Unique LipDub Launched by Retirement Community and University

What may be the nation's first LipDub performed solely by residents of a retirement community was produced in Grand Rapids through the joint efforts of Clark Retirement Community and Grand Valley State University.

Michael Buble's cover of "Feelin' Good" sets the pace and an infectious mood throughout the four-minute production. With more than a dozen unique scenes, there are humorous surprises as residents reenact the glamorous days of yesteryear and poke fun at stereotypical views of aging. From a synchronized swim scene to prune juice cocktails, more than 100 Clark residents gave their all throughout a grueling three hours of shooting.

"I loved the GVSU LipDub and thought, why can't we do that?" said Jane Brierley, director of Marketing and Admissions at Clark. "The residents and students had a fabulous time working together. From practices to sharing meals, it was an amazing experience for everyone."

Brierley tapped into the talents of faculty, students and alumni at the university by connecting with Kim Roberts, associate professor of film and video in the School of Communications. "Jane asked me to assemble a crew and guide the logistics," said Roberts, who produced the student-directed GVSU LipDub, which broke the Top 100 in YouTube's "Entertainment" category shortly after it was posted online last fall. "I think what most surprised everyone was how the young crew and Clark residents bonded with each other. Our director, Alan Ledford, who graduated from Grand Valley in April, became so attached to the residents that he went back the day after the shoot to have coffee with them."

As the credits roll, the video sneaks in a final humorous scene witH Clark Executive Director Bob Pearl discovering Grand Valley's Tom and Marcia Haas smooching - a reprise of their role in the GVSU LipDub. Tom Haas also appeared in the City of Grand Rapids LipDub this summer, which may place him as the only local LipDub triple threat performer. Marcia Haas is a member of the Clark Board of Directors.

For more information, contact Jane Brierley, Clark Retirement Community at (616) 452-1568 ext 102.

 

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