendary designer/manufacturer celebrated, and at the same time, heartbreaking to see several of his creations that have been lost to time.
Many images and pieces of footage were seen by ACEers for the first time. “The Legacy of Schwarzkopf” captured his roots and his rise to creating some of the most marvelous devices — both coasters and flat rides. The film is a deep dive into the master’s career, sometimes sprinkled with anecdotes and humor.
Several interviews featured both ACE members and industry figures from across the U.S., which helped tell the story. Contributions from Anton’s son, Weiland Schwarzkopf, and Europa-Park Founder Roland Mack gave the film a polish of German authenticity.
The documentary team took the stage following the premiere to take a bow.
Photo: Jack Lathrop. View full-sized image.
As the credits ran, the room rang with applause. Once the lights were raised, the team returned to the stage to take a bow. Attendees mingled and took time to congratulate the crew.
“It was beyond humbling to know that all of the hard work the team went through to bring this story to life was so greatly appreciated,” said Rowberry.
But the night wasn’t over yet.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
Texas Wildcat opened for attendees following the close of the film.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Circuit of the Americas — and its under-construction COTAland — is home to a 45-meter Schwarzkopf Wildcat. Named Texas Wildcat in Austin, it gave its first rides in December of 2021, and what could be more fitting than for people to leave the media venue and drive their cars close to the only remaining Wildcat model in this size. (Wildcats came in three sizes; the meter length refers to ground size, not height.)
Hughey was delighted to open the ride to fans.
“Personally, having ridden several of Schwarzkopf coasters and noncoaster rides, I believe Anton’s creations are still some of the best rides on the planet,” Hughey told ACE News. “Because of my appreciation for Schwarzkopf, having the opportunity to host the premiere was a great honor and a wonderful chance to allow more people to see COTA and what our team can do when hosting an event.”
Seated in the coaster car are Mark Rosenzweig of 3dxScenic and Ringas in the front seat, and Matt and Tanya Hughey in the back seat.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
For more than an hour, people enjoyed the smooth and graceful Texas Wildcat.
“The film captured the spirit of Anton and his vision of what he wanted for families and our industry,” Hughey added. “I was moved by the audience’s roller coaster of emotions, and I saw smiles, a few tears but overall, just an appreciation for Anton.”
So, ACE’s latest documentary has begun its role in educating both the membership and the public at large on the amazing contributions Schwarzkopf made to the amusement industry. Its next showing will be during the IAAPA Expo at Fun Spot America Orlando. From there, it will begin being shown at certain events. In time, it will be posted online as was “The Legacy of Arrow Development” documentary. It’s highly recommended viewing.
Anton Schwarzkopf was inducted into the IAAPA Hall of Fame in 1993.
— Tim Baldwin, ACE News
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